L'ETOILE A STAR FOR THE DINNER SET; Darren Smith and Lisa O'Neill

WE were definitely in need of cheering up when we walked into L'Etoile on Belfast's Ormeau Road.

The restaurant has a great reputation for fine food and an ambience that's second to none. We certainly weren't disappointed with what we found.

The restaurant was lit by candles on each table and this, plus the gold and green decor, made L'Etoile seem warm and cosy compared to the windy, wet night outside.

We received a lovely welcome from Siobhan and Natalie who made us feel right at home.

L'Etoile is a bring-your-own restaurant and we thought it was a lovely gesture when we arrived and were given a bottle of wine compliments of the house.

Flattered, we settled into our chairs and began perusing the menu. When we were ready, Natalie answered any questions we had about the dishes and promptly took our orders.

We couldn't decide on which starters to have - there were so many that sounded delicious - from Breast of Pigeon with a Wholegrain Mustard Sauce to Irish Smoked Salmon with Capers and Shallots.

I was very tempted to try the French Onion Soup but in the end plumped for the Salade de Crevettes - prawn cocktail and mixed salad (pounds 3.95).

The prawns were delicious. They melted in the mouth and the sauce covering them was not too strong or overwhelming. The balance of flavours was just right and the portion was more than generous.

Lisa was very tempted by the Salade De Chevre Chaud - goat's cheese salad - which consisted of generous portions of mouth- watering goat's cheese served on warm crusty bread nestled among mixed salad leaves.

However, in the end she couldn't resist the call of the Moules Farcies A L'Ail, mussels stuffed with garlic butter (pounds 3.25).

The succulent mussels were bathed in a tasty garlic butter and served with a mixed salad.

Lisa said the mussels were delicious - cooked to perfection and not too chewy.

We found it just as difficult to choose a main course as all the dishes looked delicious.

The selection of dishes included pan-fried chicken served with white wine, shallot and cream sauce; fillet and sirloin steak with a selection of sauces; duck confit with lentils; aubergine filled with ratatouille and baked in the oven; and salmon steak with beurre blanc sauce. The prices ranging from pounds 7.35 to pounds 12.25.

Eventually we both opted for the Lotte Et Sa Sauce A L' Aneth - monkfish served with dill sauce (pounds 10.75).

All of the main courses come with garlic potatoes. The day's vegetable selection is pounds 1.65 extra but for this we received a very generous portion of broccoli, carrots and cauliflower.

I can honestly say I have never tasted more delicious monkfish and Lisa was in full agreement with me on that.

We received very generous portions - so much that Lisa was unable to finish hers. Luckily, however, I was able to step in and help her out.

The monkfish was dressed in the most delicate herby sauce - it was the perfect companion to that delicious fish.

The vegetables were perfectly cooked and the garlic potatoes were incredibly more-ish.

We were given enough time to digest our meal and were offered the choice of relaxing with our wine or choosing from the dessert menu.

We felt we just couldn't resist but by-passed the cheeseboard and banana splits to choose two very delicious and very chocolaty desserts.

Mine was the Poire Au Chocolat Et Cannelle, a pear cooked in cinnamon, covered in a chocolate casing and surrounded in chocolate sauce (pounds 3.45).

Lisa chose the homemade profiteroles (pounds 3.65).

We shared our desserts as both plates were so delicious we had to try each one.

The pear was succulent and juicy, cooked to perfection and very much at home in its chocolate case.

The profiteroles were filled with ice cream and, as Lisa put it, were out of this world.

The food at L'Etoile was delicious, perfectly presented and served in a charming fashion. Full marks to Eric, who prepared the starters and Jean-Phillipe, our chef for the evening.

Natalie and Siobhan made the perfect hostesses and we had a wonderful time.

Our visit was on a Sunday night, but the restaurant opens throughout the week for dinner and lunch.

Natalie told us that at the weekends the restaurant is lively, with some people even indulging in a bit of dancing to the French music that accompanies the dining experience in L'Etoile.

We will definitely go back another night as we have not had a better meal in Belfast.

Congratulations to owners Allel and Christophe for providing perfect food, the perfect atmosphere and staff with perfect manners.

It all combined to make our night out perfect and one we will remember for a very long time.

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