La Boucherie Les 2 Maisons - Saumur

Lunch for our group of 120 people was not an easy task, but Les 2 Maisons passed with flying colours. The layout accommodated a large number without interfering with individual diners. Service was prompt and courteous, the meal was good and well presented. The decor is contemporary but not over powering. There is a large decked area which might be rather pleasant in the summer. Plenty of car parking space as the restaurant is adjacent to the Leclerc shopping centre in Saumur. A pleasure to see the two period houses which have stood empty for a number of years tastefully converted into an asset.

Just returned home after a shopping trip to Saumur where we chose to eat here after hearing some good things about it. My wife ahd the carré saumon, grilled and served with 'une émulsion'. She was very complimentary about it. I ordered the house burger. Very, very poor. The haché was dry and tasteless with absolutely no seasoning whatsoever. Both meals were served with a very small bowl of house chips (I counted 5 in my bowl) and a side salad. The dessert of souflé royal combier was ok. Nothing special. Service was slow and indifferent. I asked for the glass on my table to be exchanged for another due to the lipstick marks evident on it. Two small bottles of sparkling water and a €50 bill later, we left. The best thing about the meal were the complimentary button mushrooms in a small glass served as an apero. For this amount of money, for such a small amount of food, we'd have been better visiting McDonalds just along the road, which is what we'll do the next time.

As the name suggests, two town houses of the Bd de Lattre de Tassigny have been restored to their former glory, linked together by a conservatory and transformed into a brasserie. Although the place is located close to the shopping centre, it is not really a problem. With time, the surrounding trees will make it more intimate and will hide slightly the view over the car park. We had lunch on the terrace during the summer but this time we ate inside. There is ample place, the staff is friendly and efficient, the chef sources simple seasonal products of good quality. Simplicity combined with a certain sophistication. You choose the way your fish is cooked (grilled, steamed, ) and the accompanying sauce. It is cooked to perfection. Four of us chose the menu of the day (24 euros) and one the a la carte. We added a few tapas to start with (a very tasty cured ham with excellent bread and some beignets de langoustines). The house aperitif made of cremant de Loire, Royal Combier and sugarcane should be tried. As soon as we are back in the country for a holiday, we will be back. We just wish such good standards will remain. Sadly we often find that after a while, in this part of France, the restaurant owners find it difficult to keep up a good pace.

Since we first discovered this restaurant in the parking area of the recently modernised Leclerc supermarket in Saumur, we have been back four or five times. Don’t be put off by the outside, you will love it!The staff are delightful, the décor inside is beautiful, reflecting a cheerful, light and bright environment. We immediately contemplate spending a long time over lunch and we are not disappointed. The fresh seasonal simple dishes are delicious and beautifully presented.It was not a surprise to learn it is owned by Daniel Haudebault, proprietor of the popular Bistrot de la Place, in the shadow of L’Eglise St Pierre, Saumur.

Good food at reasonable prices. Friendly staff. Clean and tidy. Pleasant atmosphere. Would recommend to everyone. We had steak, a burger and beef kebab. Desserts are good too.