Sincere cuisine and wine at the Pic Saint-Loup in Les Matelles

Le Pic Saint-Loup

A restaurant in the middle of the countryside, yet only a 20 minutes drive from Montpellier, that’s Le Pic Saint-Loup. And I’m not referring to the mountain, which is the name giver of the Pic Saint-Loup area, including 36 villages. Medieval Les Matelles is one of them and is home to Le Pic Saint-Loup, the restaurant. Being surrounded by vineyards, it’s not surprising that the restaurant is housed in an old wine storehouse, a so-called ‘chai’. And during the summer months, they like to fire up their barbecue.

Hackberry trees

Chéri and I had gotten up early on a Sunday morning, leaving the teenagers behind while we hiked up and down the summit of Pic Saint-Loup. The reason why I wanted to leave early was because I wanted to conclude our walk with lunch at the restaurant Le Pic Saint-Loup. Quickly changing our sports outfits into more elegant ones, we drove 20 minutes from Cazevieille (the end of the hike) to Les Matelles. And there, we entered the spacious garden where the hackberry tree leaves played with the sunshine, creating a welcoming shade on the terrace. Beside the tall trees, the set tables, some quirky lounge areas and string lights, it didn’t need more decoration. They even have an aromatic vegetable garden.

Le Pic Saint-Loup

Barbecue menu

I did have a peek inside, though, and to my surprise, there was a whole dining room downstairs with classic stone walls, a wall in one of my favourite greens, and a high ceiling supported by sturdy beams. I can imagine sitting here comfortably as well. Chéri and I were there in late summer, and the barbecue was still on. So, we were completely happy to choose from the barbecue menu. It offered choices between four starters (12 to 14 euros), four main courses (19 to 26 euros), two side dishes (5 euros each), and two desserts (8 to 10 euros). Off-season, they offer a set menu for 44 euros (three courses) or 38 euros (two courses). The restaurant calls itself ‘locavore’, and the chef mostly buys the ingredients from reasonable and sustainable agriculture nearby. Not to forget their excellent wine list, which mainly includes wines from Occitanie but also from further away.

Les Matelles

Chef’s mood

Le Pic Saint-Loup team love their restaurant and enthusiastically share this special place. And you can feel it in every bite of their wonderful food, prepared according to the chef’s mood. You might enjoy some real French classics or maybe an oriental twist. Chéri and I started with a veal satay and a grilled eggplant oriental style, followed by an Aubrac steak and a plate full of gambas. Side dishes had to be ordered separately, so we got one of each (smashed potatoes with the perfect crunch and grilled vegetables). The last course consisted of a simple but effective runny chocolate cake and a beautifully constructed apple/pear dessert. What an excellent way to round off our day in the Pic Saint-Loup area. Le Pic Saint-Loup moved from my wish list to my favourites list without a doubt.

Le Pic Saint-Loup
TO EAT - Restaurants
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