Chez Pierre - Bélesta

Pierre is a character whose primary job is wine growing but as a sideline runs this little restaurant in the evening with his wife. I told him he spoke decent English and he told me 'only in July and August '! My wife and I sat on the restaurant terrace side by side and looked at the troubled sky which as the sun set painted it in colours of pinks, blues and reds. My wife explained to me the difference between swifts, swallows and house-martins and whatever they were we watched and were entertained by their acrobatics. Dinner was a set menu, all-in, including his wine at a fixed price. It was simple fare but decent generous local food of the type lovers of France dream about. I had a great starter of anchovies, with sweet peppers covered with grated egg. It was very tasty. My wife had goats cheese salad. For mains we shared baked salmon, grilled jumbo prawns, chips and Aioli (a garlic mayonnaise). Dessert was ice cream and huge chocolate covered profiteroles. As the meal drew to a close the storms started in the mountains in front of us and we were treated to a dramatic light show. We chatted idly to fellow guests and Pierre, and the evening was one of our best, If you are staying in or near the lovely village of Belesta, do yourself a favour and try out this special little place.

Often holiday in Belesta and a stay is not complete without visiting this restaurant. Delicious, authentic food and great value. Always have a great welcome and enjoy the local Apéritifs!!

Excellent food and extremely friendly staff made this a superb evening at the foot of the Pyrenees. Good value for an excellent three courses.

Excellent food and extremely friendly staff made this a superb evening at the foot of the Pyrenees. Good value for an excellent three courses.

We have been to this restaurant in the attractive hill-top village of Belesta several times over quite a number of years. Sadly the quality of the food has deteriorated over that time. You get the feeling that the owners are resting on their laurels, despite the advent of competition at Riberach round the corner. The food almost seems to be thrown onto the plate, with no embellishment or attempt at creativity and the menus rarely change. Starters are mainly salads (eg lardon or gesiers) served on a large heap of iceberg lettuce. Main courses range from truite aux amandes (last time mine was deep-fried and overcooked and the almonds thrown on top over-grilled), magret de canard (plonked on a plate, whole, without garnish) and various grilled meats. All mains are served with thick, rather greasy pommes frites. Set menu prices used to seem good value but not longer do, despite the fact that an aperitif, wine and a digestif are thrown in. These are the owner's own products so he can presumably afford the gesture. As he is a vigneron, the restaurant is usually closed during the grape harvest. What does appeal at this restaurant, however, is the small terrace with fig tree - hence the name - seating no more than 20, with wonderful views overlooking the Tet valley. Make sure you ask for a table outside as the interior is rather spartan and characterless.