I am spending a day at MSM here in June. Will arrive early in morning to beat some of the crowds (unable to stay overnight).
Curious on where would be the best spot to grab lunch on the island? Ive done some research and it appears La Sirene is a good spot. However, unsure what everyone's experiences have been. Any insight would be appreciated!
We ate at La Mere Poulard to have the omelette. It was outrageously priced and passable. I would recommend somewhere other than there; however, we knew we had to try it - so we went. I know nothing of La Sirene; but many places there are very overpriced. It is a wonderful walk. Enjoy.
Years ago I ate at a restaurant about half way up, on the right, that has a beautful patio in the back, looking out over the bay. It's a fairly "large" (for MSM) restaurant, and I ate there the BEST MUSSELS - in cream, with mild spices - that I have ever eaten in my life! I recall it wasn't terribly expensive... I travel on a modest budget. Sorry I don't recall the name.
We had dinner at the hotel at the top of the path just before the Abbey; the food was fine and the view was terrific.
Skip Mere Poulard for sure. It has been at least ten years since we stayed on the Mont and we just had to try the omelettes (the restaurant was not given a thumbs up by RS --should have taken that advice). The price was something ridiculous--how much can two eggs cost? There were no nice fillings offered--just plain. Service was terrible, bread & salads never arrived. We did not tip...
Unfortunately, the Poulard group controls over 90% of the restaurants and hotels on the island. The sad fact is, restaurants on MSM aren't really concerned with repeat business, as most people only go there once—and then for only one day/night. Don't get me wrong, I love MSM, and have been there twice. But fine cuisine isn't the attraction. I'd just look for a place with a good view. I did have a dinner at one of the Poulard venues last September about half-way up (La Vieille Auberge Mont Saint-Michel), with outdoor seating overlooking the bay to the Northeast. It was a fine meal, and a nicer view.
Our personal experience has been that the food/service/pricing everywhere on the Mount is ghastly. We did, however, have an excellent and reasonably priced breakfast at the du Roy Hotel back on the mainland. As the MSM trolley stops pretty much in front of the hotel and runs frequently during the hours you would reasonably be eating, I subset not eating on the Mount.
