A meal at a good, traditional family-run French restaurant is always a special treat - and this is exactly what you will have in store if you decide to visit this smartly presented restaurant on bustling Lisburn Road.
La Bastille is quietly hidden away in a semi-basement, so there's a sense of discovery when you first find it, and (despite its obvious popularity) it somehow has a feeling of being a bit of a secret hideaway.
It's run by the owner, Guillaume Rabillat, who takes pride in offering an authentic French dining experience from the moment of arrival - when well trained staff are quick to welcome you and settle you in with a drink from the extensive list while you read the menus. Other than the carte, these are are written in English and not at all intimidating.
In the best French style there's quality and value on offer, especially on a two or three-course Menu du Jour, which is available on weekdays for lunch or in the evening. Sunday lunch and the carte offer the renowned onion soup with garlic, gruyere and croutons and mussels with a classic white wine sauce for starters, or perhaps frog leg bonbon.
Main courses include dishes that you would never get anywhere but a French restaurant, like pan fried bavette (flank steak); served with French fries, mushrooms and a red wine sauce; it may be closely related to our own steak and chips, but this handsome dish is light years away in aroma, presentation, texture and flavour. And, of course, no French menu would be complete without the world famous Boeuf Bourguignon.
Fish is spot on - perfectly cooked and nicely presented in the simple way that suits fish best, without any fussy frills - and you can finish in classic French style with one of the desserts that they do so well, creme brulée or luscious prunes in Armagnac - served in a glass the plump, boozy prunes are not too sweet and just perfect with the accompanying fromage blanc. Refreshingly, the full dessert menu steers clear of the chocolate-fest that so many restaurants now offer, and of course there is a cheese selection offered (at a small premium).
Good coffee to finish of course - and a wide choice of wines from a list that offers some great value alongside the classic treats, and shows a sense of humour too: look out for a reasonably priced and very drinkable red from Languedoc - Arrogant Frog.
The cooking, the ambience and the charming French waiting staff all work together here to create that elusive authenticity: La Bastille is well worth a visit.
