Le Plomb du Cantal (Gaité)

Le Plomb du Cantal's menu is a love letter to Auvergne, the mountainous region in central France renowned for its robust, cheese-centric cuisine. The restaurant specializes in the kind of hearty, comforting dishes that have sustained farmers and shepherds through harsh mountain winters—food that prioritizes flavor, substance, and the quality of ingredients over delicate presentation or modern reinterpretation.

The undisputed stars of the menu are the restaurant's signature Auvergnat preparations: aligot and truffade. Aligot, perhaps the region's most famous dish, is a gloriously elastic blend of mashed potatoes, fresh tomme cheese (or sometimes Cantal or Laguiole), butter, cream, and garlic, whipped together until it achieves its characteristic stretchy, almost magical consistency. Watching it being served—pulled high above the plate in long, cheese-laden ribbons—is part of the experience. Truffade, equally beloved, takes a different approach: thinly sliced potatoes are pan-fried with fresh tomme cheese until the bottom forms a golden, crispy crust while the interior remains creamy and rich. Both dishes represent Auvergnat cuisine at its most essential and satisfying.

Beyond these cheese-focused specialties, the menu emphasizes quality meats prepared in the straightforward, honest style characteristic of French regional cooking. The restaurant's focus on Auvergnat traditions means you can expect dishes that showcase the region's agricultural heritage, with preparations that let the natural flavors of excellent ingredients shine through without unnecessary embellishment. Everything is prepared in-house, maintaining the homemade quality that defines authentic regional cuisine.

The pricing—averaging €25-30 per person for a meal—positions Le Plomb du Cantal as an accessible option for experiencing genuine French regional specialties without the premium prices of more formal establishments. This moderate pricing, combined with generous portions typical of Auvergnat hospitality, ensures excellent value for diners seeking substantial, satisfying meals. The restaurant also accommodates families with a children's menu and offers takeout for those wanting to enjoy these mountain specialties at home.