Les Deux Garcons Restaurant Review

Monday’s Plat du Jour at the famous Les Deux Garçons is always “Chef’s Suggestion”; hopefully meaning that the dish is always going to be something a little experimental using fresh seasonal vegetables and local meat.

The gorgeous Maître d’ approached and she offered me a choice of two perfectly set tables; either in the sun or in the shade. It was just slightly before the regular lunch-time in France so the terrace hadn’t quite filled up yet. A seat in the sun is well sought-after here so my arrival was timed just perfectly. She brought me some well-oiled bread with a fresh Provençal tapenade and recommended the local white wine, which I hastily agreed to.

The service was fluid and it seemed that I had two, or maybe three, waiters looking after me who know their trade so well that I’m not even disturbed; or asked twice about my order or whether I can be helped. The still-water arrives quickly and the Maître d’ looks over again to beam another welcoming smile in my direction. I speak a little bit of French, and I mean a “little bit”, but it always seems to help when eating in French restaurants and it seems more polite to attempt to ask for more water in the waiters local tongue.

I really like it here. The décor is chic, if not somewhat dated, but that’s part of the essence and elegance of the place – and it holds in its walls all the history of Aix. Influential and famous people throughout recent history have banqueted here and the high standards of service and etiquette still remain today. Names such as Sartre, Picasso, Churchill, Edith Piaf and of course Aix’s own, the much beloved Paul Cézanne have frequented the establishment over the years.

In a way I feel like Owen Wilson’s character must have in Midnight in Paris. There’s something quite familiar about the gold-plated clock which hangs inside; the mirrored interior; the ornate chandeliers, I believe this is how it has always looked and I’m sharing the space with everyone who ever had the good-fortune to dine here.

The staff contain a mixture of youthful exuberance and hardened experience – with all waiters dressed immaculately in a waistcoat, bow tie and crisp white apron. My Plat du Jour is placed on the white cloth in front of me by the most experienced waiter who nods in some sort of approval to me. It is a delectable dish of succulent brochette beef, with soft potatoes and a delicious roasted tomato with an olive tapenade filling. The sun warms the side of my face as I slowly ease the juicy meat off the skewer and enjoy the sophisticated atmosphere of the restaurant.

The people watching here on the Cours Mirabeau is superb as I relax and enjoy a coffee called “The Blue Mountain” which is cultivated at 1800 metres on the high plateaus of Jamaica. The menu says it is “Les meilleur café au monde” or the best coffee in the world and I can’t disagree as it is a great little coffee to finish with.

I had a fine meal here at Les Deux Garçons with great service and it was refreshing to find a spot for lunch which upholds high standards throughout the day. Basking in the sun while enjoying the view along the leafy main street is a great way to enjoy your lunch and even if you didn’t know much of the history that compliments the “café”; it is still a fantastic place in its own right to pass some time during a stay in Aix.

Daily Plats Du Jour are available at Les Deux Garçons which is located on at number 53 Cours Mirabeau, Aix-en-Provence.