La Mercerie - Nancy

One of the pleasures of Nancy is seeking out Art Nouveau villas in outlying area. This was how I came across La Mercerie which is a bit beyond the historic City Centre. On the way I passed little restaurants with no clients at all. Through the window of one empty one I saw le patron sitting with his head in his hands. Very sad. But La Mercerie was very busy and, being on my own, I was lucky to get a table. La patronne seemed to know most of her clients personally and greeted them with pecks on cheeks. They seemed to be local, family people and the atmosphere is very cosy. I had a wonderful meal starting with a salad with smoked salmon, smoked duck and pate de foie. Then maigret de canard in honey sauce and noodles. After that a slice of chevre cheese and a special tarte aux pommes laced with something delicious and alcoholic. With 25cl of wine and coffee the bill came to 32€. La patronne was charming and it amazed me that ordinary family folk eat such sophisticated food. That’s France for you.

I was checking out the menu and their formule menu options were a bit pricy though they were 3 courses. I thought the cheaper one, €21,9 was pretty good but I wasn 't convinced. Then I saw this group of 4 friends laughing and jokin around and point at the specials of the day board and continue chuckling as they went inside. They looked like locals having an awesome time so I decided then and there it would be the right choice to go in (and many other places were shut on a Sunday! . Turns out it was definitely the right idea to go in... it was delicious and a great atmosphere! This quaint lil 27 seater is, I believe, owned and operated by 2 people Michel and Nathalie. t was like a vintage French brasserie with the red upholstery, old radio, small bar. The group called the owner by Nat , so it felt like they were regulars and that was wonderful to step into a really local place. The food was so, so good. She brought out an excellent dry rosé for €2,90 such good value. And then on the menu I got what I thought was the battered frogs legs but out came this yummy heap of chopped up goodness... maybe frogs legs diced and then in a mushroom like sauce?! Anyhow, it was delicious and the dressing for the salad was very nice too (just a bit too much dressing but all good . The steak was exceptional. It was served with escargot flavoured butter! Hands down epic and tasted so good with the steak. The fries were ok. Lastly: Crème Brûlée.... again: It was so epic. Just sweet enough, so silky smooth and a big portion The sugar topping could have had a harder sugar top but no issue as the actual crème was so fantastic. Traditional dessert in top form. Very group friendly and family friendly place too. Great value!!

This small restuarant is 15-20 mins walk from Place Stanislas, and you have to go past dozens of restaurants to get here, and then down some fairly empty streets. But the interesting menu, friendly welcome and high quality food (including seafood) at decent prices made it very worthwhile. The mirabelle kir to kick off was a treat, too. Highly recommended.

One of the pleasures of Nancy is seeking out Art Nouveau villas in outlying area. This was how I came across La Mercerie which is a bit beyond the historic City Centre. On the way I passed little restaurants with no clients at all. Through the window of one empty one I saw le patron sitting with his head in his hands. Very sad. But La Mercerie was very busy and, being on my own, I was lucky to get a table. La patronne seemed to know most of her clients personally and greeted them with pecks on cheeks. They seemed to be local, family people and the atmosphere is very cosy. I had a wonderful meal starting with a salad with smoked salmon, smoked duck and pate de foie. Then maigret de canard in honey sauce and noodles. After that a slice of chevre cheese and a special tarte aux pommes laced with something delicious and alcoholic. With 25cl of wine and coffee the bill came to 32€. La patronne was charming and it amazed me that ordinary family folk eat such sophisticated food. That’s France for you.

Great restaurant. very good cooking fresh products .... and very good atmosphere ... go there the eyes closed!