La Passerelle, 66000 Perpignan

La Passerelle is just around the corner from La Galinette and is one of my favourite restaurants  in Perpignan.  However, the atmosphere and style of the two places is quite different. La Passerelle, which is a long-established venue, is frequented by the business community and “suits” ingeneral, as well as a hard core of regular customers, and does not seem to be so interested in passing trade.
The main offering is fish, fish and more fish, although there are a few meat dishes just in case.  The fish and seafood are mostly caught locally and you are spoiled for choice: sole, sea bass, monkfish, cod, St. Pierre, lobster, crayfish, shrimp,oysters and so on. There is usually an excellent bouillabaisse on the menu too, but my favourite has always been the whole sea bass cooked in a crust of sea salt, which is visually stunning and so delicious.
There is a 3 course lunchtime menu at 22 euros, the contents of which are at the chef’s discretion,  the main course being almost certainly from the sea , and there is also a 4 course menu designed around fish served for all the guests at a table for 55 euros, but otherwise it’s a la carte with starters approximately 12 euros and the main courses 25 euros.
The desserts are not over-exciting but it doesn’t really matter, as by that point you are already very contented.  The wine list is up-market and sophisticated – the chef’s wife is the sommeliere and she also manages the restaurant in general very efficiently. The service is discreet and attentive and the seating is a choice between banquettes near the bar or in a larger dining room in the back, and both areas are appropriately decorated with a nautical theme.
When you leave La Passerelle all is well with the world,  and  personally I usually find myself thinking “Why do I eat meat at all!”