Le Pilote - Sainte-Verge

What a surprise! Our first visit to Le Pilote whilst out with friends who had eaten there before. Stepping through the door from the car park is like stepping through the back of a C.S. Lewis wardrobe: totally unexpected. A nice airy interior with a personal greeting as you enter and plenty of busy staff set the scene for a most pleasing lunch. Huge choice on the menu from salads to steaks via homemade burgers and pizzas. Jug wine was very acceptable as well. Various levels of 'formule ' at lunchtime, or à la carte. All in our party were happy with their mains which included burgers, duck breast salad and a farmer 's salad. Service was friendly, but not intrusive. Definitely worth calling in here if in the area.

Don't be put off with the position of this restaurant which is to be found at the exit of the supermarket Leclerc in Thouars. The outside just doesn't do justice to the lovely interior where you are served with excellent food at reasonable prices by friendly and attentive staff. A most pleasant visit. If you're looking for somewhere to eat, you should give it a try. You won't be disappointed.

A very varied menu and lovely staff. Sadly we had a really tough steak last time after being regular clients. We were so disappointed that when we complained, for the first time, we just hot a shrug and we're charged for it. So we haven't been back, but I would still recommend it for everything else. Good value evening 3 course menu and the ice cream sundaes are fabulous

From the outside you would never guess what is inside. On average we have lunch in a restaurant about once every fortnight and Le Pilote is becoming one of our regular places. The food is excellent, the service very good and the ambience just right. No whacky music, just French engaged in animated conversation. The restaurant food style is split between pizzas and normal French and some Italian. Like so many I was put off pizzas by the tasteless shams that some purveyors call pizzas. If that is you, try a pizza here. They are cooked in a separate area that can be viewed, away from the main kitchen. The base is thin, as it should be, and there is a wide choice of toppings, all full of flavour. The normal 'menu ' is extensive and plentiful. The salads are excellent and available as either a starter or a main course. If you like good expresso coffee you will like it here. Le Pilote is always busy at lunchtime, hardly surprising really. I highly recommend this restaurant.

We love this stop en route so much that we route our journey just to lunch here. The service is exceptionally quick the food is always freshly prepared cooked.It is tremendous value for the quality quantity they serve. They cater for all age groups families are most welcome.The decor is fun everywhere is spotless. The pizzas are the best I have tasted outside Italy. The salads are enormous very tasty. A huge menu will satisfy all choices.