‘LE CENTRAL’ – A GREAT BISTRO-STYLE RESTAURANT IN ROANNE

It is inevitable that our 'blogs' and the information on our website will contain an increasing number of features and references to the many, varied, and exceptionally good restaurants in Le Roannais.

This beautiful region is certainly a special gastronomic paradise for the 'foodie' as well as the 'winie' !

'Le Central' is yet another one of those special restaurants which you just simply never tire visiting.

Part of the famous 'Troisgros' empire, this beautifully and stylishly appointed eatery was created by Marie-Pierre and Michel Troisgros, and is set in an original 1920's hotel.

A bistro-styled restaurant with great panache. The essence of the 1920's is still present in it's interior decor and ambient mood lighting.

There is also a café-epicerie element to the place, where you can purchase a range of high quality 'grocery' products, including olive oil and pasta, all beautifully presented and  packaged to 'gift' standard.

'Le Central' is located, quite conveniently, in the centre of Roanne near the station, and right next door to 'Maison Troisgros', the  Michelin-starred restaurant of international and world renown.

In fact, it has been intimated that 'Le Central' assists in the training of new chefs and waiting staff in preparation for the premier quality of service required by its older and bigger brother of a restaurant next door.

 I'm not entirely sure if this is true or not, but there is no doubt that 'Le Central' is an exceptional restaurant in its own right, and we visit the place as regularly as we can, and  usually more often than not with some of our best friends!

(And, of course, even though it is not 3-starred, the quality within its menu is superb without the starry-eyed prices!)

The interior, as indicated by our photos, is sophisticated and well designed, and the service reflects this high standard.

We have never been disappointed, and they willingly accept and encourage family eating either during the day or night. Ellis, our 6 year old son, has eaten there almost as often as us.

They will always provide a small adaptation from their main menu to suit a small child's appetite.

It's always a delight! 

We went with some friends a week or so ago, and once again we had a very enjoyable evening.

For Les Hors D'Oeuvres:

I had 'Risotto d'escargots au beurre vert' 

Lucy had 'Jardinière de légumes printaniers au coulis de tomate'

For Les Viandes:

Both Lucy and I had 'Foies de Lapin poêlés a l'ail nouveau' (rabbit liver) – absolutely excellent!

To complement our evening dinner we chose a bottle of  'Saint Joseph 2005 Rouvière'  and  a bottle of Mercurey 2005 Juillot both good red wines.(We preferred the latter). 

We declined the superb choice of fromages, and went straight for dessert, one of 'Le Central's' specialities, and one of our favourites – 'Dariole au chocolat coulant, glace vanille'. ( Almost 'erotic' and certainly to 'die' for!) I can fully recommend it!

Just go! When you are next in town, of course! 

You won't be disappointed.

Le Central

20, Cours de la Republique

42300 Roanne

Telephone: 04 77 67 72 72