In One Bite:
Located in the charming historic centre of Bergerac, L’Imparfait is housed in a classic medieval building and has a reputation for crafting French cuisine that’s unapologetically rich and moreish.
Standout Features
The Atmosphere: The delightful setting of the restaurant is in keeping with the beauty to be found on the streets of Bergerac. The place has a historical quality that, combined with stylish interiors, results in an elegant backdrop evoking old traditions. Staff are welcoming, professional, warm and attentive without being intrusive.
Regional Cuisine: The menu proudly features Dordogne’s local produce, which includes foie gras, river seafood, mushrooms and much more besides, as well as the notoriously excellent wines. The chef specialises in refining typical regional flavours and giving them a personal touch. The local ingredients are the undisputed protagonists, and diners will find that there’s also consistency in the execution and artistry in the plating.
The Decadence: From the delicate amuse-bouches to the substantial mains, indulgence is the key word – and this is meant in the best way possible. Offering multi‑course meals with foie gras, scallops, escargot, meat (with sometimes two or more of these combined together) results in an abundance of luxurious flavours and creamy textures. It’s a menu that feels like extravagance and stirs up a sense of celebration.
Star Dishes
(Subject to change)
L’Apologie du Gras is a glorious entrée that celebrates the richness and sensory depth of fat. A coming together of bone marrow and snails in green butter, it reaffirms the restaurant’s focus on wonderful textures. Satisfying and visually striking, this dish makes for a bold and memorable tasting experience.
The Noix de Saint-Jacques are particularly noteworthy seared scallops: tender, flavourful and well paired with prawns, gnocchi and a foamy mushroom sauce. L’Imparfait is well regarded for its seafood preparations and this dish is a perfect example of this.
The excellent Filet de Bœuf is served with a seared slice of foie gras on a bed of seasonal vegetables and morel mushroom jus, then crowned by a delicately sliced and rolled crispy potato. It’s a headliner of a dish and perhaps the best representation of what the restaurant does best.
Final Morsel: should you visit?
L’Imparfait has a strong rustic feel and yet it’s oh-so-elegant. It blends Dordogne’s culinary traditions with fine dining flair, and allows diners to enjoy an impressive and reasonably priced menu in a warm, polished atmosphere reminiscent of bygone times. Since it perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Bergerac, it should be included in the itinerary of any visitor, especially the romantically inclined.
Photo Credit: Mersa Auda
L’Imparfait is in Bergerac, France (8 Rue des Fontaines, 24100). For more information or to book, visit their website here.
— Mersa Auda
