Maison Hardy - Rouen

We were in Rouen on a day when it never stopped raining for more that 15hours!! We were so glad we chose Maison Hardy which is situated in an area with many Restaurants. We were drawn to it by the fact there were already many people inside but also by the colourful and tempting edible morsels in the window of the delicatessen type shop alonside it. We were seated instandly and enjoyed a lovely hot tasty lunch, we had Plat du Jour, one with stuffed Tomatoes and the other with steak in red wine sauce both of which were excellent and with a glass of wine set us up for facing the elements again. Plat du Jour €9.50...excellent value.

Homemade lunch-formula at 12.50 euros including dish of the day, dessert and a drink served by friendly staff in an old fashioned restaurant which belongs to an butcher shop.

A family-run business with a wide selection of top-quality charcuterie (Their jambon à l'os also known as jambon d'York is the best I have ever had.). Mr. Hardy Jr. is in charge of the lab and his mother and wife are the two adorable ladies in charge of the shop. They also have a restaurant next door which serves very hearty, traditional French food at unbeatable prices considering the quality.

We visited on a Monday lunchtime, looking for a cheap meal and we were not disappointed. We chose from the prix fixee menu, €18 for three courses, a drink and coffee. For starters we had a salmon medallion and a vol au vent with sauce financier. For mains, my wife had hake in a cream sauce, whilst I had poids d'agneau Rouennaise, a mix of lamb sausage meat and jellied feet, coated in breadcrumbs. Not one I'll be rushing to order again. For dessert we both had tarte citron, a wonderfully light and tart tarte. Service was a bit slow, but the waitresses were very pleasant. The large restaurant was busy on the ground floor but none of the first floor tables were taken. All the patrons appeared to be local, and contributed to a convivial atmosphere.

This is the restaurant side of a traiteur shop which sells ready made dishes to take home and is not grand but authentic. We loved eating here and the menu is excelllent value- 18.50, for starter, main and cheese or dessert, with a large choice, as well as wine or cider and coffee. Unbeatable especially considering the location. The service is friendly too. Will definitely pay a return visit.