Chez Nikola - Brive-la-Gaillarde

My wife and I had dinner here with 4 other expats who live in the area. They are regulars (coming for 20 years apparently) and we were all given a warm welcome by Nikola. Unfortunately it was too cold and wet to sit on the terrace outside; so we did not have the views which this hilltop village is well-known for. The menu is simple and ample: a soup to start with, a choice of 3 "second starters" (I had some delicious foie-gras), 3 possible main courses, several cheeses and 4 desserts to choose from. Plus coffee and a digestive. And wine throughout. All for just 28€.

We arrived at Chez Nikola to find that Nikola had opened his restaurant that evening just for us, usually it is mostly a lunch only place. Nikola is a totally engaging & very interesting man. We were offered to select from the full menu, choosing the salmon starter, mains of beef & fish - the beef is locally sourced & tastes superb, it was served with a mushroom sauce, again the mushrooms are locally sourced. The fish served whole was perfectly cooked, served with oil & lemon. Next we were given a cheese plate like no other, you just cut off whatever you want, a great way to sample whatever takes your fancy. Next the dessert buffet, the floating island (a runny custard with a meringue topping) was our personal favourite, however the apple crumble, tiramisu, lemon tart were also very good. Nikola prepares all the food himself & also takes & delivers the meals. The price for 3 course & a carafe of house red is just 28euro's, unbelievable value for the quality & love that goes into the food. Nikola ended up sitting with us sharing lifes stories which made our evening most memorable. Dining here is experience to remember forever, for us it was truly unique. Reservations for dinner essential.

Cuisine française traditionnelle dans des proportions gigantesquesTout est bon, cuisiné avec coeur et le patron est une crèmeA essayer

Cuisine de qualité rapport qualité prix rien a dire et un choix de plats et desserts extraordinaires desserts a volonté

En arrivant, l'extérieur peut, éventuellement, nous faire reculer. celà fait "vieux". mais qualité prix excellent. nikola est d'une gentillesse et d'une simplicité incroyable. ces repas sont + que bon. j'y vais régulièrement même si je dois faire quelques kilomètres depuis chez moi. pleine campagne agréable. et l'hiver la cheminée, fantastique.