La Belle Etoile

Rating: 13
Author: Gault&Millau

285 promenade de la Batellerie, 24250 La Roque-Gageac, France

13/20
Chef's Restaurant

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10 PHOTOS

Location: La Roque-Gageac
Chef: Régis OngaroThéo Ongaro
Cooking: Local | Traditional
Services: Children's Menu, Pets allowed, Terrace
Style: Romantic

Budget (€)

Indicative price per person (excl. drinks)

42 to 64

Gault&Millau's review 2026

13/20

Chef's Restaurant

Without a doubt, this restaurant offers a picturesque view: nestled between the cliff and the Dordogne River, facing the river, it is tucked away in the heart of a remarkable cluster of stone houses. The dining room, located on the first floor, captures the gentle charm of the Périgord. With stone floors, exposed beams, and tables spaced well apart and set without tablecloths, the rustic-chic atmosphere is very comfortable. As for the cuisine, it remains rooted in a classic style open to contemporary influences: high-quality ingredients are enhanced by well-chosen seasonings. The foie gras bar is a hit thanks to its balanced seasoning and the freshness provided by the mango jelly. The thin langoustine ravioli, crafted with apparent artisanal simplicity, charm with their delicacy, even if the promised bisque is unfortunately reduced to a few decorative splashes around the plate. The Arcachon sole, fresh and cooked to perfection, is accompanied by fish roe and elegant ribbons of vegetables that add dimension to the presentation, but the promised creamy fish stock remains too subtle. The veal sweetbreads, melt-in-your-mouth tender and golden under a thin, crispy crust, rest on a bed of chanterelle mushrooms; the accompanying celeriac tartlet, with a finesse almost like that of a pastry, confirms the extreme care taken with each dish. We finish with the chocolate-coffee namelaka, which delightfully plays with the textures of chocolate—from a melting cream to a more intense mousse and a shortbread tuile—despite an ice cream that’s a touch too firm. The compositions are refined, the execution meticulous, and the plating impeccably executed. The wine list, featuring just over eighty selections and numerous half-bottles, gives a fair representation of the Southwest and Bordeaux at reasonable prices.