Must-see restaurants in France

  • Les Vins au Vert

    Alpes-de-Haute-Provence

    The pick of the places to eat in Banon: an informal bistro-bar, which has a prodigious selection of local wines by the glass, partnered with delicious…

  • U Molu

    Southern Corsica

    Across from the marina, U Molu fills up every lunchtime with locals and visitors, drawn here for its sensational tartares – prepared fresh at your table,…

  • Pizzeria dei Cioppi

    Paris

    Each week this tiny pizzeria offers eight different pizza types reflecting Italy's eight regions, utilising imported products such as Linosa capers,…

  • Le Cellier

    Champagne

    For an atmospheric dinner beneath the impressive vaults of a Cistercian cellar, head across to Le Cellier in Bar-sur-Aube, a 7km drive north of Bayel via…

  • Chez Pipo

    Nice

    Everyone says the best socca (chickpea-flour pancakes) can be found in the old town, but don’t believe them – this place near Port Lympia has been in the…

  • Hôtel Les Capucins Restaurant

    Yonne

    Attached to the hotel of the same name, this restaurant serves up Burgundian classics such as escargots and beef with Dijon mustard or Époisses cheese…

  • Estaminet Saint-Jean

    Lille, Flanders & the Somme

    Regional cuisine such as poulet au Maroilles (chicken with Maroilles cheese) at this this old-fashioned estaminet (traditional Flemish restaurant) is…

  • La Brasserie Royale

    The Pyrenees

    This busy brasserie on place Royale is ideal for an early-evening beer and a satisfying plate of magret de canard (duck breast), a grilled fish of the day…

  • À la Petite Chaise

    St-Germain & Les Invalides

    Paris' oldest restaurant hides behind an iron gate that’s been here since it opened in 1680. Classical decor and cuisine (onion soup, duck, lamb and…

  • Le J'Go

    Toulouse

    This much-loved Toulouse favourite won't disappoint. Its delicious menus are designed around what's in season and all ingredients are supplied by small…

  • Aux Trois Maillets

    The Jura Mountains

    More distinguished than the average brasserie, the 'Three Mallets' serves up exemplary omelettes, platters of Haut-Doubs ham and sausage, and steaks…

  • Dame Tartine

    Paris

    One of the few reasonable dining options near the Centre Pompidou, Dame Tartine makes the most of its lively location across from the whimsical Stravinsky…

  • Les Coquelicots

    Vaucluse

    Seasonal ingredients underpin everything at this charming village restaurant, so the menu changes throughout the year – but the flavours are always 100%…

  • Maison Martin et Fils

    Menton

    Tucked behind Menton’s covered market, Maison Martin serves a good-value plat du jour (€11.90) and a house-made menu that highlights local specialities…

  • Badaboom

    Nice

    Vegans and vegetarians are in heaven at this little cafe specialising in fresh cold-pressed juices, whole grains, local organic produce and raw desserts…

  • Café Ttipia

    St-Jean Pied de Port

    Fresh, wholesome dishes are served under the plane trees on a beautiful riverfront terrace in summer – expect seasonal local specialities, charcuterie and…

  • Crêperie du Vieux Pressoir

    Alsace

    Right on Riquewihr's highly photogenic main drag, this countrified, family run crêperie whips up sweet treats and savoury snacks – from crêpes with…

  • Au Fil des Douceurs

    Cahors

    From locally sourced foods to a superb regional wine list, this elegant but fun restaurant serves excellent – and ever-changing – menus. Dine inside the…

  • La Petite Adresse

    Besançon

    A casual 'little address' that's big on cheese dishes and Jura specialities. Coarse farmhouse pâté and 'Morbiflette', a potato dish slathered in veined…

  • Dame Jeanne

    Yonne

    Folks come from the countryside for sweet and savoury breakfasts, delicious lunches or special pastry treats accompanied by tea, hot chocolate, coffee and…

  • Bar Jean

    Biarritz

    One of the oldest tapas venues in town (in business since the '30s), Bar Jean is traditional and full of atmosphere – from the flamenco soundtrack to the…

  • Kiosque Chez Tintin

    Nice

    A true local institution, this friendly little kiosk makes some of Nice's best pan bagnat – Niçois sandwiches piled high with tuna and veggies and…

  • Binchstub

    Strasbourg

    Cooked to thin, crisp perfection, the Flammekueche (tarte flambée) at Binchstub is in a league of its own. Locally sourced farm ingredients go into…

  • La Cambuse

    Strasbourg

    Sophisticated dining has a maritime flavour at La Cambuse, with its portholes, brass lamps and polished-wood interior. The experimental chef infuses…

  • Histoire Ancienne

    Calais

    Bistro-style French dishes, such as grilled pig's trotters with Béarnaise sauce, sea bass with beurre blanc (emulsified butter sauce), and port-poached…

  • Food Market

    Brittany

    This fun, appetising and varied market sets up early on Saturday mornings, selling oysters, creole food, galettes, cheeses, olives, freshly brewed coffee…

  • Le Goutillon

    Chantilly

    With its red-and-white checked tablecloths, simple wooden tables and classic bistro fare, this cosy, very friendly French affair is as much a wine bar as…

  • La Cave aux Fromages

    Reims

    Run by the knowledgable Charlet family, this fabulous shop is fromage heaven, with cheeses carefully sourced from all four corners of France. Among them…

  • Thuy Tien

    Strasbourg

    For a break from hefty Alsatian fare, make your way over to this neat Vietnamese. Its brothy pho (beef and noodle soup flavoured with herbs), crisp spring…

  • La Primatiale

    Nancy

    The food looks as good as it tastes at this upbeat, art-strewn bistro. Clean, bright flavours such as carpaccio of trout with coriander, and monkfish with…

  • Villa Toussaint

    Angers

    Combining pan-Asian flavours with classic French ingredients, this highly regarded restaurant serves fusion food in a chic, glass-roofed dining room and…

  • La Colombe d'Or

    Côte d'Azur

    St-Paul's most iconic destination is this restaurant at the entrance to town, with a gracious outdoor patio, a luscious lineup of Provençal specialties…

  • Marché Couvert

    Côte d’Opale

    Built between 1931 and 1933, Le Touquet's semi-circular, neo-Nordic–style covered market is a listed historical monument. A produce market sets up here…

  • Crêpe Dentelle

    Paris

    Named after a style of crêpe that's as delicate as fine lace (dentelle), this is probably not the place to go if you're starving. However, it is an…

  • Le Bateleur

    Vaucluse

    Run by Nicolas and Andrea Bofelli, this is another superior, if rather cramped, address for Provençal dishes like crusty pork belly and roast veal. The…

  • Marie Colline

    Cahors

    This super-friendly vegetarian cafe is one of Cahors' most popular lunchtime spots. Join the regulars for homemade creations like spinach rolls, sweet…

  • Le Bistrot d’Alex

    Languedoc-Roussillon

    Tuck into excellent regional cuisine accompanied by top-class wines by the glass (the bistro adjoins Vinipolis wine warehouse). It’s deservedly popular…

  • La Capitainerie

    Chantilly

    Beneath the vaulted stone ceiling of the Château de Chantilly kitchens, La Capitainerie captures the palace's grandeur and romance. Fare is traditional…

  • Georges Brassens Market

    Limousin

    A bustling covered market, with the most vendors on Saturday. Stock up on Limousin goodies: goose products, plum brandy, pâté de pomme de terre (a rich…

  • Pierrot Gourmet

    The Dordogne

    This lovely deli serves regional dishes canteen-style in the buzzy dining room, or boxed up to go for the perfect gourmet picnic. Specialities include cep…

More destinations you need to see