Le Grat
12 rue Sicard, 33000 Bordeaux, France
+33 (0)556511129
This restaurant is located in one of my favorite places in Bordeaux: the Place du Marché des Chartrons.
Just a 10 minute walk from the Tourist Office, this square is built around a beautiful octagonalmarket http://www.bordeaux.fr/l2473/halle-des-chartrons
The square is surrounded by restaurants and cafés and is absolutely brimming with life, especially when the weather is nice and people can sit outdoors. Furthermore, it is just far enough from the city center to have a genuine feel.
I often go to 2 restaurants there: El Nacional and Le Grat.
The owner and chef at Le Grat is Basque and the menu is faithful to that region’s cuisine. There were 3 of us and we had variously: razor clams, squid, stuffed piquillo peppers, salt cod in a pil-pil sauce, the inevitable duck breast, and a selection of Pyrenean cheeses.
Like many restaurants, Le Grat features a very reasonably priced weekday menu, but is à la carte on weekends. Prices are in the reasonable range and portions are generous. The wine list focuses on Spain, including a good choice of Rioja, up to and including aged Gran Reservas.
You can even order a glass of fino Sherry here!
The staff is particularly friendly and service is good.
The restaurant itself is quite small and cooking odors tend to invade the space. But sitting outside on the square on a summer’s day is delightful. Good value for money.
You will also enjoy discovering the nearby Cours Portal with its many food and wine shops, and the rue Notre Dame with its antique dealers and boutiques.