There are, quite literally, thousands of restaurants in Provence!
In the past two decades, we have tried to try, as many people as possible - but we are beginning to recognize that we've barely scratched the surface!
Here are some short notes are only a selection of restaurants we have eaten (and enjoyed!) Over the past few years.
Most of them are in the Vaucluse and Bouches-du-Rhone regions of Provence (our favorite punching) reasons, but with theoccasional excursion into the Var and Alpes Maritimes.
Some (not all) of the restaurants have their own websites. This includes photos, sample menus, wine lists, etc. One or two even have virtual tours and online booking facilities.
Please note these are not random, informal places. While the men can not be expected to wear a jacket and tie (except at the Louis XV in Monaco), you can go wrong with something when you are in jeans and sneakers, are again considered. Targetfor a smart casual look, and you should be fine. And it is always a good idea to reserve a table in advance by telephone.
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 a Michelin starand offers an exquisite cuisine with skill and verve by the owner, Jean-Marc Banzo prepared. In a quiet residential area of Aix-set, 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 shops not far from the Palais desPapes, a self-taught local chef Robert Brunel serves a light, modern cuisine is based around fresh local produce. Fish and vegetables predominate. Good value menus for lunch and dinner.
Christian Etienne
Rue de Mons
84000 Avignon
Vaucluse
Tel: 04 90 86 16 50
URL: http://www.christian-etienne.fr/
Beautifully situated next to the Palais des Papes, this elegant restaurant with one Michelin star and an enviable localReputation. The a la carte menu and several set-price options offer a wide range of specialties such as lobster, truffles, and the famous "all-tomato" menu in the summer. Charm and professional service. Great food. Great wines of the region. Highly recommended.
Hiély-Lucullus
Rue de la Republique
84000 Avignon
Vaucluse
Tel: 04 90 86 17 07
Avignon is a popular institution, the local business people and families, with its more than60 years (even now) under new management and with a new boss. It is rather inconguously located on a shop on the main street of Avignon, but do not be deterred. The prices are very reasonable and the food is tasty and plentiful. A good place for Sunday lunch.
Les-Baux-de Provence:
L'Oustau de Baumanière
Val d'Enfer
13,520 Les-Baux-de-Provence
Bouches-du-Rhone
Tel: 04 90 54 33 07
URL:http://www.oustaudebaumaniere.com
One of the jewels in Provence culinary crown, this match is a truly world-class restaurant and hotels - with prices! It has two Michelin stars and an international clientele and lunch or dinner here, preferably on the beautiful terrace with dramatic contours of Les Baux is looming in the head, an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime (albeit a bit extravagant) experience.
La Cabro d'Or
Vald'Enfer
13,520 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 brother of the famous L'Oustau de Baumaniere (see above), just down the street. The beautiful surroundings, excellent food and attentive service is recommended.
BONNIEUX:
Bastide de Capelongue
Lieu ditCroupatière
84480 Bonnieux
Vaucluse
Tel: 04 90 75 89 78
URL: http://www.capelongue.com
After he has made a name and an enviable reputation for himself at the Moulin de Lourmarin, beautiful super-chef Edouard Loubet, now a few miles left on the road to this magnificent hotel / restaurant in Bonnieux. Loubet's cuisine is so innovative and resourceful as ever - and its two Michelin stars have quickly followed him! The first reports areecstatic.
CASSIS:
Nino
Quai de Barthélemy
13260 Cassis
Bouches-du-Rhone
Tel: 04 42 01 74 32
URL: http://www.nino-cassis.com
There are a variety of fish and seafood restaurants along the colorful, bustling port of this delightful little town. This is a little more sophisticated and up-market than most, with their bright Italian furnishings, friendly staff, good food and superb local wines, ChairOver by the charming, eagle-eyed, unflappable Bruno. You can find most of the classic fish and seafood of Provence here: bouillabaisse, Bourride, sea bass, sea bream, red mullet, prawns, etc. In any case, one of our personal favorites. Highly recommended. (Stop press: three outstanding state-of-the-art rooms with breathtaking views of the harbor and the cliffs above were just added. Also check the website for photos andDetails.)
CAVAILLON:
Prévot
Avenue de Verdun
84300 Cavaillon
Vaucluse
Tel: 04 90 71 32 43
In its magnificent restaurant in a rather anonymous town, Jean-Jacques Prévot serves a selection of elegant and innovative dishes. The city is known famous for its melons, and this contribution in general (and imaginatively) on the menu.
EYGALIERES:
Le Bistrot d'Eygalières
Rue de laRepublique
13,810 Eygalières
Tel: 04 90 90 60 34
URL: http://www.chezbru.com/
A bit misleading, this is hardly a bistro meal, but a very upscale restaurant. The prices are quite reasonable for the variety and quality of 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 LASORGUE:
Le Jardin du Quai
91 avenue Julien Guig
84800 L'Isle sur la Sorgue
Vaucluse
Tel: 04 90 20 14 98
http://www.danielhebet.com
Young super-chef Daniel Lift up - that made such a name in the luxury Hotel de la Mirande in Avignon a few years ago - now has to load itself into this beautiful, ancient city. This is a much simpler, more informal place, with the occasional flourish but haute cuisine. Lovely,imaginative, fresh cuisine with little (if any) election. Four courses for about 40 euros. Do not miss it!
(Make) to Part 2 of this article coming soon
