Le Balthazar - Carcassonne

We visited the City of carcassonne in late September 2015 for a few days. On our trip to the walled city we chose to sit outside in this restaurant as it was sunny and not overly busy. First thing the waiter did when he eventually appeared was make sure we weren't just in for drinks. Anyone that tried was waved away in a brusque manner. We wanted lunch so we're allowed to stay. Pretty pointless really as it took another 25 minutes for him to grudgingly come back after pointedly ignoring me. So close, but when we asked for tomato in our omelette he grew exasperated and disappeared back inside. Thinking he was asking the chef we waited another 10 minutes then admitted defeat and moved to the great and friendly. Little restaurant across the way. From other reviews I see we are not alone in our experience. No excuse for such service, it was just damned rude. Avoid.

Decided to have lunch in the old Cité but away from the maddening crowds of coach trips. Nice shady terrace away from the wind. Mr Balthazar arrived as we chose a table. He didn't smile and when my hubby asked for a carafe of sangria - Mr B just shrugged and pointed at the next table saying "I am going to serve them first " then turned his back and did just that. 10 mins later he arrives again with a jug of sangria which was nice and home made. We ordered salads which again were good and very fresh. The price was not bad too. However this man spoilt it. Surly and almost unpleasantly ignorant. Shame on you sir if you are the owner, a smile costs nothing.....

Malgré l'accueil un peu froid, le serveur est poli et serviable. Nous nous sommes régalés: mon mari a mangé un cassoulet qui était très bon et,moi, une salade au magret très bonne aussi. Le fondant au chocolat est délicieux.Heureusement, que nous n'avions pas vu les avis sur TripAdvisor car nous n'y serions pas allés...comme quoi, les goûts et les couleurs...

We chose this restaurant because it wasn't as busy as others in the town. We were there in the middle of August on a sunny day and sat outside. Our orders were taken but two main meals arrived first - so our children tucked in, and had virtually finished before our meals arrived. Our son's steak was only half eaten - I was about to tell him not to be fussy but to eat up when I noticed that the steak was mostly gristle. When I drew the waitress's attention to this, she told me the regular butcher was on holiday! As if that excused it. When I went to pay, I again drew their attention to the fact that the steak had been largely inedible and suggested they might like to give us one pudding on the house. Despite another waitress muttering that she'd seen his steak and agreed it was sub-standard, I was told the owner wouldn't agree. I wish I had demanded to speak to the owner. I didn't want to make a scene in front of the children though.

Accueil médiocre,serveur au bord du suicide! La salade de l' entrée tiède, frites surgelées, et cuisse de canard pas terrible. A éviter !