L’Assiette Champenoise is one of those gastronomic havens I had been eyeing for quite some time but never quite managed to book. With our plans often made too last minute, it remained elusive—until a friend suggested a Thursday evening reservation for four the following week. Needless to say, I agreed with an eager smile, adding that Friday lunch would also be a great option. And, as luck would have it, we secured a coveted table for lunch on that Friday.

This delightful opportunity came at the perfect time, setting the tone for a Rotary weekend in Reims. What could be a better way to kick off a weekend than by indulging in the culinary magic of a Relais & Châteaux destination?

Atmosphere and Ambience

Before diving into the food, it’s worth pausing to appreciate the serene surroundings of L’Assiette Champenoise. The restaurant is nestled in a peaceful setting that exudes elegance without the pretension. Everything about the atmosphere invites relaxation—the calm, the meticulous attention to detail, and of course, the warm and flawless service. From the moment you step through the doors, it’s clear that you’re about to embark on an unforgettable culinary journey.

Adding to the pleasure of the experience, we were able to begin our meal with a glass of champagne on the terrace. The weather was on our side, allowing us to fully enjoy this picturesque moment. Later, we returned to the terrace for coffee and a final drink, basking in the beauty of the setting. It’s these small moments that transform a meal into an experience.

The Menu: A Symphony of Flavors

One of the great advantages of dining at L’Assiette Champenoise, even for lunch, is that all the menus are available. This meant we didn’t have to settle for a pared-down version; instead, we could dive into the full “Saveur” menu—a feast for the senses.

Here’s what graced our table:

• 1 Appetisers
• Starters
  • 2 RADISH / Green vegetable water
  • 3 TOMATO P. RICHARD / Tomato water
  • 4 BRETON MACKEREL / Spices
• Main Courses
  • 5 BRISTLEBAR FROM THE BRETON COASTS / Onion J.S Caillot
  • 6 POULARDE COUR D’ARMOISE / Poulette sauce
• Cheese
  • 7 An exceptional selection by Philippe Olivier
• Dessert
  • 8 RASPBERRY P. RICHARD / Honey from the park’s hives
• 9 Accompanied by a magnificent Riesling Heimbourg 2018 Domaine Zind Humbrecht

Each dish was a masterclass in flavor, craftsmanship, and creativity. From the refreshing burst of vegetable water accompanying the radish starter to the rich and succulent poularde, every plate was a revelation. The mackerel, in particular, with its delicate balance of spices, stood out as a highlight.

What truly made the experience shine, however, was the service. Impeccable yet relaxed, the staff managed to strike the perfect balance of professionalism and warmth, laced with just the right amount of humor. Their natural approach added a lighthearted charm that made us feel both well cared for and entirely at ease.

An Unforgettable Culinary Experience

Despite the restaurant being fully booked, the atmosphere felt intimate, as if we were in our own private corner of the world. The hours seemed to fly by. Five hours passed in what felt like the blink of an eye, a testament to the immersive nature of the experience.

From start to finish, our visit to L’Assiette Champenoise was nothing short of spectacular. The combination of exquisite food, impeccable service, and the tranquil setting left us eager to return. The memory of this lunch lingers, and we’re already planning our next visit—with friends in tow—when our travels take us back to Reims.

If you’re ever in the region and manage to secure a reservation, trust me: you’re in for a treat. By the way the BRISTLEBAR dish (5) should be designated as signature dish… it was phenomenal.