Le Trastevere in Villefranche-sur-Mer – great value dining in a superb location – definitely an epicurian experience not to be missed!
All together now …. I do like to be beside the quay side – yes, it was quay. The one at Villefranche to be precise. To be even more exact the Trastevere. Trastevere an old section of Rome across the Tiber that is now ultra chic, good information for dining in Villefranche and visiting Rome in one – not bad. Back to the quayside dining.
Given you can sit by the water and look out over the harbour, you would expect the prices to be high. Wrong. The prices are great. Menu wise it is good too with the usual variety (typical rather than being anything hugely different to the norm), together with nice plat du jours.
I can also report that the quality and portions are pretty good too, so it is value, good value.
The service is friendly, not in your face attentive, you do have to work for their attention – yes, this is France, yes it comes with the territory though in this case they were not at all surly, only too happy to help.
Do try and book a quay side table as it adds that extra bit to the dining experience. There was no rush to move us on even when the kitchens were closed, drinks could still be had. If you read between the lines you will be able to cheerfully sit by the dock of the bay and watch time slip away – lovely – dock of the bay, may try and work that into a song.
Should the urge for activity rush into your veins then make sure you have somewhere a towel and your swimwear for a trot down to the beach for an active hour or two in the sun – tough work but someone has to do it.
If you go on Sundays then there is the usual antiques market to pass some time before and after lunch. Done that? Then what about a simple meander through the old streets, past the Citadel? You could of course be really adventurous and set off across the bay towards Cap Ferrat and take the walk to Beaulieu – better yet, push your chair back, top up the glass, consider whether maybe the café gourmand or one of the other lovely ample desserts would be more fun – you know what, they would be more fun!
CONTACT DETAILS
Le Trastevere
7, quai de l’Amiral Courbet
06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer
Tel: 04 93 01 94 26
All images © Mike Colquhoun
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