La Balade Gourmande

First impression is homely and welcoming. You knew this is a French restaurant immediately. The service was efficient and polite and they understood english.The food was very well presented and beautifully prepared. Choices at a 2 course Formula for 13 Euro or a 3 course for just 16 Euro made this a very well priced meal.The place was full of locals and not tourists which said it must be good and fairly priced.It was.

We visited with a party of 11 on a wine tasting holiday. The car park was full, usually a good sign, and inside so was the restaurant. We chose the 16 euro menu which gave us a set starter or choice from the buffet, a main and sweet (we both had rabbit followed by strawberry glacé with wild strawberries - delicious). Service was friendly and efficient and the atmosphere was typically French with lots of lunchtime banter. Very good value and good food.

This very successful restaurant is located on the ring road. It is on the right hand side of the road heading for Carcassonne and easy to find, just off a roundabout and has ample parking. During the week it is always busy - sufficiently so that I recommend that you arrive as close to 12 noon as possible. The local business people at all levels use this place and it is little wonder. On offer is three course lunch with buffet service for the hors d'oeuvre and the dessert. The main courses are simple, although not over provided with potatoes and vegetables. The €15.50 (say £12.40) menu includes a 250 ml of wine. This is not haute cuisine but it is plain and simple and good value for money. My wife and I have eaten here regularly for the last three or four years and the standard is consistent. Probably the best place to eat in Lezignan, but it is closed on Sunday

We were on our way home from Carcassonne and looking for a place for dinner. After finding that our first choice was closed on Monday evening, another had closed their kitchen for the evening we happened upon La Balade Gourmande after noticing the sign for a different restaurant nearby. We were very pleased with the 16 euro menu: 3 courses and 1/4 bottle of house wine (red, white or rose). The staff was very friendly, although speaking limited English. Service was very quick. It was a nice first dining experience in France for our 2 young American guests.

Lunch is a buffet starter and dessert, with mains served. An excellent selection for lunch mains. Staff are very good, you do not have to wait long for service.