L’Essentiel in Sète is Your Happy Place along the Beach
A wonderful lunch or dinner, enhanced by the stunning view of the Mediterranean is the best!
Come with a smile as it doesn’t cost a thing and gives a lot. These exact words (ok, in French…) welcome you to the restaurant L’Essentiel in Sète. The location right at the beginning (or the end, depending on where you are coming from) of the Lido- the stretch of sand between Sète and Marseillan- will make you feel like you are in heaven. And no matter how many people are on the terrace, the staff of this cheerful place always greet you with big smiles. Their enthusiasm is contagious, further enhanced by the stunning view of the Mediterranean and the wonderful food.
Lovey Spot
It was one of those beautiful Sundays that called for a lunch outdoors. So, I had booked us a table at Sète based L’Essentiel. Their expansive terrace is partly shaded while embracing the sea view. Chéri and I weren’t the only ones savouring this charming spot, as evidenced by the non-stop waiting line. Even after finishing our coffee/tea, people still stood in line hoping for a table. And this was in March! I can’t imagine how long the line must be in summer… So, take this piece of advice: make a reservation before you go. Rest easy knowing that straw hats and/or blankets are on hand to protect you from sun or cold.
Genuine Smile
L’Essentiel is a family business run by sister Corinne Nicoulet and brother Denis Limon since 2018. Even though it was a busy Sunday, they and their staff kept a genuine smile on their faces. The restaurant itself features two parts. One part is designed for dining and bar service. Although the interior looks inviting, I’m not sure if people ever eat inside as the terrace is simply too tempting. The second part hosts the kitchen, where Chef Lilou likes to work her magic with mostly organic and seasonal produce. She elevates traditional local recipes with lots of fresh herbs, spices and vegetables. The menu, displayed on a blackboard, offers enticing options for tapas, starters, mains, and desserts. And the waitress also mentioned some daily options.
Plateful of Colours
The standout dish is the vegetarian plate (‘assiette végétarienne’) for 22 euros. It’s marked as a starter, and although it looked tempting, Chéri and I picked two tapas instead. After indulging in the oysters and padron peppers with a great savoury seasoning, we were happy to have room for the main course. Chéri had spotted a linguines pasta with palourdes, the French vongoles. I was too captivated by my daily option: a plateful of colours surrounding a seabream in a fantastic sauce, so I forgot to take a picture of Chéri’s dish. A coffee and tea gourmand rounded off our perfect Sunday lunch, featuring three classic French desserts. As we passed the waiting line, Chéri and I already longed for our next visit…
Good to Know
L’Essentiel is a family restaurant run by siblings Corinne Nicoulet and Denis Limon. Chef Lilou cooks fabulous dishes with a twist on traditional classic recipes. The restaurant operates every day from 09h00 to 17h30 in winter and from 09h00 to 23h00 in summer. The terrace is spacious and offers both seats in the shade and sun. Besides lunch and dinner, you can also stop for ‘gourmet breaks’. Highly popular, especially during the weekend and peak season, you better make a reservation before you go.
Parking
Right next to the restaurant, you will find a parking lot called Parking Konrad Adenauer, free from October to April. Located along Route des Quatre Chansons, it’s easily accessible via the roundabout.
L’Essentiel
292 Promenade du Lido
34200 Sète
+33 (0)4 67 51 15 40