Le Jardin des Simples - Saint-Adjutory

What a find this restaurant was! Great place, atmosphere and food. Tucked away in a private garden in a small village street, it is a real hidden treasure. Ate the best raw fish ever. A must see and eat for everyone in this area. But be aware, there are only 16 seats, so book ahead!

We went with high expectations having had good reports from a number of folk but were ultimately a little disappointed. It is run by a husband and wife team, the former being front of house while the wife does the cooking. As front of house, I have to say he was extremely pleasant and helpful though his lack of English (or should I say our lack of French) did not help things. The evening got off to a positive start in that we were offered a house aperitif which was fine but not great. We then both plumped for the fish tartare. I have to say this was very good. It consisted of the fish, served with avocado and what appeared to be broad beans, all in a delicate dressing. It must have been prepared in individual ramekin type dishes but then turned out ahead of serving. We both commented positively on what we both felt was a very tasty starter. For the main course I went with the lamb dish while my wife plumped for the pork one, which on serving was a bit like a meat loaf. My lamb unfortunately was not to my taste and must have been cooked in a specific French (or Catalan) way which did not stimulate my taste buds. My wife said that her dish was tasty but not as anticipated so we were both a little underwhelmed, although as said earlier, it was due in part to the language issue. My wife then plumped for what was quite an unusual dessert – a crème Catalan (basically a crème brulee) but served with an artichoke topping which went down well with her. All was washed down by a Grand Red Mas Baux, a Cote de Roussillon, but leant, in taste, to a Shiraz. It was a hearty wine and was enjoyable. Well, to the crunch. Would we go back? The answer is a yes, partly because we know it must be better than this experience based on friends comments but also would hope our French was better next time so we could better understand the menu etc.

Du grand art! Des mets exceptionnels, raffinés, des associations inattendues, des produits frais, locaux, des vins délicieux ...une explosion de saveurs! Un accueil fort sympathique par un couple de passionnés...mérite absolument le détour ...sans oublier de réserver car seule une vingtaine de couverts ne peut être servie. Pour nous, ce fut une soirée délicieuse que nous renouvellerons dès que possible!

Nous avons apprécié la carte réduite 3 entrées 3 plats 3 desserts que des produits frais et du fait maison. Nous y retournerons sans hésiter.

Belle soirée atypique. Des bons plats , une belle ambiance. Des barrières contre les moustiques distribués. Une belle soirée méditerranéenne. Ne soyez pas pressé