Rayan Poissonnerie & Restaurant

It is the most unassuming restaurant in Orleans. The surprise comes when you enter and see no menu and no advertising or pictures or decorations. Then you see the people lining up, lots of them. Rayan has an interesting concept. It immediately reminded me of…Bangkok and the fresh fish you choose and it is cooked for you. Here they have a great selection of very fresh fish and seafood. Did I mentioned there is no menu! Just ask them to cook it like you want it. I had grilled cod and chips. It was delicious. The cod was very fresh and the chips cooked and spiced a golden brown. The meal comes with a large, fresh salad. It was my first time and I was not familiar with their method so I did not have much time to look around. But I did see many varieties of fish and seafood on piles of ice, enough to make me decide I want to return for an other experience. Oh, the staff are very friendly.

It was deserted at lunch time, mid-week. I almost walked out again, then was greeted by the server, who explained how the place works. There is no menu, except for a few scratches on the board, however, you walk to the counter, where there is…a good selection of fish. You choose any quantity or type of fish you desire, as well as the way you want it cooked, then you are offered a choice of veggies or salad, or (the best) fries. I chose calamari, which was tender and crispy, as well as smelts. Absolutely delicious, and will be back. Prices reasonable, great food, in a somewhat “unorthodox” setting. No liquor licence.

Food is great, fish are fresh, but the service was god awful and then i realized that there is no option for tipping which actually started making sense why service was so bad.