Henri & Compagnie, 66000 Perpignan

Henri et Compagnie  is one of the most fun restaurants in Perpignan. And all because of the patron/chef, Henri, a jovial, rotund, tuba-playing personage who is charge of every aspect of the operation.

It is a very small restaurant, with about 6 or 7 seats at the bar and a few tables outside when the weather is clement, which is usually the case, apart from this year when it has rained and rained….. Rue de l’Adjudant Paratilla Is a small street with interesting food shops, and next door to the restaurant is a  touch of Spain , a bar serving only Manchego cheese and Serrano ham, which you can either  eat there or take away.  (Take a look too at the trompe l’oeil artwork on its shutters). Henri does all the cooking right in front of you – on a three burner gas ring (!) –  and everything is  cooked to order.   And very tasty it is too. The menu changes every day according to market availability and offers the best of  the local fresh produce. When I was there earlier this month the starters were herring fillets with potato salad, a classic French dish, or asparagus and green bean salad.  The main courses were chicken in cream sauce with cèpes,  or steak and sautéed potatoes.  There is always cheese and a home-made dessert,  which is  sometimes the work of Henri’s wife, Christine (who, although she has her own full-time job,  has occasionally even been seen doing the washing up!),  and it really is a family “Compagnie”  as during the holidays Henri’s daughters also come in to help with the service.
There are a lot of regular customers and on my last visit the customers at the bar started an impromptu sing along!  Inbetween cooking Henri somehow finds time to talk to all his customers and at the bar everyone chats to everyone else.
Prices are very reasonable – approximately 5 euros for the starters and 10-12 Euros for the main courses.  All the wines, both red and rose,  come from the village of Rasigueres – starting at 2 euros a glass and 14 Euros a bottle.
There is also some good beer available.
If you can it is better to book – as it would really be a pity to miss out on such an enjoyable experience.