Bistrot de Rosbras - Riec-sur-Bélon

This restaurant is wonderfully situated on the Port de Rosbras near Pont Aven overlooking the Aven estuary. A little off the main tourist trail but on a favourite part of the coastpath.We arrived at 7.00pm to be informed very brusquely that the restaurant did not open until 7.30 and although others were already drinking, we were not even asked if we wanted an aperitif. Over the next hour or so the place filled up with, it appeared, mainly local people who all seemed to know each other and it certainly seemed a popular place to be. We were the only English customers and we used our limited but usually adequate French. The wine we ordered as an aperitif was actually very nice, but we noticed the other customers drinking by the glass were getting rather fuller glasses (glasses were filled somewhat arbitrarily at the table, direct from the bottle).When the food eventually arrived - we had the 22 euro menu, it was very reasonable value, a more interesting range of dishes than most local restaurants and with a very good starter.However at no time did we feel welcome and even trying to get the bill was a struggle. We particularly wanted to walk a little way down the coastpath before it became too dark, but were unable to.In fairness, the place was very popular and most of the customers seemed to be content and all except us seemed to know the way the restaurant operated. Perhaps it is a place best left to the regulars. Certainly, if we had been welcomed this would have been a 4 or 5 star review.

A delightful setting, a warm welcome, and only a choice of the 23 euro menu with two starters, two mains and two puddings means the food is freshly prepared and delicious! It was raining, therefore the only seating was inside and with a large party of French Classic car drivers, including a Ferrari and Ford Mustang, there was only just room for the two of us (also in a Classic Car) and a couple more, but the atmosphere was more like a seriously good party! A total of 55 euros for the meal, including a bottle of local cider, this is a place I will return to and look forward to it. My only reservation is that we were out of season on a rainy Friday lunchtime, I suspect that in the Season it could be a victim of it's own success, but this wasn't our problem.

The setting and food are amazing as is the ambience. We could fault the food, a delicious fish and the risotto with langoustine, to die for. However, the service was unfriendly and we, possibly not being French, were treated with disregard. I'd go for the view and the food but don't expect welcoming service.

We'd looked forward to eating here following a recommendation, and it really is lovely to sit outside with a view of the port and boats going about their business. We chose a la carte - though they also have a 'menu' at about 23 euros. Some of our meals were good (risotto) but the steak was very overcooked and dry (surely a restaurant should be able to get a steak right?). The starters were nice (huge piece of foie gras; and a monkfish and chorizo 'stack') but the desserts were very disappointing - peche 'soup' with sorbet seemed to be tinned peaches; the framboise melba comprised berries, a scoop of ice cream and some 'spray' cream. With a bottle of Muscadet and a glass of red, we paid 183 euros for four, and although we would go back, we wouldn't bother with dessert.

Visited on 30 June2016...Super little restaurant.. A bit quirky but good, relaxed & very professional service. A good selection of set menus and a la carte.Good wine available... Cheapest Muscadet sue lies was very good...Well worth a visit.. We went "on spec" but would need to book in high season