Didier & Stephanie's, Swansea

We have eaten here a few times - but no more!! The food is overpriced and the atmosphere stuffy. The staff are arrogant. The last time we attended I had very bad food poisoning and their attitude was appalling. Beware - we asked for half a bottle of wine and instead of telling us that they had run out they gave us a full bottle and charged for it. Certainly a restaurant that we will not be returning to and would not recommend.

Having read a number of reviews which made reference to Stephanie's issues with diner punctuality it came as no surprise when I rang for a lunchtime reservation to be told "Yes, but you must come at twelve". What did surprise me was my dining partner, following a struggle to find a parking place, hot-footing it down the road towards Dider and Stephanie's to ensure we arrived on time, such was her concern at receiving a Gallic ear-bashing.

The interior, tastefully decorated, accommodates a maximum of 7 or 8 tables. There was no more than a gentle murmur of conversation from the other lunchtime diners so we weren't drowned out by boisterous revelry.

Initially we were served bread (we both thought it was home made) with lashings of butter. I ordered a half bottle of Chardonnay which seemed a little steep at £12, but I was really "feeling it" and didn't want to have a lager as I usually would have done.

The thought of French food leaves me slightly cold. Blame it on a few unsuccessful sorties into French-speaking restaurants on past holidays. But I'm now a convert. Our starters (baked egg and shrimp; black pudding in filo pastry with a mustard sauce) arrived and were, frankly beautifully presented. It's rare I fumble around for a camera to photograph a piece of black pudding, but this dining experience was fast turning into an occasion to savour. The starters tasted as good as they looked. And then the mains arrived....

My companion chose sea bass, I chose haddock in a leek sauce. It's too late to apologise to the other diners for the snorting noises and groans coming from my table, but seriously, you had to taste the haddock. It's not often I am told off for showing my sex face while eating a bit of smoked fish but this was simply divine. The leek sauce mustn't go without mention either.

Mains were served with the smoothest mashed potato I have ever tasted and some seasonal vegetables (green beens, carrots).

Despite being reasonably full we greedily opted for dessert (apple and cinamon cake with ice cream; forgotten my companion's option). The pud was good (ice cream excellent) but not in the same league as the haddock.

We paid £16.95 for three courses (the bass had an additional £3 surcharge), plus drinks. For a special occasion I would genuinely highly recommend it. And don't be afraid (as I was) of French cuisine.

Our table was in the bay window so we had a great spot to people watch, and decided to have coffees. The coffee was excellent, and they brought refills too. Not to mention some small biscuits.

Bad Bits.

Nothing significant. As mentioned I baulked a little at paying £12+ for a half-bottle of wine but maybe that's a standard price (I rarely drink wine in a restaurant). But my chief gripe, especially in a restaurant of only seven tables, is that if diners finished their meal fifteen minutes ago, drank their coffee and are looking around restlessly trying to get your attention, please, for the love of God, ask if they need anything. Don't make them have to call out, or do a runner. It's a no-brainer that they want the bloomin' bill.

A special evening which turned into disappointment. We arrived and were shown to our table, the waitress took our wine order from a very limited list and knew nothing of wine. The indifferent french waitress took our meal order and when our starters arrived as an afterthought they brought some bread! The starters(Snails and Asparagus)were tasteless although the mains (Seabass and Steak) were excellent. The desert best forgotten about, Chocolate and pear tart was entirely frozen and totally inedible. We complained to the waitress which fell on deaf ears and I presume that because we were the last of the six dinners that evening (friday) they couldn't wait to see us leave.

This restaurent is superb, on our last recent visit we were a table of eight with four first timers, all four thought it was an excellent restaurant. Stephanie & the girls looked after us brilliantly. This restaurant has got to be one of the best if not the best in Swansea. Delicious food and house wine,with excellent service. We've eaten here on several special occasions over the years and have never been disapointed.

Visited Didier and Stephanies for the first time last night and what an experience. THe food was absolutely divine, the best meal myself and my husband have ever had. The service was fantastic, what a lovely lady Stephanie is. We will be returning as soon as we possibly can!

Echoing the previous sentiments by other reviewers, this restaurant is one not to be overlooked. In fact I think it's the best in Swansea. Delicious food/wine accompanied by excellent service, we've eaten here on special occasions for the past few years and have never failed to be delighted by the experience. The fish is always cooked to perfection, accompanied by exquisite sauces that the French are renowned for, all in a beautiful yet relaxed setting. A rare find and one certainly worth a visit...you just can't not eat here!

Having lived in Swansea my whole life Didier and Stephanie was completely off my radar. I didn't even know it had existed until I read about it in the good food guide 2010. First impression was its location, not that well known for its high end European restaurants however, has been doing business there for nearly a decade so business cant be that poor. My girlfriend and I decided to go there for lunch on a Friday afternoon and booked in advance thinking like in some Mumbles restaurants, seats would be hard to come by. But despite having very good reviews in the good food guide the current recession seemed to be hitting hard at Didier and Stephanie's. Only one other group of ladies was "doing lunch" that day not an atmosphere that I want when eating out. It is always comforting to hear the sound of others talking.

Now the most important part is the food. The lunchtime menu Starts at £13.50 for two courses which I thought was excellent value for money. To start I had a lamb terrine with prune centre. The presentation was outstanding and the balance of flavours was good although I do prefer my terrines more coarse. Main course was fantastic. With a £3 supplement I had the wild pan-fried sea bass. This was probably the most perfectly cooked fish I have ever tried. It melted in the mouth. Everything accompanying the fish was fresh and nicely seasoned with rich cream sauce that was heavenly. This was the dish that would make me recommend this restaurant to my friends and family.

I shall certainly be returning to Didier and Stephanie again. They should think of perhaps marketing the restaurant better to pick up business. Final thought: D and S, a real hidden gem of Swansea.

My wife and I recently discovered this Swansea hidden treasure through the Good Food Guide. We had lunch on the Saturday which was so good we were back the following Friday evening for dinner.

Excellent ingredients cooked imaginatively and with skill.

Without doubt the best dining experience in the centre of Swansea.

Didier and Stephanies is a fantastic restaurant located in an elegant old house with only ten tables. It is run by husband and wife team. Didier is the chef and Stephanie runs the front of house. The service is first class as is the food and its presentation.