Biarritz
A classic corner bistro, just as good for an evening aperitif as for a faux filet steak cooked on a sizzling plancha (metal hot plate). Don't expect any…
Must-see restaurants in France
Côte d'Or
This cosy bistro in the old town offers a variety of menus designed to satisfy your taste buds without spoiling your budget. Most specialities are made…
Honfleur
The place to go in Honfleur for gastronomique specialities of the highest order, served in two chic, modern dining rooms. The cuisine is wonderfully…
The Dordogne
A simple menu of charcuterie, cut by the friendly proprietor at the back of the small dining room, or large portions of duck confit, cassoulet and duck…
Brittany
Perched beside the granite quays of the Anse du Bec, Dinard's answer to basic seafood takeaway serves crab, lobster, oysters, clams and fish from the open…
Toulouse
Solilesse is noted for its creative, contemporary cuisine in a cool setting. The chef combines local ingredients with world spices to create appetising…
Montmartre & Northern Paris
A handy spot for an easy meal, the Coquelicot offers omelettes, quiches, sandwiches and yummy pastries. The outdoor tables occupy a prime location on rue…
Chamonix
If you're watching your pennies in Chamonix, this little snack bar assembles cheap carbs in a central location: waffles, bagels, sandwiches and more…
Montpellier
Heavenly French cheeses star at this bar à fromage (cheese bar), which serves up appetising assorted cheese platters on wooden planks, as well as vibrant…
Paris
Organic goodness from the popular cafe across the street. Restaurant mains are substantial – think veal with watercress and coriander, or mushroom-pesto…
Limousin
Nicolas Eche creates hearty, beautifully presented dishes based on the produce of the season. Warm wood and stone walls make for a cosy dining room. It's…
Paris
This handy branch of the Paris crêpe chain is a 10-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower across the river, and even closer to the museums in the Palais de…
Le Marais, Ménilmontant & Belleville
At this New York–style deli in Le Marais, gourmet hot dogs come in five types, such as Avocado, smothered in coleslaw, guacamole and honey mustard. Sides…
The Lot
St-Cirq’s top table offers an enormous menu, ranging from nougat de porc (pork medallions) to country cassoulet. Escape to the little patio to catch…
Perpignan
This eatery near a busy intersection is classic in style and serves quality French cuisine with an international glance – think cod cooked in a coconut…
Aix-en-Provence
A handy refuelling station when exploring Vieil Aix, this outlet of St-Tropez’s swish baker sells sugar-encrusted tarte Tropézienne, plus sandwiches and…
Côte d'Azur
Ideal for conversation and backgammon, this relatively laid-back club and restaurant is tops for steak, and experiments successfully with Asian flavours…
Vaucluse
This catch-all, basic brasserie-bar is where everyone likes to hang out for an evening aperitif, perhaps followed by a simple dish of pasta or a quick…
Perpignan
Multicoloured macarons, tempting pastries and savoury dishes such as quiches and salads are sold at this cafe-boulangerie (bakery), which has terrace…
St-Malo
The main draw of this unfussy crêperie is its location right atop the ramparts – come for the amazing sunset views and friendly service. The crêpes and…
Atlantic Coast
Set in a lovely old wiggly timber building in the heart of the old town, this character-infused restaurant squats on stone-paved rue Grande. Dining is…
Parc National du Mercantour
A relaxed, friendly and quite stylish diner overlooking Barcelonnette's handsome main square, place de la Mairie. Pizzas and pastas are the speciality,…
Paris
Dine on sizzling steaks and burgers from star butcher Yves-Marie Le Bourdonnec in the basement of Lafayette Gourmet. Unlimited chips, limited seating.
Var
At the edge of the soft harbour sand, dine on steaks, seafood or pasta before heading out on walks across the island. The day's catch, sold by weight and…
The Jura Mountains
Nibble while gazing upon the architectural mastery of Saline Royale at this restaurant and salon de thé (tea rooms). Bagels, sandwiches and cakes are…
Finistère
It's wise to book ahead to get a spot in this tiny stone dining room where local cuisine is dished up in a convivial atmosphere. The friendly proprietors…
St-Jean de Luz
It won't take long to peruse the menu at this old portside classic. It's essentially a choice of grilled sardines or grilled tuna – all freshly caught…
Paris
Pizzas at this popular Parisian pizzeria include L'Obama (grilled bacon and homemade pineapple chutney) and La Che (Cuban-style pork marinated for 24…
Paris
Accras (fried fish), meat- or fish-curry-filled roti (flatbread) and gallo pinto (rice and beans) are among the Caribbean dishes served from this food…
Bayonne
For a change from Basque and Spanish cuisine, Mario's place is a great bet. The Sicilian-born chef serves up quality, no-fuss Italian food, plus pizzas…
Grenoble
This reliable Moroccan restaurant has been going strong for more than 30 years, dishing out mutton tajine and couscous royale to homesick Maghrebis and…
Tarn
Traditional Gascon cuisine and a medley of other regional French dishes are served in this fuss-free brasserie, from lamb shank with thyme to sirloin…
Blois
Simple, delectable French cuisine maison (home cooking) is dished up with a smile in this mod eatery with a warm-season terrace. Offers some of Blois’…
Limoges
One of Limoges’ fancier dining rooms, L’Amphitryon is in a delightful medieval timbered building and serves classically rich French cuisine, created by…
The Lot
Figeac’s lively Saturday morning produce market takes place under the 19th-century cast-iron arcade on place Carnot, with stalls also filling place…
The Dordogne
This cute raftered bistro is a local hang-out in the off-season, serving up hearty regional salads, lots of duck and crêpes. The staff is quite friendly,…
Paris
Across the street from the Louvre, this stylish sandwich and salad bar promises a quick lunch for less than €10 beneath the splendour of an elegant…
Troyes
Entered via a quaint courtyard, this gallery-bistro does a simple, wallet-friendly menu for €14, with specials from gratins to Maroilles cheese tart with…
Finistère
This unpretentious bistro overlooking the harbour serves hearty regional dishes at very good prices, and is buzzing with contented diners in the warmer…
Bouches-du-Rhône
St-Rémy's no-frills, casual hang-out for locals abuts the place de la République car park but is always packed, serving fresh local dishes, wine and…
