Must-see restaurants in Avignon

  • Restaurant L'Essentiel

    Avignon

    In the top tier of Avignon's restaurants for many a year, this elegant restaurant remains (as its name suggests) as essential as ever. First there's the…

  • Christian Etienne

    Avignon

    If it's the full-blown, fine-dining French experience you're after, then Monsieur Etienne's much-vaunted (and Michelin-starred) restaurant is the place to…

  • Maison Violette

    Avignon

    We simply defy you to walk into this bakery and not instantly be tempted by the stacks of baguettes, ficelles and pains de campagnes loaded up on the…

  • Les 5 Sens

    Avignon

    This gastronomic temple is a great option for a très Français fine-dining experience. Overseen by chef supremo Thierry Baucher, it's particularly known…

  • Hygge

    Avignon

    Having worked at a smorgasbord of high-flying restaurants (including Copenhagen's Noma and Avignon's La Mirande), Jacques Pampiri opened his own place in…

  • Ginette et Marcel

    Avignon

    Set on one of Avignon's most happening plane-tree-shaded squares, this vintage cafe styled like a 1950s grocery is a charming spot to hang out and people…

  • Fou de Fafa

    Avignon

    A typical French bistro, Fou de Fafa's strength lies in simplicity – fresh ingredients, bright flavours, convivial surroundings (and a notably early…

  • Au Jardin des Carmes

    Avignon

    There's one standout reason to lunch at this homey restaurant, and that's the delightful courtyard garden, shaded by sails, tall bamboo and climbing…

  • E.A.T.

    Avignon

    Weird name; great food. This back-alley bistro near place Crillon is a strong local's tip. It's very French, but borrows flavours and spices freely:…

  • Bar à Manger du Coin Caché

    Avignon

    This place is pure charm. On cobbled-stone place des Chataignes (Chestnut Tree Square) it spills across to its ancient stone neighbour (Cloître St-Pierre)…

  • Le Potard

    Avignon

    Gourmet brioche-based burgers come in a multitude of guises, loaded with tempting goodies from smoked bacon and St-Nectaire cheese to caramelised onions,…

  • Le Barrio

    Avignon

    In the town's studenty quarter near elegant place des Carmes, this no-fuss hang-out is ideal for solid, unpretentious grub like stir-fries, crusted cod,…

  • Le Vintage

    Avignon

    Deep in the medieval quarter, this welcoming bistro is a fun place to dine. Zinc tables, well-worn furniture and a busy, noisy kitchen out back conjure up…

  • L'Ubu

    Avignon

    This place is so hip it hurts, from its in-your-face street-art murals to its junk-shop decor and on-trend slogans. The menu changes regularly, so there's…

  • Numéro 75

    Avignon

    The chic dining room, in the former mansion of absinthe inventor Jules Pernod, is a fitting backdrop to the stylised Mediterranean cooking. Menus change…

  • Naka

    Avignon

    When tastebuds tire of Provençal, consider this uber-cool Japanese restaurant. At home in a deconsecrated chapel on a beautiful stone-paved square in the…

  • L'Épicerie

    Avignon

    From the checked tablecloths to the booth seats, handwritten blackboards and vintage signs, this reliable bistro is a fine spot for hearty French dishes,…

  • 83.Vernet

    Avignon

    Forget flowery French descriptions. The menu is straightforward and to the point at this bistro-bar, where the stark white furniture and studiously…

  • Le Marmiton

    Avignon

    Le Marmiton, the super-formal restaurant of Hôtel La Mirande, offers cooking classes (from €90) and a twice-weekly chef’s table (reservations essential)…

  • Les Halles

    Avignon

    Over 40 food stalls showcase seasonal Provençal ingredients. Cooking demonstrations are held at 11am Saturday. Outside on place Pie, admire Patrick Blanc…

  • La Tropézienne

    Avignon

    St-Tropez’ famous cream-and-cake tarte tropézienne, plus other treats.