Restaurants in Corsica
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Stella d'Oro - Chez Jules
This characterful eatery set in a former oil mill is held in high regard by locals and tourists alike. There's nothing unorthodox on the menu, just the usual Bonifacien suspects cooked to perfection: aubergines à la bonifacienne (eggplants cooked with cheese) and pasta. A dessert du chef (homemade dessert of the day) will finish you off sweetly.
reviewed
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Le Tire-Bouchon
This buzzy option, as much wine bar as restaurant, is a gourmand's playground. Perch yourself on the balcony overlooking the crowds milling on rue Clémenceau, then order from the dishes of the day, posted on a chalkboard. Be good to yourself with veal stew, tagliatelle with Brocciu (fresh ewe's or goat's cheese), a cheese platter and luscious local tipples.
reviewed
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U Tianu
A local favourite that has hardly changed in a quarter of a century, this informal, family-run place is tucked away down a side street and up a flight of rickety stairs behind the Vieux Port. You'll stagger out after indulging in its superb value five-course menu of traditional Corsican favourites (including an aperitif, coffee and a digestif).
reviewed
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Pâtisserie Casanova
Gourmands, you'll be in seventh heaven! Back home, don't tell your dietetician that you couldn't resist the falculella (a Corsican dessert made with Brocciu and chestnut flour) at this longstanding pastry shop (it's been around since 1887). It also doubles as a coffee lounge – perfect for a gourmet coffee break after exploring central Corte.
reviewed
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L'Altru Versu
Ajaccio's top-notch restaurant belongs to the Mezzacqui brothers (Jean-Pierre front of house, Pierre powering the kitchen), who are passionate gastronomes and excellent singers – they hitch on their guitars and serenade guests each Friday and Saturday night. Their creative cuisine sings in the mouth – what about pork with honey and clementine zests?
reviewed
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L'Archivolto
Steps from the Église Ste-Marie Majeure, this gloriously offbeat bistro feels like an antique shop, with an onslaught of quirky collectables from floor to ceiling. The chalked-up menu is just as eclectic, with an assortment of fish and meat dishes, as well as frondy salads. In summer the tables spill out onto the lovely piazza outside.
reviewed
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La Braise
This Bastia classic has recently changed hands. Gone, some will lament, is Jo, the ebullient former patron, into well-earned retirement. The place might have had a thorough spring clean but what remains constant is the simple, well-prepared cuisine such as prawns flambés in pastis and red mullet with pistou.
reviewed
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A Scola
If you think life is unbearable without a homemade pastry (mmm, the melt-in-the-mouth chocolate cake), bookmark this little tea house opposite the cathedral door. It's also ideal for a refreshing cup or a quick and affordable sit-down lunch as you explore the citadel. The tables at the back have jaw-dropping views of the bay.
reviewed
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L’Aiglon
Zonza is a quintessential village mountain with the soaring Aiguilles de Bavella as a backdrop. Zonza is a perfect base for exploring the Alta Rocca, with a good range of restaurants and accommodation options. L’Aiglon is the best place around to sample a refined Corsican meal.
reviewed
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Ariadne Plage
With several imitators along this coastal strip, Ariadne Plage was the first of Ajaccio's paillotes; African rhythms playing, planks underfoot, a reed roof above and, below, a sandy beach with bright red umbrellas: blink and you could be beside the Caribbean. The cuisine is equally exotic.
reviewed
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U Callelu
The menu chases the changing seasons at this homespun eatery, run with passion and flair by a born-and-bred islander who tracks down the best local ingredients for his dishes: meat and veg from the market, wine direct from the vineyards, fish straight off the boats. It's on the quayside.
reviewed
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Le Bouchon
This reputable restaurant-cum-wine-bar overlooking the Vieux Port will tempt the gourmand in you with dishes such as organic Corsican veal or tartare de liche (raw leerfish). Since wines also feature highly here, let things rip with the list of well-chosen Corsican tipples (from €3.10).
reviewed
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Chez Vincent
A Casarella's neighbour, Chez Vincent offers Corsican staples and wood-fired pizzas. The assiette du bandit Corse (€18.50) features a smorgasbord of local nosh, including stewed veal chestnuts, cured meats, ewe's-milk cheese, wild boar pâté and roast figatellu (liver sausage).
reviewed
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Le 24
After something upmarket? Then swing by this snazzy spot on the main drag. It boasts contemporary furnishings, a sexy atmosphere and an innovative menu that uses top-quality ingredients and changes with the season. The house desserts, chalked up on the blackboard, hit the right spot.
reviewed
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A Casarella
Poised above the old port in the heart of the citadel, this restaurant boasts the loveliest terrace in Bastia. Tuck into innovative dishes based on organic Corsican produce – caramelised local pork, roasted cuttlefish with parsley – with the twinkling lights of the harbour below.
reviewed
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Aux Bons Amis
With its nautically themed décor, Aux Bons Amis has a short, select à la carte choice and serves up the best of fresh fish and seafood. Two downsides; the flickering TV is an intrusion, even though the sound's turned off. And the house white is best avoided…
reviewed
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Paglia Orba
It serves classic Corsican cuisine on its small, flower-decked terrace or in the cool of its airconditioned interior. While the food's well priced and uncomplicated, service would benefit from an extra smile or two; maybe we chose a bad day but staff were particularly glum.
reviewed
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Le Bilboq – Chez Jean Jean
In business for decades, this Ajaccio icon is famous for one thing and one thing only: langouste (lobster), best enjoyed on the oh-so-cute little terrace in a pedestrian street. Knock it all down with a well-chosen Corsican wine, and you'll be in seventh heaven.
reviewed
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La Main à La Pâte
This long-standing restaurant serves nothing but high-quality pasta dishes at eminently affordable prices. You choose the colour (white, orange, green or black), the form (tagliatelle, fettuccine, rigatoni) and the accompanying sauce. Good fun and tasty.
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La Mer
An oasis from the harbourside fizz, La Mer has the finest views of all from its terrace overlooking the gulf and the Genoese tower. The fish on offer is determined by what's in the nets of the previous day's catch. Meat dishes also feature on the menu.
reviewed
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L'Acropole
The restaurant of Eden Park hotel has a gorgeous setting and is renowned for its gourmet cuisine. The menus, based on French and Corsican traditional cooking, include steaks, charcuterie, local fish and seafood, all presented with style.
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Chez Paulo
There's always a crowd at Chez Paulo and for good reason. Visitors and locals alike watch life go by from its busy terrace and it has a good selection of fresh pasta and pizza. There's live Corsican music at the adjoining Le Son des Guitares.
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Le Mini-Golf
You'll get particularly generous pizzas at this restaurant, in a little green area on the left bank, that also does full meals. After dining, work off the calories with a round of minigolf, owned by the same charming patronne.
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Chez Anna
This nice little spot has a plant-covered façade, a streetside terrace and a pleasant first-floor brick-ceilinged dining room. Portions are generous and they also throw a mean pizza.
reviewed
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Boulangerie Faby
There's something delightfully timeless about this old-fashioned boulangerie in the haute ville. The patronne can be grumpy, but that's part of the fun. Ah, its uga seccata! Sinful.
reviewed