La Petite Adresse - Besançon

If you want a real french experience with no pretension and simple home cooked food like maman used to cook then this is the place for you. I loved it!

My husband and I can’t depend on our ability to speak French to save our lives. I researched TripAdvisor for a possible dinner spot and found La Petite Adresse along with a few others. On our first adventure into the wonderful Besançon maze of streets, we scoped out and located a few of my selections. We made our choice with no regrets. We arrived at 19:00, sharp, since we had no reservation. La Petite Adresse was delightful and delicious on all fronts. The kind and patient owner tried to tell me about his place and his fixed menu. Because of the TripAdvisor reviews, I had an idea of what to expect and what he was saying. I just kept smiling and saying, “Oh yes, please...I mean, oui!” Over and over. The ambience was delightful. French music of another era—among others, Edith Piaf, a personal favorite—filled the space, as chatty, fellow diners made their way to their tables, quickly filling the small, cozy restaurant. The lighting was dim and the table cloths were checkered red and white. News photos, comics and stories plastered the walls—many Charlie Hebdo covers. We opted for the house wine. The owner seemed pleased. We were pleased. He set a fresh baguette on a block of a tree trunk positioned beside our table and soon his delicious terrine appeared—meaty, salty and garlicky. As much as you wish to eat with hand-torn pieces of bread. A big, fresh leafy salad, nicely dressed with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette was placed on the table for us to share. Soon followed the main course of sliced potatoes baked in a wonderful, sharply cheesy and aromatic sauce with big fat slices of sausage on top. Crunchy cheese lining the baking dish. We finished the meal with a delicious, little, smooth, richly sweet créme brûlée. All of this happiness for a price that didn’t break the bank.

I came here on the back of a recommendation from my colleague. The menu is written all in French, and the owners didn't speak English so picking something to eat was a challenge. You get a salad, bread and pate whilst the main is being made. The bread and pate were to die for, salad a bit overdressed. The main was the region's sausage and boiled potato and more salad, which were a bit bland.

We booked La Petite Adresse after I read excellent reviews about this restaurant, as well as walking past it to see if it was as cute as it looked in photos. It is as cute; it 's small and full of rustic charm, and mainly frequented by locals always a good sign. The menu is limited, but this made it easier for us, as the entree is salad and the best country style no frills Foie Gras, plus a crunchy baguette served on a timber 'stool ' we loved this course. The mains we chose were delicious, but for me, too rich I would not choose such a creamy dish next time, but this is just me. The owner presented us with the absolute best tasting, small (thank goodness as we were both quite full! Creme Brulees on the house. We have never tasted such delicious Creme Brulee before. This is a restaurant that you need to get to by 7.30pm preferably or book ahead as we did, as the tables filled fast, even on a Tuesday night.

La Petite Adresse can not be more French and reminded me how restaurants used to be in the country side. It is small, very French. The owner will welcome you, and if you arent French you may think you aren't welcome.. but you are. The menu is simple! An entry (usually terrine) and an half local dishes to choose from. The terrine comes in a big ball and you eat as much as you want. A full bread will be given and cut it yourself. Everything was very nice and well served. A fruit dish is offered. All this with a great music. The price overall is very cheap. Definitely the detour.