L'essentiel - Pézenas

Any restaurant on an industrial estate opposite a budget hotel doesn't carry immediate appeal so L'Essential was a pleasant surprise for serving a few non-standard dishes prepared well and delivered relatively quickly. It also has the nicest looking sharp knives I've seen for a while although I didn't get to put them to a proper test as I chose the grilled langoustines that were nice and meaty and came with double-cooked chips. The starter of smoked mozzerella with vari-coloured tomatoes was another pleasant dish. Wine by the glass was reasonably priced and of pleasant local origin. Like the hotel opposite, I'd have no hesitation in going back, especially if is during the warmer evenings when the outside terrace beckons. Staff members do speak English, if that helps.

As our hotel was on an industrial estate we didnt really want to have to drive into town. we had booked 7 rooms and some had flown in and some driven. The receptionais at the hotel suggested the restaurant opposite. We ate outside on a lovely warm evening. we went for the set menu, as the buffet was extensive. Mains were very good too and all good value. A very friendly waitresses had great patience and good service. An enjoyable first night.

We were driving down France and had chosen to stop at the B&B stopover hotel. Arrived later than anticipated and expected to be in an industrial estate with no restaurant but were pleased to see L'Essential opposite and open 3 courses for 16 E Open buffet for starters 3 choices of main mixed brochette fish or steak with potatoes pasta or frites Mixed patisserie for dessert (large) Generous portions, brasserie food (good) a find when we expected to struggle to eat

Very good reception service nothing to say waitresses are smiling dynamic product fresh plates very copier good presentation good quality price I advise you this small restaurant

Very satisfied and pleasant I recommend