30-31 Churchgate St, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1RG
Harden's survey result
Summary
“Always delivers (if you can get in)” – “Karine, front of house, and Pascal (Canavet) in the kitchen are a fab combination” at this “gem” of a converted townhouse, invariably a much commented-on feature on our national diners’ poll. The French fine-dining fare is “very creatively plated” and word is that new spin-off Léa, offering artisan ready meals à la française, reaches the same impressive heights; “they also supply suppers for the local theatre” if you’re craving dinner and a show.
Summary
“Very French… very well executed” – Pascal & Karine Canavet’s converted old townhouse is “so slick” and “a big favourite” for its legions of fans for whom it is “simply the best restaurant in Suffolk” (to the extent that it’s one of the more commented-on destinations in our annual national diners’ poll). The ambience has a “genuine” quality and the kitchen produces “fabulous modern French cooking” pitched below ‘haute cuisine’ but well above the mundane “at what are – by comparison with many comparable places – bargain prices”. Recently the couple launched neighbouring ‘Léa’ (Pascal’s mother’s name) – a high street and neighbourhood traiteur selling “artisan ready meals of the same outstanding gastronomic quality as dining in”.
Summary
“Everything about it is welcoming, enjoyable and utterly tasty!” – Pascal & Karine Canavet’s “lovely village venue” is one of East Anglia’s prime restaurant destinations. The “confident and refined” French cuisine (with fish a highlight) “looks (and tastes) stunning”, while “well-paced” service is “courteous and charming, without being oily or sycophantic”. There’s also a “superb wine list to accommodate every dish” – “so many interesting vintages to choose from, mainly French, and not overpriced”.
Summary
“Fantastique!” – Pascal & Karine Canavet’s “little piece of France in Suffolk” goes “from strength to strength”, providing “an absolutely first rate” combination of “fabulous and exquisitely presented” Gallic fare, “charming” and “so professional” service and “elegant surroundings”. In particular the “super fish dishes always hit the mark”. “We usually visit at lunchtime and have to drive through two counties to get there!!”
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Maison Bleue?
Owner's description
Set in modern and comfortable surroundings, Maison Bleue offers French fine dining, beautiful food and professional service in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
"Best East of England Restaurant on the Year" Which? Good Food Guide 2010
Bury St Edmunds, the best place to stay to visit Suffolk, Norfolk and the East Anglia!
Our Daily Set Menu
from Tuesdays to Saturdays:
4 starters, 4 main courses (meat and fish) and 4 desserts to choose from.
Change daily according to deliveries and seasons
Two Course Lunch £19.50
Three Course Lunch £24.50
Three Course Dinner £34.50 (Not available Saturday evening)
“Plateau de Fruits de Mer”
(48 hours notice / Minimum 2 Persons)
The “Royal” £49.50 per person
Lobster, Crab, Langoustines, Oysters, Whelks, Tiger Prawns, Mussels
The availability of the proposed shellfishes depends on deliveries
Our policy is to serve fresh seasonal food which is sourced as locally as possible. We believe in promoting the most sustainable products available and source all our fish and shellfish responsibly
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £39.95 |  |
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| Dinner | £49.50 | |
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| Drinks |
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| Wine per bottle | £21.50 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
| Extras |
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| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 10.00% |
Restaurant details
30-31 Churchgate St, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1RG
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑1:30 pm, 7 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑1:30 pm, 7 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑1:30 pm, 7 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑1:30 pm, 7 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑1:30 pm, 7 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
