Les Artistes - Angoulême

Enjoyable meal for two at a reasonable price quiet venue on the night would recommend to anyone looking for a meal in his area

The food here was pleasant but the place and many of the people eating were rather up themselves. I wouldn't eat here again even though I enjoyed the food.

Like some others seem to have found, the host here was extremely rude. I speak French, and after asking if I could seat myself and his agreement, the menu of the day was brought for me to peruse. When he came back to take my order, I enquired as to whether the main of the day, stuffed tomatoes, was vegetarian. I was promptly told no, of course not, and that the restaurant had no vegetarian meals (both entree menu options appeared to be vegetarian), and that nowhere in Angouleme would either. I politely enquired what the tomatoes were stuffed with, as I do sometimes eat a little fish. As they were stuffed with sausage, I politely declined, thanked the host, and was gathering my things to leave. The host told me I would need to find a vegetarian restaurant. I responded that one dish would be sufficient. The French (locals?) at the adjoining tables all seemed to be listening in shock. I myself walked away shocked. I have both lived and travelled in France, and have always told people from elsewhere that the French reputation for being rude is unfounded, however if this was one's first impression of France, it would stick!

Fantastic three course lunch menu at a reasonable price. Beautiful outdoor patio in the old section of Angouleme. We will return!

Don't be put off by the review elsewhere that talks about the grumpy host. The place and the patron both have character. We managed to find a table without having a reservation at about 8pm on a Saturday evening but we were lucky - a succession of other people came in later and were turned away. It is obviously a popular place and it's easy to understand why."No frites, no children's menu, no entrée without a plat/main course" - no problem. It is a very straightforward but quirkily French place, with low-key jazz music and decor in keeping with that. We might not have struck up a life-long friendship with the patron but he was definitely an entertaining character and never unpleasant. The food was absolutely excellent, interestingly and beautifully cooked and presented, and with much more to it than was apparent from the menu.I would definitely recommend this restaurant. I'm not sure if the earlier reviewer who left because of the patron's behaviour spoke French when visiting this establishment but I suspect that it helps if you at least try.