Le Relais de Riquet - Labastide-d'Anjou

Ideal stopping point on the Canal du Midi especially if walking or cycling. Chips cooked in duck fat not healthy perhaps but gorgeous. Booking is essential

Interestingly, no current reviews so hopefully this from Sept 2019 will contain. Phoneed to book a lunchtime and arrived at 12.20 when the place was without customers, although they introduced us, my wife and I stayed until we chose our own table. The location is near the canal du Midi with a street and moored boats in between, but the restaurant looks drab and uncarried for and could do with a coat of color and a little loving care. The young waitress was acceptable and agreed that we could sit exactly where we had chosen a 2 seat table if we wanted a clean tablecloth, we would have to sit somewhere else! I waited for a long time for a menu and my wife and I thought to leave a handful of kilometers for another restaurant, but in due course we ordered our 23 euros (variated choice of dish) three course meal with wine at extra cost. The quality of food was good, but not necessarily a good value compared to some other restaurants. The first course was a pleasant one, but we had to ask and wait for bread and a jug of water. After a long wait our main course came to fish that was very pleasant, but not the type of fish we ordered, although acceptable. I speak fluently French, so there was no reason for misunderstandings and the conversations with the waitress in French were friendly. Finally, at the end of two hours after considerable waiting, we finished our dessert course, but gave up an application for coffee, although, as we paid at the barthek, the waitress asked if we wanted to go back to the table and sit on a drink. Perhaps the slowdown was aware, as we were not French some much later arrivals were served much faster and most left the restaurant until the time we made it. As reported by others, the owner's attitude was not friendly to two different sets of passing cyclists who were asked for a drink and a snack and were twisted away firmly. Likewise, the male owner did not try a small conversation while we paid him. The canal location of the restaurant has good potential, but today's visit will be our only until a more nurturing owner takes over.

Not posh, incredible value, family business, beautiful food, relaxed, the best of rural France! We go regularly (you often have to book), right at the Canal du Midi.

You have to respect the hardworking owners who have obviously made a success out of this small canal side bistro just outside La Bastide d’Anjou. It always seems busy and you can understand why when the quality of food is good and the service excellent....Pate was perfect as was the pork and frites. Lovely mustard sauce. Good choice of desserts. Apple tart was particularly good. Make sure you book because it’s extremely popular.

Pascal and Helene have made a great success of their restaurant, offering simple but well done (and copious meals. Their standard 3-course menu is 15 Euros (evenings , but the menu offers many other options. Being situated on the Quai at Le Segala (on the Canal...du Midi , they are regularly frquented by boat people (as well as locals, of course! . They have a lovely outdoor terrace which is heavenly in nice weather. But even if you don't need a meal, their bar is well stocked. Highly recommended.