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France

Mediterranean restaurants in France

  1. A

    Le Grand Café Napoléon

    This one-of-a-kind Ajaccio institution scores a perfect 10 on our 'charm-meter' for its mind-blowing decor and refined cuisine. Push beyond the streetside terrace (itself rich in atmosphere) to the august belle époque former ballroom, with its tall mirrors, high ceilings, black-and-white terrazzo floors and soaring cream arches. Despite the classical surroundings, the menu is surprisingly modern, featuring elegantly presented fish and meat dishes. The weekday lunchtime menu du marché represents excellent value.

    reviewed

  2. B

    Kei's Passion

    He might only be 26 years old but Japanese hot shot Keisuke Matsushima, alias Kei, makes heads turn at Kei's Passion, a minimalist space dedicated to gastronomy and crowned with a shiny Michelin star within a year of its opening. Cuisine is overwhelmingly Mediterranean (lots of Italian influence in there) with a subtle dash of the Orient, while the wine cellar, notably, is predominantly organic.

    reviewed

  3. C

    Le France

    Le France manages to insert harmoniously the ultramodern – right down to the all-glass handbasins in the toilets – within the historical setting of what was once Perpignan's stock exchange. Mains are smallish but attractively presented and there's a good selection of tapas and pizzas.

    reviewed

  4. D

    Blue Beach

    Much of the seashore is backed by beach restaurants offering predictable Mediterranean cuisine and the chance to dip between courses. Food at Blue Beach is a cut above the rest, plus it hosts free jamming sessions with musicians performing at the Nice Jazz Festival and interesting dinner conferences on Niçois history and culture in July.

    reviewed

  5. E

    L'intempo

    Hotel restaurants in the principality are not second-best options, as this stunning eating space testifies. Take your pick from one of four dramatically different eating areas stuck in a glass tower on the seashore. Cuisine - some live - is Mediterranean.

    reviewed

  6. F

    L’Atmosphère

    A refreshingly youthful spirit pervades this contemporary eating space, the restaurant of Café Noir around the corner on place Omer Vallon. Interior décor is funky and Mediterranean dining is beneath a glass roof or in a cobbled courtyard.

    reviewed

  7. G

    Le Petit Charron

    Sautéed veal with sage or pintade rôtie à la crème d'ail (in a garlicky cream sauce) topped off by fig tart are among the classical French dishes served with a refined flourish at this lovely old-town inn.

    reviewed

  8. H

    Le Grand Café

    Hidden behind the Palais des Papes, this boho-chic bistro-bar with a big terrace adjoins arty Manutention cultural centre. Giant mirrors on rough-hewn walls reflect French actors' portraits and rows of vintage tables. Good-value Provençal menus provide an alternative to more touristy places uphill.

    reviewed

  9. I

    L'Amphitryon

    Push your way through what must be Grenoble's biggest steel door to enter this stark, minimalist space - a seriously funky restaurant with orange walls - to feast on great Mediterranean cuisine.

    reviewed

  10. J

    Millesim Beach

    One of the few to open year-round, this contemporary beach club pampers guests who pay for massages, manicures and other Zen relaxants. Cuisine is typically Mediterranean.

    reviewed

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  12. K

    L'Estaminet

    An old-style brasserie decked out with shiny wood and polished brass, plus plenty of flavoursome dishes.

    reviewed

  13. L

    La Fabrique

    The concrete bar and loungy retro vibe is a magnet for hipsters, as is the Mediterranean menu.

    reviewed