Le Carré Gourmand: A Culinary Jewel in Le Crotoy for an Unforgettable Somme Bay Dining Experience

Following our unforgettable trek across the mesmerizing Somme Bay, where we encountered fascinating local wildlife and savored the unique flavors of wild sea plants, culminating in our delightful sea plant pesto recipe, we are thrilled to share another highlight from our adventure: our review of Le Carré Gourmand. Nestled in the charming coastal town of Le Crotoy, this restaurant proved to be a true culinary find, perfectly capping off our exploration of the region.

If your travels bring you to Le Crotoy and you’re searching for an exceptional place to eat, we cannot recommend Le Carré Gourmand highly enough! This establishment is more than just a restaurant; it’s a meticulously crafted dining experience, a genuine “little jewel” offering fresh, exquisitely prepared, and reasonably priced dishes right in the heart of Le Crotoy. What truly sets it apart is its intimate atmosphere and personalized service. As the French beautifully express it, the service is “soigné,” meaning it’s delivered with immense care, attention to detail, and a polished refinement, largely thanks to the restaurant’s deliberate choice to serve a maximum of just 28 guests at a time. This limited capacity ensures that every diner receives dedicated attention, making each meal feel like a special occasion.

Related Post : 10 Things to Do in Somme Bay, France

Our visit to Le Carré Gourmand was a bit of a race against the clock. The restaurant opens its doors for lunch at 12:30 PM, and we absolutely had to be at the starting point for our Somme Bay trek by 1:30 PM. This gave us a mere 45 minutes to enjoy our meal. Despite the tight schedule, the team at Le Carré Gourmand managed to deliver a perfect, unhurried lunch, allowing us to savor every moment and every delicious flavor packed into our quick culinary stop in Le Crotoy. It’s a testament to their efficiency and commitment to guest satisfaction that we felt completely at ease, never rushed, and thoroughly delighted by the experience.

The menu at Le Carré Gourmand is thoughtfully curated, not extensive, which is often a sign of quality and freshness. Each day, they present a focused selection of starters, main courses, and desserts, ensuring that every ingredient is at its peak. Dining here typically involves a set menu, ranging from 29€ to 40€ per person (excluding drinks), which includes a starter, a main dish, and a dessert. Given our strict time constraint for the Somme Bay trek departure, we opted for the à-la-carte option, choosing just a main dish and dessert. We consulted with the chef, explaining our situation, and he graciously recommended the fastest options without compromising on taste or quality. His suggestion, which we eagerly accepted, was the “cabillaud” (cod) with chorizo, and for dessert, the revisited lemon meringue tart with buckwheat biscuits. This was precisely what we had been most tempted by on the menu, so we were thrilled with his recommendation!

As we previously highlighted in our article about our Somme Bay adventure, this picturesque region is famously known for its unique delicacy: “agneau présalé,” or saltmarsh lamb. This special lamb earns its name from its distinctive diet; it grazes on the salt-tolerant plants that thrive in the marshlands of the Somme Bay, such as salicorne (sea beans) and sea lavender. This natural diet imbues the meat with a subtly salty, incredibly tender, and profoundly flavorful quality when cooked, setting it apart from conventionally raised lamb. We have had the pleasure of enjoying “agneau présalé” in other excellent restaurants across the region, and it is truly an unforgettable culinary treat. Given its rarity and unique provenance, it commands a higher price (we noted it was around 35€ at Le Carré Gourmand during our visit). Preparing this exquisite dish also requires a bit more time than other options, which, to our slight disappointment, meant we weren’t able to indulge in it at Le Carré Gourmand on this particular visit due to our tight schedule. However, it’s certainly on our list for our next trip to Le Crotoy! If you’re planning a visit and are searching where to eat in Le Crotoy with the specific desire to experience the legendary “agneau présalé,” Le Carré Gourmand is a place where you can find this esteemed local specialty.

Now, let’s dive back into the details of our delightful meal at Le Carré Gourmand!

Our Culinary Journey at Le Carré Gourmand

Cod with chorizo, coconut rice and steamed salicorne

Our main course was a masterclass in balancing flavors and textures. The pan-seared cod, flaky and perfectly cooked, formed the heart of the dish. Its delicate, sweet flavor was beautifully complemented by the rich, smoky notes of chorizo, which added a wonderful depth and a slight piquancy. Accompanying this was a bed of creamy coconut rice, offering a subtle sweetness and velvety texture that rounded out the dish with an exotic touch. Finally, the steamed salicorne, harvested directly from the nearby Somme Bay, provided a vibrant green crunch and a refreshing brininess that cut through the richness, elevating the entire plate. Each component was meticulously prepared, demonstrating the chef’s commitment to showcasing fresh, local ingredients with a refined touch. The presentation was as appealing as the flavors, a true feast for the senses.

Revisited lemon meringue tart with buckwheat biscuits

For dessert, we were treated to a “revisited” lemon meringue tart, a delightful modern twist on a classic. This wasn’t just any tart; it was a clever deconstruction or reinterpretation, featuring distinct layers and components that offered a playful yet sophisticated experience. The sharp, zesty lemon curd provided a vibrant burst of citrus, perfectly balanced by the airy, sweet meringue, likely torched to a beautiful golden brown. What made it particularly intriguing were the buckwheat biscuits. These added an unexpected nutty flavor and a satisfying crunchy texture, contrasting wonderfully with the creamy lemon and soft meringue. It was a dessert that truly showcased the chef’s creativity and ability to elevate familiar flavors into something fresh and exciting, leaving us with a lasting impression of innovation and taste.

Planning Your Visit to Le Crotoy? Here’s Why Le Carré Gourmand is a Must-Visit!

Le Carré Gourmand is truly a standout dining destination in Le Crotoy, offering much more than just a meal. It provides an authentic taste of the Somme Bay region’s rich culinary traditions, elevated by a chef who clearly prioritizes fresh, local ingredients and a refined approach to classic dishes. The intimate setting, coupled with “soigné” service, creates a welcoming and memorable experience that feels both exclusive and genuinely warm. Whether you are a local resident or a traveler exploring the charming fishing village of Le Crotoy and the stunning natural beauty of Somme Bay, this restaurant promises a dining experience that will be a highlight of your trip.

Have you had the pleasure of dining at Le Carré Gourmand during your visit to Le Crotoy? Or perhaps you’re now inspired to make it a part of your upcoming travel plans to the Somme Bay region? We’d love to hear about your experiences or what you’re most excited to try. Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!

Le Carré Gourmand
53 rue Porte du Pont
80550 Le Crotoy
Tel : 03 22 27 46 72

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