La Réserve Rimbaud
Montpellier, France
⭐1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
“Montpellier the Gifted”, as the city likes to bill itself, provides the backdrop to this well-hidden restaurant on the banks of the Lez. Slightly off the beaten track, it boasts a divine riverside terrace shaded by plane trees – a refreshing haven in hot summers. This modern and sophisticated Reserve is located in an old country house, an Ali Baba’s cavern of gourmet delights, unearthed from the little-known repertory of Languedoc-Roussillon. Former second of Alain Dutournier at the Carré des Feuillants, Charles Fontès signs intelligent compositions that revolves around the ingredient. Subtle plays of textures and flavours with an overriding goal of authentic simplicity. Seabream, squid and red mullet, Camargues eels and Lucques olives feature among the appetisers – Occitania on the table!
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
Historic Legacy and Location: La Réserve Rimbaud is housed in a historic building dating back to 1875, originally established by Titus Rimbaud, whose legacy is so significant that the entire neighborhood is still known as Rimbaud. The restaurant survived major floods in the early 20th century that destroyed nearby cafés, making it a rare surviving trace of the past in Montpellier.
Cuisine Focused on Regional Authenticity and Simplicity: The restaurant’s Michelin-starred cuisine is notable for its inventive yet simple approach that emphasizes the authentic flavors and textures of exceptional regional raw materials from Occitania. Chef Charles Fontès and his team prioritize letting the origin and quality of ingredients speak for themselves without distorting their essence, creating subtle plays of texture and flavor inspired by nature and the seasons.
Unique Setting with Riverside Terrace: La Réserve Rimbaud offers a distinctive dining experience with a sunny terrace that follows the contours of the river Lez, shaded by plane trees. This setting provides a peaceful, luxurious riverside interlude close to the city center but removed from its bustle, combining natural beauty with refined gastronomy.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant La Réserve Rimbaud in Montpellier reflect the rich regional produce of Occitania and the surrounding Mediterranean area. Key ingredients include:
Seabream, squid, and red mullet: These fresh seafood items are frequently featured in appetizers and dishes, showcasing the coastal influence and the chef's focus on authentic, natural flavors.
Camargues eels: A local specialty from the Camargue region, these eels highlight the restaurant's commitment to regional raw materials and are used to bring unique textures and tastes to the menu.
Lucques olives: A prized olive variety from the region, Lucques olives add a distinctive flavor and Mediterranean character to the dishes, often used in starters or as complementary elements.
Roast saddle of lamb with hazelnut and rosemary panisse: This dish exemplifies the use of local meats and nuts, combined with traditional herbs and regional preparations like panisse (chickpea cake), emphasizing rustic yet refined flavors.
These ingredients are significant because they embody the restaurant's philosophy of simplicity and respect for the essence of exceptional regional products, allowing their natural contrasts, textures, and flavors to shine without alteration. The chef Charles Fontès draws inspiration from nature and the Occitanian terroir, making these ingredients central to the restaurant's identity and signature dishes.