L'Elysee - Arras

Après avoir profité du marché de Noël sur la magnifique vieille place, nous avons trouvé un refuge chaleureux pour un verre de bière locale. Cela avait l'air bien aussi pour le dîner ce soir-là, mais nous avons découvert qu'il serait fermé étant trop hors saison, nous avons donc dû chercher ailleurs. Dommage, car le menu affiché au mur avait l'air très attrayant.

Having enjoyed the Xmas market in the wonderful old square, we found a warm refuge for a glass of local beer. It looked great for dinner too that evening but we found it would be closed being too much out of season so we had to look elsewhere. Pity, for the menu on the wall looked very inviting.

Having just been on a Battlefield Tour, and deposited back at the station, we found we had an hour or so before our train and needed to find somewhere nearby and quick to eat. L' Elysee fitted the bill, a friendly little bar/cafe a couple of minutes away. Had a quick drink, then the chef came on duty at 6 and was able to prepare food for us in time for us to catch our train at 7 with time to spare. The crepes and smoked salmon salad were just what we needed, and were good value too.

Perhaps I was just unlucky as many other people seem to really like this restaurant. My wife had the three cheese pasta which she left half of because it was bland and unappetising and I had the salmon pasta that seemed tatsteless - if you had cooked it yourself you would still have been disappointed. We did not stay for dessert. Some positives - they were very friendly with my children - the restaurant dog was a pleasing distraction and that's about it.

Found this restaurant by accident and loved it. Full of locals - always a good sign and a lovely house dog - a Scotty called Gabi. Great staff who went out of their way to explain the menu in English. Great Plat du jour every day, our was the fish burger. Busy, but staff friendly and helpful. Would definitely return.

We stopped here for a quick lunch and enjoyed baguette sandwiches which were quite tasty. The portions are large so you might consider sharing. There is also a good selection of French dishes which seem reasonably priced.

We stayed in the Mercure hotel across the road and were scared off by the price of the breakfast, so we went to l'Elysee instead. We both had their 'English Breakfast'; orange juice, scrambled eggs with bacon, toast and coffee. It was just what we needed and was sensibly priced. We will be back.

My wife and I were feeling hungry but very tired after a long day of travelling. We spotted this restaurant as we walked into Arras. We were greeted with a very warm welcome. The waiter, probably the boss, had a wonderful Gallic charm. The food arrived quickly and was of a superb quality, with ample portions for the biggest appetite. The menu although in French has English translation. All the staff speak English, I did my best with my Officer Crabtree French. I thoroughly recommend this classic French restaurant.