Chez Pompon

Chez Pompon is a relaxed French bistro at 17 Quai Louis XVIII, on the Garonne waterfront in Bordeaux, France. The riverside address places it close to the Chartrons and Chartrons-adjacent quays, where locals walk and cycle along the water, and the restaurant draws on that casual, neighbourhood feel. The kitchen works from daily specials written to the day's market, which means the menu changes frequently and repeat visitors will often find different dishes. Roast beef and duck breast with homemade purée are among the dishes that anchor the offer, and they reflect the comfort-food side of French bistro cooking rather than the fine-dining end of the spectrum. Portions are meant to be satisfying, and the purée in particular is described as made in house. The dining room is informal, with a sociable, unhurried atmosphere and a moderate noise level, and dress is casual. Aperitif service on Thursday to Saturday adds an after-work dimension, with drinks and small bites for those who do not want a full meal. The beverage list leans toward Bordeaux and Southwest wines by the glass and bottle, plus the usual aperitif choices. Prices are in the mid-range, around the $$ band, and the daily special is typically the cheapest way to eat. The restaurant is small enough that tables can fill on weekend evenings, so a reservation a day or two ahead is sensible; walk-ins are more realistic at weekday lunch. Visitors should check current opening days, as the venue publishes its updates mainly on social media rather than a dedicated website.