Chateau L'Hospitalet - Restaurant courtyard Take the road from Narbonne to Narbonne Plage, and take the indicated turning to the superb Restaurant le "H"

Restaurant Le H, between Narbonne and Narbonne Plage One of the best dining rooms in the area, the tables are comfortably placed, windows large, and views scintillating.

Visiting this restaurant, on a gorgeous clear and sunny October day, was a lovely surprise. I had often heard about the restaurant and had never visited. Set to one side of the chateau, the Restaurant le H, is in modern dining room, with a wide expanse of open dining, with large windows that open out onto beautiful views of the vineyards of La Clape on one side, and on the other windows look onto the inner courtyard with views of the Chateau and outbuildings. Dining is possible on terraces either in the courtyard, or looking onto the vines.

Being Sunday we took the 26 euros lunch menu, that included in the price a wine buffet. Here wine is king and queen together. Chilled or at room temperature - lovely light muscat sec was tasted, along with a pleasant classic white. Then later a red reserve, and a classic red with good texture, fruitiness, and pleasure confidently entranced us. The menu itself was simple, delicate, and careful. The portions correct, perfectly poised to bring out the tastes of the wine.

Generally the service was good, although, I was dismayed that at first, to be forgotten about by the waitress. Others who were seated later were served first. However we caught the eye of a more effecient woman, who mended the situation. The room itself is wonderfully designed, and the furnishings correct and sympatic - however I wish the manager would do something about the side service exits, where the dreadful sight of trash bags, makes one suspicious of what is being hidden. Here you have a perfect dining room - spoilt by a simple thing like rubbish bags placed for convenience in the wrong place.

(April 2008 - I returned again the restaurant and was shocked by the bad service. My father who came in his wheelchair, found that there was no ramp, (there is only one step up, but even so ... access should be easier). Then later a waiter rudely took away his plate, without asking if he had finished, when he obviously had not. We came in a large group, and the kitchen did not even have in stock what was on the children's menu - that was limited in its possibilities. There seem to be a total lack of management. A bossy waitress was rude with other members of the group. It is very sad that the quality of the wine, and of the menu, should suffer at the bad and slow service that is employed here. It looked as if they were working in some state canteen rather than a classy restaurant!)

Restaurant Le H
Chateau L'Hospitalet
Route de Narbonne Plage
BP 20409
11104 Narbonne Cedex
Tel 04 68 45 28 50
Fax 04 68 45 28 78

Please mention that you saw the listing as a Le-Guide.com Restaurant of the Month

LE-GUIDE ** 2 STAR