★ Michelin€€€€Modern Cuisine
(Temporarily closed for renovations) An iconic establishment if ever there was one. For many years, Le Saint James was the realm of its avant-garde founder, chef Jean-Marie Amat; he commissioned Jean Nouvel to redesign his premises, which opened in 1989 and became a benchmark in design – and now they are to undergo major renovation works again. The restaurant pays tribute to Nouvelle-Aquitaine producers by elevating the fruits of their labours, from Gironde caviar to Bazas beef.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 100 reviews
Le Saint-James offers modern cuisine with generally praised food quality and professional service. The ambiance is elegant, featuring comfortable table spacing and garden views. However, inconsistencies exist regarding meal pacing, with some diners experiencing long waits between courses or delayed wine service. Negative feedback also highlights issues such as poor seating arrangements, excessive air conditioning, and rigid reservation policies. While the overall rating is high, the dining experience varies, particularly in service coordination and comfort details.
Suitable for diners seeking refined modern French cuisine who can tolerate potential service inconsistencies.
🕐 Dec 01-Jun 14: off
★ Michelin€€€€Modern Cuisine
This restaurant is something of a UFO in Bordeaux’s gourmet landscape, courtesy of a striking glass and concrete structure, castle stables, views of the Pont d’Aquitaine suspension bridge and a rock music soundtrack. The same is true of the cuisine of Vivien Durand, a chef bursting with original ideas who reinterprets Gallic culinary conventions with a keen gastronomic eye. A daring gamble given his apparent dismantling of tradition, but one that hits the spot every time! Xipister-flavoured tagliatelle of squid, pig’s head terrine with a gutsy gravy and Périgord truffle or an amazing onion sou
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 100 reviews
Le Prince Noir Vivien Durand is recognized for its modern cuisine and creative approach, with many guests praising the delicate preparation of ingredients, particularly vegetables and sauces. Service is generally professional and warm, highlighted by staff patience and humor, though significant delays occurred during peak times like Valentine's Day, with some reports of repeated ordering needs. The ambiance blends modern and traditional decor, although specific seating locations near kitchen corridors or background music styles drew mixed reactions. Wine pairings receive polarized feedback; while some appreciate the selection, others criticize minimal portions, lack of character, or defects in certain packages. Overall, the restaurant offers a creative dining experience, but consistency in service pacing and value perception varies among visitors.
Suitable for diners seeking creative modern cuisine who can tolerate potential service inconsistencies.