When you think of France, Paris is the city that most often comes to mind. This could be because it is actually the most visited city in not just France, but the whole world. However a little know fact about Versailles, France is that it has over thirty thousand visitors every day! This southwestern town in France is truly a show stopper. It is just a short distance from Paris, but a town not to be missed. The thousands of visitors to Versailles are often there to visit the Chateau. The Chateau is a wonderful castle that was built by Louis XIV. It’s heralded for it’s wonderful museum and architecture. However no city in France would be a worth it’s weight, without the draw of the most spectacular French restaurants. So how does Versailles match up when it comes to the finest cuisine that France has to offer? In a word: superbly! Below are some wonderful restaurants you must try when visiting the wonder of Versailles.
1. Gordon Ramsay au Trianon
Gordon Ramsay is known in the U.S. for being the hard hitting chef on reality shows that deal with fine dining. It’s easy to forget that this man has fantastic restaurants world wide. The Gordon Ramsay au Trianon in Versailles is just one of many. This restaurant is beyond great with 2 Michelin stars. This is Gordon Ramsay’s exclusive tribute to the French. There are only ten tables in this restaurant and you’ll dine on cuisine Foie gras, a politically incorrect fare that many French love. Of course Chef Ramsay prepares his Foie gras in two ways for your dining pleasure. There’s also the indulgent Petrossian caviar and lobster for those who love the best. The lamb at Gordon Ramsay au Trianon is especially spectacular. The lamb is smoked stomach side down and comes served with a wonderful lamb sause or jus as the French call it. There’s even roasted pigeon to round out your dining experience. Gordon Ramsay has chosen a magnificent location for his Michelin starred restaurant. The Parc de Versailles is in the background; which simply adds to the ambiance and a one of a kind dining experience. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday.
2. Sister’s Cafe
Yes you’ve read the name correctly. It’s Sister’s Cafe and yes, American cuisine is their specialty. When most Americans travel abroad, they want a new aesthetic experience; however after a while Americans will start to crave the cuisine of their home country. In come: Sister’s Cafe. There’s a real nostalgia here with American folklore throughout the restaurant. You’ll see route 66 highlighted through out the decor and you’ll notice the various plaques places strategically to give every diner the feeling of being in the old U.S. of A. The fare in Sister’s Cafe is truly divine. Sister’s has actually been touted as having the best American food outside of Paris. No small feat. You will find hamburgers that rival any popular high end steak house in America and the desserts are delights for the senses as well. There’s apple pies and even cheesecake to satisfy your sweet tooth. When traveling in Versailles, you can get caught up in the beauty and delight of France. However when you need a culinary quick trip back to your homeland; visit Sisters Cafe to satisfy your American taste buds. The restaurant is open every day and even some holidays.
3. Le Petite Venise
Le Petite Venise translated: Little Venise is a wonderful restaurant experience for those who love Italian food. This restaurant is inside a castle and has gone through recent renovations. Because of the recent improvements, you’ll find that the interior is upper class or top notch. There is a terrace to complete the scenery. Not so typical of fine French dining is the take out feature at Le Petite Venise. Although this is a French restaurant, their specialty is Italian cuisine. You’ll find that the Italian menus are translated into French for your dining pleasure. There are also French favorites like the rabbit in almond sauce. The restaurant is open every day and can be a bit pricey. However visiting Le Petite Venise is a great way to experience Italian food in a wonderful French town.
4. Au Chapeau Gris
For the quintessential French dining experience Au Chapeau Gris is the place to dine. There are two salons or dining areas to choose from. One has 60 seats and is called the “Salon Brown”. The room is done up in light brown wooden accents with the truly French white table cloths and setting throughout. The “Salon Chasse” is decked out in dark brown and beige. It’s truly French decor at it’s best. You’ll dine on exotic foods like: Calf’s head with vegetables; Dauphiné-styled cream potatoes and leg of duck in a honey sauce. Of course the discriminating palette will also find Escalope of salmon and lobster sauce and a grilled sirloin steak to die for. The steamed vegetables are done just right and are seasoned to perfection. There are special Sunday deals and even a list for vegetarians. With the typically rich foods you find in France, having a lighter vegetarian option puts Au Chapeau Gris in a class by itself.
5. L’angelique
L’angelique is a wonderful and quintesentially French restaurant. The location at: 27 Avenue de Saint-Cloud couldn’t be better located. You can park your vehicle on the street and enter with no parking difficulties. The restaurant has recently won their first Michelin star and it’s well deserved. Although this would be the catalyst for a pretentious environment in many restaurants, L’angelique still seems very inviting to all it’s guests. While L’angelique delivers the typical French fare with few surprises, their sauses are what take the cake, literally. You know the French are famous for their sauces but again L’angelique takes it to another level. Particularly is the duck sauce divine. The only thing the restaurant could work on a bit is the etiquette of the servers. I’m sure with it’s first Michelin belt in tow, that will happen soon.
6. The Baladin Saint Louis
If you walk in what is call “The old Sain Louis” neighborhood of Versailles you’ll no doubt be greeted by the main cathedral in town and just minutes from there is a wonderful restaurnt right in the heart of town. The Baladin Saint Louis is so warm and welcoming, you’ll question whether you’re actually in France. The owner Marie-Christine is responsible for the truly welcoming atmostsphere. The French/Mediterranean cuisine is just as delightful. You’ll find unique appetizing delights like Pork cheek salad, Poached egg with salmon, Stir fry quail in honey and Camembert cheese roasted in caramel. Two main dishes not to be missed are: Chicken leg stuffed with Vallée d’Auge apples and Cassoulet with preserve duck. There’s also a decent wine list.
I find the Baladin Saint Louis to be truly unique in the way it’s designed and separated. There are three sections and a terrace for your dining pleasure. No matter whether you’re visiting for business, with family or for a romantic date, there’s an area in the restaurant to suit your event. You’ll also find that every area is decorated with a warmness that relaxes you when you’re seated. The area itself is a bit out of the way and you won’t have trouble parking or finding a nice place to walk after your meal. The restaurant is usually closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Dining in Versailles is truly an adventure and delight for the senses. It’s close proximity to Paris invites you to visit for the cuisine and stay a while for the French regality and scenery.
