A l'Ardoise Chatillonnaise

The quality & choice of food was excellent, the service attentive and the wine superb. Would not hesitate to return if in the area.

Four of us chose this restaurant on the basis of TA reviews and we first came for lunch in mid-September. As others have mentioned, we found a small, neat restaurant with the menu on a large blackboard. We were quickly seated, aperitifs ordered and the blackboards examined. While the restaurant describes itself as specialising in seafood, we all chose non-fish variations from the Menu du Jour, which on later reflection may have been a mistake. Three of us ordered brochettes while one of us opted for (if I have remembered correctly) a casserole. Whatever he ordered, he did enjoy his meal and pronounced it as good. However, for those who had ordered brochettes, for two of us the meat was inedible, far too tough and tasteless. My wife, however, pronounced hers as fine – so something was not right here! Dessert was tastefully presented and enjoyed, as was the bottle of red wine we ordered. When paying, we tried to convey to the waiter the issue with the meat; he apologized but of course he still took our money!Hoping that our first experience was just unfortunate, my wife and I returned on 12th October. Again we were seated quickly and again we elected the Menu du Jour. This time we both chose the same entrée and main courses. The entrée was rilettes of rabbit with a small French-style salade; “salade” meaning lettuce leaves with for me, too much dressing. It was initially OK but the taste soon became "cloying" and I couldn't finish the dish, though my wife enjoyed the entrée and finished her serve. We both also chose the same main plate, a (boiled?) leg of chicken with an accompanying creamy sauce, served with a very large spoonful of boiled rice. Neither garnish nor vegetables were included and in fact, the dish did not present well as served. However, after eating, we both pronounced the chicken/sauce combination as delicious, so what a pity there was not more attention to presentation detail!Summing up: service was good, as were the wines. But food? Yes, I’m aware we chose the Menu du Jour, and maybe if we had chosen seafood this review would be different. But even so, plate presentation and food consistency should be regardless of price or dish. So despite previous glowing TA reviews, we can only rate L’Ardoise as disappointing. We expected better!

This restaurant serves mainly fish, with the menu changing according to the latest 'catch'. Hence the name, as the menu is written on a slate (ardoise) to accommodate regular changes. Well-presented and cooked, it was tasty, and served by smiling, helpful staff. A good, local place.

This newly opened restaurant doesn't disappoint. Run by a husband and wife team (she is the chef, he is front of house) the inside is fresh and light, with nicely decorated tables and a blackboard menu.The impression gets even better with the service from Ludowig, who is friendly, helpful with menu choices and wine recommendations and speaks good English too.Then when the food arrives the whole thing comes together for an excellent dining experience. The seafood is fresh and cooked to perfection with interesting accompaniements. My husband, who has been wanting a nice fresh salad for ages in France finally had a great one - plenty of fresh ingredients and a good size serving. Desserts were divine.Finally you are nicely surprised when the bill arrives - it is not cheap but is great value for money considering the quality of the food, service and atmosphere.Very highly recommended.

Four of us chose this restaurant on the basis of TA reviews and we first came for lunch in mid-September. As others have mentioned, we found a small, neat restaurant with the menu on a large blackboard. We were quickly seated, aperitifs ordered and the blackboards examined. While the restaurant describes itself as specialising in seafood, we all chose non-fish variations from the Menu du Jour, which on later reflection may have been a mistake. Three of us ordered brochettes while one of us opted for (if I have remembered correctly) a casserole. Whatever he ordered, he did enjoy his meal and pronounced it as good. However, for those who had ordered brochettes, for two of us the meat was inedible, far too tough and tasteless. My wife, however, pronounced hers as fine – so something was not right here! Dessert was tastefully presented and enjoyed, as was the bottle of red wine we ordered. When paying, we tried to convey to the waiter the issue with the meat; he apologized but of course he still took our money!Hoping that our first experience was just unfortunate, my wife and I returned on 12th October. Again we were seated quickly and again we elected the Menu du Jour. This time we both chose the same entrée and main courses. The entrée was rilettes of rabbit with a small French-style salade; “salade” meaning lettuce leaves with for me, too much dressing. It was initially OK but the taste soon became "cloying" and I couldn't finish the dish, though my wife enjoyed the entrée and finished her serve. We both also chose the same main plate, a (boiled?) leg of chicken with an accompanying creamy sauce, served with a very large spoonful of boiled rice. Neither garnish nor vegetables were included and in fact, the dish did not present well as served. However, after eating, we both pronounced the chicken/sauce combination as delicious, so what a pity there was not more attention to presentation detail!Summing up: service was good, as were the wines. But food? Yes, I’m aware we chose the Menu du Jour, and maybe if we had chosen seafood this review would be different. But even so, plate presentation and food consistency should be regardless of price or dish. So despite previous glowing TA reviews, we can only rate L’Ardoise as disappointing. We expected better!