Stéphane Carbone - Caen

We had various main courses. Meat, fishsoup etc. Well prepared and good. Fishsoup was apparently a real hit! Friendly staff. read more We had various main courses. Meat, fishsoup etc. Well prepared and good. Fishsoup was apparently a real hit! Friendly staff.

Tasteless foie gras, disappointing appetisers, overcooked veal and hopelessly clumsy macaroons, all served with the indifference and lack of care that an undese... read more Tasteless foie gras, disappointing appetisers, overcooked veal and hopelessly clumsy macaroons, all served with the indifference and lack of care that an undeserved Michelin star can afford. Not a great experience.

The lunch menus were, get this: 27 Euros per head. For that, you're eating in a Michelin one star restaurant. They got our appetizer order wrong and served us v... read more The lunch menus were, get this: 27 Euros per head. For that, you're eating in a Michelin one star restaurant. They got our appetizer order wrong and served us vegetable, but it was great nonetheless. The entree was a nice ravioli with a filling which was to die for. Overall, top marks due to its ridiculous value. The portions are a little small, but as anyone who has been to Normandy will attest, after you have eaten a standard portion meal here, you will be glad when they decide to lighten up on the portions over lunch.

This restaurant will show you the best and the worst France can offer. Best, inasmuch as the food was absolute perfection specially the fish which came moist an... read more This restaurant will show you the best and the worst France can offer. Best, inasmuch as the food was absolute perfection specially the fish which came moist and cooked to perfection. Great attention from the kitchen to balancing dishes timing and presentation; all in all worth the money and 5 stars. Now for the worst. The maitre d' worked in the US and acquired a very good command of English as well as a great dislike of Americans even though they seem to represent a large part of the restaurant's clientele. He will insult you in this, oh so French, way that it will take you a while to understand you have been trashed three different ways, just to make sure. So, if you enjoy being made to feel ridiculously small with insults served with your excellent food, by all means go there, otherwise avoid. I wanted to go back for the food (I am French) my wife, the American, refused for very good reasons therefore a 0 for service.

Walked in on a weekday evening with no reservation, no problems. Restaurant is decorated in a modern style with a clear view into the kitchen. Service throughou... read more Walked in on a weekday evening with no reservation, no problems. Restaurant is decorated in a modern style with a clear view into the kitchen. Service throughout the meal was efficient and professional without being unobtrusive- by far the best I experienced in Caen. Later in the evening, the chef came out to chat with each table and he kindly autographed a menu. I had a starter of pumpkin, mushrooms and Pata Negra ham. I thought it would be odd but it was very good. A fine contrast in textures and flavours with the sweetness of the pumpkin, earthy mushroom and salty ham. The main was a disappointment- a fillet of pollock sitting on a bed of very rich and creamy orzo in stock. The orzo was delicious and unctuous but at the end of the day this was a piece of fish on a mound of pasta. I found the dish too heavy and less than the sum of its parts- one expects more from a 1* Michelin. Dessert was so-so, some chocolate and hazelnut ice cream. Overall some hit and misses but this was still quality food and the place would hold a star if it was in London. Citoyens of Caen! Why have you deserted this culinary genius?? When I was there only four tables was occupied. My three course dinner was 35 Eu- more than the typical restaurant but not a huge markup given the quality.