L'Assiette Provencale restaurant review

We did in fact book this restaurant in advance, even though the streets seemed quiet (ish) in early April. This strip is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike so I would highly advise to book and not just turn up on the night, as you are likely to be disappointed.

When we turned up for our table at 20:30 they were quickly clearing away the previous dishes, showing just how popular this place actually is.

The menu, proudly on display at the front of the restaurant, is what initially attracted me to this place. An interesting mix of seafood, traditional Provencal dishes and a smattering of interesting sounding vegan and vegetarian choices. The perfect combination for our group of three!

They also offer a choice of 'menus' - starter plus main, or starter, main and dessert, or just a main and dessert. Again, this was perfect for our group as we each choose differently.

One of my companions is a huge seafood fan so he opted immediately for the home-made fish soup, followed by sea bass fillet à la plancha and small cannelloni stuffed with squid. My meat-eating friend started light with the popular south French dish of 'beignets de fleurs de courgettes', battered courgette flowers, accompanied by a rich tomato sauce. I choose the same starter.

For main he went with the fillet of beef, done in a Rossini style with potatoes, whilst I enjoyed the vegan choice of crispy smoked tofu and vegetables wrapped with pumpkin puree.

The starters were delicious. The battered flowers were a revelation, light and crispy and not too filling, despite the rather large portions. All of our plates went back to the kitchen almost licked clean! The home-made soup was made all the most exciting with the croutons, parmesan and spicy sauce that accompanied it. We were ready for round two...

The sea bass fillet was cooked to perfection and the cannelloni filled with squid, although not to my vegetarian taste, was well received by my companion who once again left a completely clean plate.

The beef looked as tender as it should be and the Rossini sauce was rich and tasty. My vegan main was a very nice change to the rather boring vegetarian meals that I am used in French restaurants and again the plates left the table without a drop of food left on them.

For once I was glad that I had opted for a starter and main only as I had no more room left to enjoy a dessert. My two companions both greedily scanned the dessert menu and choose a creme brulee and poached pear with vanilla ice cream and gingerbread. Eyes bigger than their bellies no doubt but they both struggled on through to finish them. I don't think I've been out for a meal where every morsel was attacked and eaten, a good sign of a great meal.

Coffee wasn't even an option as we asked for the bill and decided that a walk along the promenade might help our meals go down. The fresh air was a welcome relief as we waddled out the door. This restaurant is a good choice for any food lover, with a pleasant atmosphere, a lovely view over the harbour and delicious food to boot. Our bill at L'Assiette Provencale came to a very reasonable €76 for three people, proving good value is possible to find in this wonderfully glamorous and glitzy seaside town.