The Clin d’Oeil Restaurant Review

If you want a special night that won’t break the bank, the Clin d’Oeil is the perfect choice.

It was a quiet Thursday night in Morzine but we were looking for a restaurant to go to for a special midweek treat. We’d never been into the Clin d’Oeil but had heard great things about it so decided to give it a shot.

We walked in through the front door and were greeted by the smiling team who were more than happy to serve us, despite us being the only people in the restaurant. They showed us to a gorgeous candlelit table in the window with traditional wooden alpine décor and patterns. We certainly felt like we were spoiling ourselves and that was before the food even arrived.

The Clin d’Oeil is known for its meat and traditional dishes. So for a vegetarian, there wasn’t an overwhelming choice. However, the smile on his [the bf's] face said it all! It didn’t take him long to decide that steak was the way forward. The menu was quite small on the evening we went, with a set menu and also a few smaller dishes on offer. This didn’t matter though, what was on offer was just what we were after.

We opted to share a starter, which was a crayfish risotto; which the menu claimed was seasoned with sweet and sour flavours. I have to admit, I was a little reserved about the idea of that but we went for it anyway and I was so glad I did. It was delicious. I could have quite happily ploughed through another two bowls of it. It was creamy and rich but the taste was something special. I very much advise trying this if you get the chance. I’ll be going back for more very soon.

For our main course, I chose a salad with goat’s cheese, pine nuts and crispy toasts. After slightly over indulging in the starter, I was pretty full, but the dressing and taste of the salad meant I managed to fit it all in. It was also really delicious, fresh and well presented. (I may have popped one block of cheese on his plate when he wasn’t looking because it was all pretty rich).

Like I said, he opted for the steak, which he says, was cooked to perfection. It came with a side order of crispy chips and mushrooms and a delicious reblochon sauce. I obviously helped him with his chips and I have to say their crispiness and seasoning was a little addictive.

After we finished our main course we were stuffed but sadly, the lovely manager insisted we had a look at the dessert menu. She passed it to us knowingly. It was quite obvious that they were proud of their desert selection and quite right too. We opted to share a selection plate of mini desserts including a sorbet, chocolate brownie, meringue and pear crumble. I’m really glad we did because it gave us a little insight into their amazing baking skills. We of course polished off the plate of sweet treats – now feeling fuller than ever.

We asked for the bill and the lady, who I can only assume is the owner of the restaurant brought it to us. She stood talking to us for a good ten minutes and happily allowed me to practice my French – which I was really thrilled about. Often you try to speak French and people immediately realise you are English and speak back to you in English. I really appreciated the fact that she wanted to help me – it brought another level to the incredible service in the restaurant. It’s only a small thing, but for me it showed she had patience and time for us.

It’s a restaurant I’d definitely advise visiting if you get the chance while you’re in Morzine. The starter, main and pudding were all brilliant and the friendly staff and service are well worth shouting about. Our meal came in at around 80€ for the both of us. However, considering we’d had three courses, (including steak!) wine and coffee, this certainly isn’t bad. I’ll be returning with friends and family because not only does it give you a great Savoyard experience but it also doesn’t break the bank. Don’t forget, as different as it sounds, the Crayfish risotto is to die for!

Le Clin d'Oeil