Restaurant Bel Air

We wanted something a bit better than the usual roadside bistro or motorway service area for lunch on the way to Cherbourg for the ferry back to Ireland. We found the Bel Air after a bit of web searching and turned up without a reservation. We were in a side room (probaly because we had two small dogs) so the atmosphere was not very buzzy.There is a selection of menus; we went for the basic "Menu du Marché" at €18 for three courses or €15 for entrée + plat or plat + dessert. I had a galette with ham and Gouda and mesclun salad, my wffe had a marinated salmon salad with potato salad. Presentation was very nice and the flavours were excellent.This was followed by fried hake with mashed cauliflower and a sage emulsion and pork belly with potatoes "grand-mère". Again, good presntation and great flavours. We passed on dessert, which was pear crumble with vanilla ice-cream or a plate of "delights and surprises".The only dowside was that, although the staff were pleasant and competent, we didn't feel that the atmosphere was as good as it should have been. Oh, and they left our wine on a side table so we had to keep asking for a top up. Having said that, we'll definitely be back.

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Had two courses from the table d'hote evening meal menu, which offered no alternative choices for each course. Main course was called a mixed grill with sautéed potatoes/vegetables but was just 3 pieces of sausage (small, fatty and oily), some soggy sautéed potatoes that really were not very nice, and one piece of courgette, two of carrot and 3 green beans - all soggy and far from cooked to the optimum. The whole thing left a bad taste in the mouth, literally as well as metaphorically, and for €15 for 2 courses was poor value too.

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Our party included a very tired 3 year old who's order was taken immediately whilst we perused the menu. The staff were very polite and helpful with translations to English. All our party were delighted with the options we chose, especially the desserts which are not to be missed. We will make a special trip out to visit next time we are in the area.

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Went here only because it was convenient but glad we did. The table d'hote menu had no options but I'm told it was tasty. The  la carte menu is limited but the Bisque de Langoustines starter was the most concentrated taste I have ever encountered.The Entrecôte steak was of generous size

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I fully advise this restaurant to everyone. The food is great, the staff is very sympathic and the dishes are generously served.

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