Le Jardin de Collioure
Restaurant Review
Le Jardin de Collioure Restaurant Review
Without a doubt, Le Jardin de Collioure is the oldest restaurant in Collioure – on account of the building in which it stands - the restaurant is located inside a 13th-century Dominican convent, built in 1290, making it one of the oldest buildings in Collioure.
The restaurant is within the cooperative of the church and the monks would have passed through it to get to the Chapel which is now in the restaurant, then onwards into the vegetable gardens and walking courtyards, as the cloister was actually in the restaurant before being dismantled to go to the museum opposite Le Jardin de Collioure.
Sadly, the building was in ruins and in a very poor condition when Jacque Pirou and Franck Fulliquet decided to restore the building and turn it into Le Jardin de Collioure.
It was really a labour of love and a major renovation work, but finally, in 2011, they opened Le Jardin de Collioure.
It is indeed a very special space with alcoves, a courtyard and nooks and crannies as you would expect of such an ancient storied building.
I would also like to make a note that they even have a room (inside the old chapel) that’s just for children with lots of toys and cushions for kids to play in whilst the grownups wine and dine together. It’s such a good idea! More restaurants really need to think about having kids areas, so both kids and adults are happy. Well done, Le Jardin de Collioure!
Oh and it’s got parking too – space for maybe 9 or 10 cars – that’s a big plus in Collioure.
On to the food - at the heart of Le Jardin de Collioure is local seafood - 'Huîtres de Bouzigues N°3', served in their pearlescent shells, are a testament to the purity of the region's waters, from Bouziges, each bite delivering the crisp, briny freshness that only the finest oysters can provide.
The ‘Assiette Catalane’ is the quintessential starter from the region, featuring local cured meats, such as 'saucisse' and 'boudin' (French sausage and blood sausage), and some 'cargolade' (grilled snails), which is a Catalonian speciality.
‘Les couteaux grillés à la planxa, persillade’ is ever reliable - razor clams grilled on the plancha and dressed with a parsley and garlic sauce.
Moving on to the Entrées, their dishes are traditional with a contemporary flair, such as ‘Zarzuela de la Maison’ - a local fish stew, similar to bouillabaisse, brimming with fresh seafood and infused with aromatic herbs and spices, served with a side of rouille sauce and crusty bread.
Another hit is ‘Blanquette de lotte et St-Jacques aux morilles’ - monkfish and scallops with the earthy flavour of morel mushrooms, in a creamy, white wine sauce.
As is ‘Dos de morue gratiné à l'ail’ - a hearty dish of cod back, gratinéed with garlic, with crispy, golden crust on top.
Meat-wise, the Côte de boeuf looked very good, though for two people to share as it’s rather enormous.
Le Magret de canard France Sud-Ouest is a good safe bet as well – a nice rich flavour and tender texture, grilled to a succulent finish.
