If you’re in Carcassonne and looking for a place to celebrate, or just for somewhere really good to eat, Restaurant La Marquière is the place to be. We had the pleasure of celebrating New Year’s Eve here, and it’s fair to say: it was a night to remember!
Situated on Rue Saint-Jean, La Marquière combines cozy charm with a touch of elegance, making it the perfect spot for a festive evening. We reserved a few days in advance and were seated upstairs, where the vibe was relaxed yet lively. The service was top-notch—attentive, friendly, and always on point without feeling rushed. Honestly, they made us feel like we were the only ones there, even though the restaurant was buzzing with people celebrating the end of the year.
Since it was New Year’s Eve, the restaurant offered a special set menu, and we couldn’t have been more pleased with the incredible dishes that came our way.
We kicked off the evening with a Mise en Bouche—a delicious feuilleté au saumon fumé (smoked salmon puff pastry) shaped like a little burger, served with a velvety avocado cream. It was a fun and flavorful way to start the evening, setting the tone for the feast ahead.
Next up was the first entrée: foie gras paired with compote de Nachi (a sweet fruit compote) and a croquant (a delightful crunchy element). The foie gras was rich and creamy, while the compote gave it a lovely sweetness and the crunch added just the right texture. It was like a perfect little bite of luxury.
For the main event, we were treated to two show-stopping dishes. First, the cocotte de homard thermidor (lobster Thermidor served in a casserole) paired with risotto aux morilles (morel mushroom risotto). The lobster was so tender, and the sauce was rich and indulgent—definitely a dish you savor with every bite. The risotto was creamy with that earthy morel flavor that just made everything feel extra special.
Then came the dos de chevreuil (venison loin), served with mousseline de marron (chestnut mousse), parsnip pearls and beans in a bold sauce poivrade (pepper sauce). The venison was cooked to perfection—tender, flavorful, and perfectly complemented by the rich, smooth chestnut mousse and the savory sauce. A true standout dish.
After we’d been thoroughly wowed by the main courses, we enjoyed a selection of cheeses —because, well, because cheese is always a good idea.
Then, the grand finale: dessert. We dug into a vacherin aux fruits exotiques (we weren’t sure what to expect with this – but it was a refreshing dessert with tropical fruits like pineapple, passion fruit, and mango), which was the perfect light and fruity finish to such a rich meal.
After dinner, we stepped outside to catch the fireworks over Carcassonne—a perfect way to end an unforgettable evening.
La Marquière is the kind of place where the food, the service, and the atmosphere all come together to create a truly memorable experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just in the mood to treat yourself to some seriously fantastic French cuisine, this restaurant is an absolute must. We left feeling happy, full, and totally enchanted by our night out. Highly recommend!
