Bistro Canaille - Ajaccio

As another reviewer attested "money well spent!" Often disappointed with restaurants during our visit to the island, Bistro Canaille was a real treat. Food was fresh and tasty!

My family visited this Bistro on Sunday 16th October 2016 whilst visiting Ajaccio as part of a Mediterranean cruise. The location and appearance of the bistro is very good but this is spoilt by the attitude of the staff. Due to the lack of available seats Our group of 9 persons were seated across 2 put side tables. The smaller group of 3 were invited to order drinks and or food but were told immediately that the bistro would not serve tea, or any drinks containing milk. My family members ordered two local beers and a glass of white wine. The remaining group of 6 of which I was 1 was then approached by a male waiter who was clearly unaware that our other family members sat only feet from our table, and that they had not only ordered drinks but had also been served to drinks. In a quite condescending tone he announced that the bistro was actually a restaurant and that orders just for drinks was not possible. We promptly left and took our custom with us. Clearly this was a lie, as the other waiter had served our other family members just to drinks. Ajaccio is a port that is a popular destination for cruise ships and like many of the ports that are visited, there is a plethora of local bars and restaurants vying for their share of the passing trade. I found the staff here not only rude and arrogant but also very short sighted in theirs views. The quality of the food provided by the cruise ships far out shine anything a small bistro will have to offer, so to turn away good business seems a crazy thing to do. My family found a more hospitable place just around the corner, and they were happy to accept our valuable holiday cash. One to avoid I am sorry to say.

The bistro is well located in a small square close to the seafront. Tales are protected from the hot Corsican sun by wide umbrellas. Food and wines are locally sourced. Three of my party enjoyed Corsican mixed salamis, and one enjoyed a fresh tuna salad. We also enjoyed Corsican beer, Pietra, and dry white wine. The service was great, and overall we had a wonderful lunch.

No reservation. we were greeted as though she had been waiting for us! Sat outside in a bustling corner street a block from the ocean and had a delicious meal. Our waitress spoke at least 4 languages and we had a great time talking with her. She was helpful, funny, efficient, (and stylish!) and made the dinner even better. I'm sorry we don't know her name.

Small menu but great quality dishes. Nice local wines served as well. We found our waiters extremely helpful and friendly. Not the cheapest of places, but lots of value for money!