 Think French bistro. Add in a magnificent beachside tropical setting. Then include friendly service. And mix with a wide variety of Thai, Seafood, International and, especially, the very best French cuisine. Have you got the picture yet? Even if you have, the real thing atLe Café des Arts has got to be even better than you’ve imagined.
Part of the French-owned Papillon Resort at the northernmost tip of
Chaweng Bay, this charming restaurant manages to combine the famous French ‘jouie de vie’ with Thailand’s world-renowned warmth and hospitality. And in doing so has created a lively, fun, and most relaxed atmosphere.
The name – Le Café des Arts – gives away something about what to expect of the restaurant. For the whole place is festooned with some beautiful décor and Lanna-style pieces of art from Chiang Mai. So many people were eating here then asking if they could to buy various things around them, that the owners decided to combine the restaurant with an Oriental showroom of sorts (there’s a separate boutique too). Not that you have to buy something!
And being at the top of the bay means that Le Café des Arts is away from the noisy centre of town, but still within easy reach. Travel by road or take a walk. It makes a lovely stroll along the beach (tide permitting), and you can build up an appetite in the process! The restaurant has the picturesque island – Koh Matlang – to one side, and the marvelous sweep of Chaweng Bay the other, with ample seating amongst the floodlit coconut trees and orchids all along the beachfront wall enabling you to take full advantage of the view.
And it’s a great place to come in the daytime for lunch, and a swim, too (the restaurant’s open from 6:00 am). But it’s in the evening, when the sun starts to go down, that Le Café des Arts really comes into its own, and transforms into this unique French/Thai bistro, complete with daily specials chalked up on blackboards. Which brings us nicely on to the food.
As I mentioned earlier, there’s Thai and international cuisine, plus seafood available. Wide varieties, too. But what makes Le Café des Arts so very special, and worth experiencing, is its oh-so-tasty French dishes. It really is French cooking at its absolute best.
And before you’ve even ordered your starters, a small plate of tapas-style appetizers is served. So if you’ve arrived with a ravenous hunger, you won’t be tearing into the bread basket, over-filling yourself while you’re waiting for your first course! And when it comes to starters, if you’ve never tried that most-famous French delicacy – Frogs’ Legs – do try it here. They’re especially imported from France, ensuring the very best quality and taste. And if you have had Frogs’ Legs before, have them again – here!
Oh, and another starter that you must try too is the outrageously delicious Soupe de Poisson sa Rouille at ses croutons, that’s French-style fish soup with crusty bread to you and me. You won’t find better. Anywhere.
“…and if you’ve never tried that most-famous French delicacy
Frogs’ Legs – do try it here.”
You’ll be tempted by the other dishes on the menu, such as the Filet de Poisson Sautés Poivre-ail – fried fish filet with garlic and pepper, but do try to stay with the French cuisine for the main courses too – if you can! Another famous French dish – Boeuf Bourguignon in a Burgundy wine sauce, with mashed potatoes – will have you singing the chef’s praises. And if you can finish the whole enormous serving, then you’re a greater man than me! And that also goes for the Confit de Canard et son gratin dauphinous – duck cooked in its own juices. Mmmmarvelous!
Desserts vary between a wide choice of crêpes, an assortment of ice-creams, and a special daily selection from a local patisserie – French, of course! And to accompany the meal there’s a full wine list with a range of New- and Old-World wines.
Dining at Le Café des Arts is a fun, tasty and enjoyable experience. And one that won’t hurt your pocket either! | 
