La Campana - Bargemon

My entrecôte was perfect and tender. My husband’s cote de bœuf was not as good lots of sinew sadly. The waitress, was well, I should have left because I didn’t... read more My entrecôte was perfect and tender. My husband’s cote de bœuf was not as good lots of sinew sadly. The waitress, was well, I should have left because I didn’t exist she only had eyes and ears for my husband. He is normally oblivious but even he noticed. I have been many times before and this was not the best experience in many ways. I don’t want to go again. It’s a shame because normally the food is great and the wait staff are not so rude.

We visited without a reservation (although advise that you do! as we’d heard Nico is the best chef in Bargemon. Locals, who are in the know, were dining there.... read more We visited without a reservation (although advise that you do! as we’d heard Nico is the best chef in Bargemon. Locals, who are in the know, were dining there. The whole experience was superb. Charming and friendly waitress. Inviting chef who cooked everything in a fornello large pizza oven. Refreshing to go to a restaurant without the usual menu fare and all the food was so delicious! Thank you

This reminds me of what some restaurants used to be like ...in a positive way. An atmospheric room, intimate, service that is friendly but takes a while, a chef... read more This reminds me of what some restaurants used to be like ...in a positive way. An atmospheric room, intimate, service that is friendly but takes a while, a chef/owner, slightly chaotic but totally charming. And yes, the food, is really good. Generous portions, home cooked (lots of grilling over an open fire), tasty but simple. No credit cards, cash only. Not cheap but not expensive. With a short wine list. I loved this place.

A tiny jewel in a small village. There were 6 total tables, maybe room to squeeze a 7th. Be ready for a place that oozes charm: ancient wood-beamed ceiling; a l... read more A tiny jewel in a small village. There were 6 total tables, maybe room to squeeze a 7th. Be ready for a place that oozes charm: ancient wood-beamed ceiling; a large fireplace/oven; a hand-written menu du jour that arrives at your table. My salmon carpaccio appetizer melted on the way down, the large Daurade (sea bream) was perfectly seared outside from the wood fire while soft and savory inside, perfectly accompanied by seared carrots and persimmon (now that's a delight if you've never had one), and rice. OK, I'm not used to the head-on-fish presentation, but, hey, it's France in the countryside. I laughed at some of the negative reviews, like someone who was put off for not accommodating his party of 11. In a 6-table restaurant? Really? Several reviewers found chef-owner Christophe curmudgeonly? As most French, they're reserved until you actually talk with them. I ended up staying well after closing and partying with the chef (trained for 3 years in the US) and a French couple who are also restaurant owners. Now that's a serious recommendation. GO. You'll love it. Pricey? Would you rather eat a forgettable $50 meal or a dreamy $70 meal (appetizer, glass of wine, main, and dessert)?

Really good French food with a twist. Nico himself stands in front of the large charcoal oven and prepares fantastic meat dishes etc. It tastes like something!... read more Really good French food with a twist. Nico himself stands in front of the large charcoal oven and prepares fantastic meat dishes etc. It tastes like something! The atmosphere is wonderful and the music is good!