Le Cafe De La Mer - La Rochelle

This looked like a ‘café’ rather than a ‘restaurant’. When we arrived at 7:30 the gate was closed but we saw staff going in so we went in anyway as we had booked at 7:30. It felt slightly awkward having to open the gate to let yourself in. Within 10 minutes the place was packed with diners. Some of the décor is more becoming to a café. The menu is heavily geared toward Moules, but the moules that we had were really good. I would certainly go back again (as long as I wanted moules).

My family went here to celebrate my husband's and my anniversary. We were holidaying in La Rochelle and this restaurant was recommended to us by a local person. It didn't disappoint. The resturant is quaint and simple with a personal feel to it, and the views from the terrace are super, overlooking the bridge to the Ill de Re, the beach and the sunset. The service was nicely paced we were there to savour the evening and enjoy the food. The staff were most friendly and some tried speaking English with us, which was much appreciated. We all had mussels done in different sauces, but they all worked really well with the flavour of the mussels. There were all sorts of different shellfish on the menu (their speciality) but there were only a couple of non shellfish options on offer for the main course, if you're not a shellfish lover. Just a heads up, if you're squeemish about finding extra offerings in your mussles, there are quite a few pea crabs to be found inside the mussels. They're edible, cooked and soft shelled, but they freaked our children out initially!

If you like moules, this is the place to go. Friendly, busy, plenty of atmosphere. The food is fresh, tasty and very good value for money. Staff very friendly, plenty of choice on the menu. Great salads.

We visited Le Cafe de la Mer on two separate occasions. The first was without having booked and the second time having booked. On both occasions the service and food were both excellent. The male owner speaks a little English, however, we didn't really need this as we were quite happy to order our moules et frites in French. The moules were delicious and the frites were crispy and a great size! We also had a portion of sea snails... an experience that I will not forget! I believe that this is a family run business and as such the take a considerable amount of pride in the food. This place is definitely worth a visit and the moues et frites is worth ordering. However, if visiting in the evening or on a weekend, then remember to book.

This is a secret place just outside a small village overlooking the sea. Fantastic location on the edge of the cliff and perfect for watching the sun go down in the summer. Park the car and have a walk to the tiny marina or across the fields and then come back ready to choose between mussels cooked in wine, garlic or a very subtle curry. Giles, the charming owner explained that they source the very best shell fish and cook to order with love and care. Agnes, his wife oversees all the cooking to ensure that the high standard expected by their loyal and devoted clientele. Don't worry if shellfish is not your thing, the steak is delicious and there is myriad of beautifully fresh salads and crepes. On balmy nights it is a treat to eat outside but on cooler evenings you are protected from the wind and inside is light, bright and welcoming. A centrally placed enormous wood burning stove is lit for chilly spring and autumn evenings which gave us the feeling that we were in our own sea side summer house. The warmth of Giles and Agnes made us feel and valued and determined to return throughout our summer stay.