Auberge de l'Empereur

We were on our way from Dijon to Bordeaux and were looking for a restaurant for lunch somewhere in between. My partner did his home work and recommended we should try this restaurant because it was closer to the highway. We arrived late around 2:40pm to this beautiful garden in the middle of nowhere. Of course, the chief had already left. However, we were greeted with the most kind and gentle co-owner (Xavier). He did not turn us away but instead went into the kitchen and surprised us with the pleasant and delicious lunch with full friendly service. We were so honored and delighted to meet such a friendly human being. During our trip to Bordeaux, we could not forget the unforgettable lunch experience, so we decided to return there for dinner. Of course, the atmosphere was purely delighted and romantic. We were so delighted to be there. The chief, whom we had the honored to meet, was also kind, quiet and gentle. The food was a pure classic French. We were so impressed with the chief creativity--fish and foie gras! This was the first but it worked magically well together. We had a wonderful 6 course meal. We've wined and dined around the world and met some incredible people. But Xavier and Maurice were on top of our list of the friendliest people. The food is pure and honestFrench cooking! We had one of most unforgettable meals in our lives so far. It is sad not knowing when we will return to L'Empereur again since it is 6 hrs drive from our house. By the way, we also stayed at the Auberge for one night. It was simple, clean and quiet and we had a good night of sleep after the wonderful meal and wine. It is worth it to stop by here for lunch or dinner. For dinner, book in advance to make sure you will have a table. You, too, will remember your experience here.

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The restaurant is located in the countryside, outside Ussel, in a tiny 'hameau'. To get there we had to pass 3 roundabout's and an industrial/ business area, which makes you feel you are on the wrong track.Once you are standing in front of the old farmhouse, you will not recognize the restaurant at first glance. (Only when we left the place we noticed the large, but very thin lettering on the outside wall.) However a small nameplate indicated we were at the correct address. Only when we climbed the outside steps, we saw the small terrace with the set outside tables, in the shade of the patio. Everything looked nice and welcoming. All China, glassware and cutlery on the tables is not matching, but still goes together very nicely.The inside restaurant is also very nice, but we choose an outside table.We visited on a Sunday, with a reservation. The terrace gradually filled up with French customers. The restaurant offered a couple of day specials, next to the choices of the card. Every dish was made with care and had lots of small, pleasant surprises as you may expect of a restaurant with a Michelin 'spoon and fork'.We drank an excellent Bergerac dry white wine.It was a wonderful culinary adventure trip. The friendly ladies served us pleasantly.The only minus points come for the comfort of the chairs with the flimsy pillows on them. After a while you become very aware of the steel hard seats.

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Tucked away behind an industrial estate on the south-western outskirts of Ussel, (exit 23 off E70 / A89 autoroute) is this delightful country auberge. On a Saturday in late May there were only two other couples enjoying an unpretentious but good quality lunch under the shade of a leafy terrace. We were offered choices between two starters (opted for home-smoked salmon and asparagus), two main courses (escalope of veal or cod), cheese and a couple of desserts. All were excellent and the total bill was a very reasonable €25 per head.I would suggest booking ahead, not because it is busy, but if there are no other diners booked in I suspect the auberge might not open - they certainly wouldn't expect any passing trade!We look forward to returning to this remote spot again!

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This restaurant is truly a highlight. It was really hard fur us to find, as the google map was not clear and took us to the wrong place.Not knowing the area we kept driving around until we finally found it. And we were so glad we did!!The service, ambience and the food could not be faltered. We had the best evening of our trip abs certainly the best meal.If you are in the area of Ussel plan to stop here for dinner.

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We were with a group of 16 for dinner for a nice get together. Atmosphere is perfect and the dinner even better. All in the good hands of the host Nathalie. Perfect!

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