La Rapiere - Arras

Prebooked as part of a travel package, this restaurant proved a gem, and it's right near the centre of Arras. Large groups are taken down to the undercroft which just adds that bit more to the experience.

Great location on the architecturally impressive Grand Square - on a warm day or evening you can see outside and enjoy the stunning views. The food is mainly traditional French done in a very traditional manner. The clientele were mainly tourists and older French people so they may know their market, but I found it pretty uninspiring.

Ate there a couple of times on a recent golf trip with 15 friends. Both nights we had a fixed price menu at €27/person with 3 choices for each of the 3 courses, 6 bottles of house wine, water and coffee. The owner provided outside seating for both evenings which was difficult to find on a busy summer evening weekend for 16 people (with a guarantee of inside seating if it rained).The food was decent local cuisine and probably worthy of 3 stars but gave it an extra star for the service and friendliness of the owner and his staff, and the overall ambience.

Having previously used this restaurant and given it a 5 Star rating on Trip Advisor I was so disappointed when I revisited the establishment on Friday 7 July 2017.I took four friends along assuring them I had received great food and excellent service on my previous visit.We all ordered the Picard Ficelle as our hot starter. They were delivered warm on the outside and cold in the middle. As soon as we brought the situation to the attention of the Maitre d' he immediately had all five plates cleared and new piping hot ficelles delivered. We chose the traditional beef stew as our main course. The beef was poor with an abundance of gristle. The port to accompany the cheese did not arrive at table until after the cheese had been consumed.Oh dear. And the Maitre d' is such a nice jolly welcoming chap but this time the food and service what not what it should have been.Afraid I shall not be going back again.

Very helpful staff in a well situated area. Nice food well presented and reasonably priced. Comfortable dining room .