Some Favourite Restaurants in Provence

There are, quite literally, thousands of restaurants in Provence!

Over the past couple of decades we’ve tried to sample as many as humanly possible – but we are beginning to realise that we’ve hardly scraped the surface!

Here are some brief notes on just a selection of the restaurants we have eaten in (and enjoyed!) over the last few years.

Most of them are in the Vaucluse and Bouches-du-Rhone regions of Provence (our favorite stamping grounds), with just the occasional foray into the Var and the Alpes Maritimes.

Some (not all) of the restaurants have their own websites. These include photos, sample menus, wine lists, etc. One or two even have virtual tours and online reservation facilities.

Please be advised these are not casual, informal places. While gentlemen may not be expected to wear a jacket and tie (except at the Louis XV in Monaco) you may be looked at somewhat askance if you turn up in jeans and trainers. Aim for a smart casual look and you should be OK. And it’s always a good idea to telephone ahead to reserve a table.

The arrangement is alphabetical by location.


AIX-EN-PROVENCE:

Le Clos de la Violette

Avenue de la Violette

13090 Aix-en-Provence

Bouches-du-Rhone

Tel: 04 42 23 30 71

URL: http://www.closdelaviolette.fr

One of the best (and best-loved) restaurants in Provence, Le Clos has one Michelin star and serves exquisite cuisine prepared with skill and panache by the proprietor, Jean-Marc Banzo. Set in a quiet, residential corner of Aix, with an elegant terrace for summer dining, the food, wine and service are beyond reproach.


AVIGNON:

Brunel

Rue de la Balance

84000 Avignon

Vaucluse

Tel: 04 90 85 24 83

In his air-conditioned, contemporary restaurant in an arcade of shops not far from the palais des Papes, self-taught local chef Robert Brunel serves up a light, modern cuisine based around fresh local produce. Fish and vegetables predominate. Good value menus for both lunch and dinner.


Christian Etienne

Rue de Mons

84000 Avignon

Vaucluse

Tel: 04 90 86 16 50

URL: http://www.christian-etienne.fr/

Beautifully sited alongside the palais des Papes, this elegant restaurant has one Michelin star and an enviable local reputation. The a la carte menu and several set-price options offer a wide choice of specialities, including lobster, truffles and the famous "all-tomato" menu in summer. Charming and professional service. Great food. Great local wines. Highly recommended.


Hiély-Lucullus

Rue de la Republique

84000 Avignon

Vaucluse

Tel: 04 90 86 17 07

A well-loved Avignon institution that has been serving businessmen and local families for over 60 years (although now under new management and with a new chef). It's rather inconguously sited above a shop on Avignon's main street, but don't let that put you off. Prices are extremely reasonable, and the food is delicious and plentiful. A good place for Sunday lunch.


LES-BAUX-DE PROVENCE:

L'Oustau de Baumanière

Val d'Enfer

13520 Les-Baux-de-Provence

Bouches-du-Rhone

Tel: 04 90 54 33 07

URL: http://www.oustaudebaumaniere.com

One of the jewels in the Provençal gastronomic crown, this is a truly world-class restaurant and hotel - with prices to match! It has two Michelin stars and an international clientele, and lunching or dining here, preferably on the beautiful terrace with the dramatic contours of Les Baux looming overhead, is an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime (if rather extravagant) experience.


La Cabro d'Or

Val d'Enfer

13520 Les-Baux-de-Provence

Bouches-du-Rhone

Tel: 04 90 54 33 21

URL: http://www.lacabrodor.com/



This charming hotel/restaurant is the younger and (slightly) cheaper sibling of the renowned L'Oustau de Baumaniere (see above), just along the road. The beautiful setting, superb food and attentive service all come highly recommended.


BONNIEUX:

Bastide de Capelongue

Lieu dit Croupatiere

84480 Bonnieux

Vaucluse

Tel: 04 90 75 89 78

URL: http://www.capelongue.com

After having made a name and enviable reputation for himself at the Moulin de Lourmarin, handsome super-chef Edouard Loubet has now moved a few kilometres along the road to this sumptuous hotel/restaurant in Bonnieux. Loubet's cooking is as innovative and inventive as ever - and his two Michelin stars have swiftly followed him! Early reports are ecstatic.


CASSIS:

Nino

Quai de Barthélemy

13260 Cassis

Bouches-du-Rhone

Tel: 04 42 01 74 32

URL: http://www.nino-cassis.com

There are plenty of fish and seafood restaurants along the colorful, bustling harbor of this delightful little town. This one is a little more sophisticated and up-market than most, with its bright Italianate decor, friendly staff, lovely food and superb local wines, all presided over by the charming, eagle-eyed, unflappable Bruno. You will find most of the classic fish and seafood dishes of Provence here: bouillabaisse, bourride, sea bass, sea bream, red mullet, gambas, etc. Definitely one of our personal favourites. Highly recommended. (Stop press: three superb state-of-the-art rooms with breathtaking views of the harbor and the sea cliffs beyond have just been added. Check out the web site for photos and details.)


CAVAILLON:

Prévot

Avenue de Verdun

84300 Cavaillon

Vaucluse

Tel: 04 90 71 32 43

In his sumptuous restaurant in a rather anonymous town, Jean-Jacques Prévot serves up a range of elegant, inventive dishes. The town is famous for its melons, and these feature widely (and imaginatively) on the menu.


EYGALIERES:

Le Bistrot d'Eygalières

Rue de la Republique

13810 Eygalières

Tel: 04 90 90 60 34

URL: http://www.chezbru.com/

A bit of a misnomer, this is hardly a bistro, but a decidedly upmarket restaurant serving superb food. Prices are quite reasonable for the range and quality of the food on offer, and the wine list is a veritable treasure-trove of local wines. (Stop Press: This restaurant has just been awarded its second Michelin star!)


L'ISLE SUR LA SORGUE:

Le Jardin du Quai

91 avenue Julien Guige

84800 L'Isle sur la Sorgue

Vaucluse

Tel: 04 90 20 14 98

http://www.danielhebet.com

Young super-chef Daniel Hebet - who made such a name for himself at the luxurious Hotel de la Mirande in Avignon some years ago - has now set up shop in this delightful, antique-laden town. This is a much simpler, more informal place, but with the occasional haute cuisine flourish. Lovely, imaginative, market-fresh dishes with little (if any) choice. Four courses for about 40 euros. Don't miss it!