Le Jardin du Quai, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Set back away from the crowds, off a little quiet road, you almost miss this garden gem entrance if you’ve had one too many aperitifs. The old house-converted restaurant is outfitted with classic French antique bistro sets and varieties of stunning plants, florals, and sculptures. Slightly pricier than other meals found in town, there’s a daily changing 4-course menu designed from the provincial morning markets, around EUR 45 a person. Changes possible for allergies. Great local wine and champagne list. Reservations are highly recommended.
Stay at La Maison Sur La Sorgue, a few minutes walking from the restaurant.
La Bastide de Pierres, Gordes
Conveniently centered facing the fountain roundabout made famous in A Good Year, La Bastide’s people watching from the terrace is just as superb as their excellent Italian. The pizzas are surprisingly comparable to ones found in southern Italy, as are the fresh Mediterranean fish options. The wine menu and desserts present nice options to extend the lovely perched experience.
Stay at L’Hôtel Particulier de Tingry in Ménerbes, a short drive.
Edù Restaurant, Saint-Remy-de-Provence
Situated in a former nursery north of town, about an 8-minute walk from the center, the restaurant, garden, and shop are named for Owner & Chef Edouard Giribone. His mother decorated the property, and the garden-outdoor setting with a refreshing fresh water dipping pool is just as wonderful to sit in as the rustic open-kitchen interiors, making this a great spot year-round. The Mediterranean menu boasts Chef staples and daily market specials with a French twist, all designed for sharing. Appetizers and desserts were the highlights, and the seabream with creme fraiche baked potatoes was the entree favorite, perfectly cooked with unexpected flavors and herbs from the property. Both cakes were heavenly.
Stay at Le Petit Hotel right in town.
Bienbon, Saint-Remy-de-Provence
A tiny innovative cafe in the center of town, featuring a quirky-yet-cool sustainable gift shop and coffee bar, you might think you’re in Brooklyn, Shoreditch, or Berlin. Daily changing petit menu somehow offers all the things you are craving for a healthy but satisfying lunch, pleasing your entire group. For 30 euros, you’ll enjoy two entrees, espressos, and dessert. You’ll want to go back the next day to try the dish your neighbor ordered and pick up a few things you eyed in their namesake store.
Stay at Mas de La Rose, a few minutes drive.
Chez Paulette, Eygalières
A quaint lively authentic bistro serving seasonal and modern provincial fare. Located in the heart of one of the most beautiful villages in the Luberon, a little village called Eygalières. Paulette herself is often taking orders, and her husband runs the art gallery/restaurant across the street. Everything is homemade and the setting is idyllic Provence. Garden salads, crisp frites, summer tarts, roast chicken, and local rosé. The mussels are a must!
Stay at Le Domaine de la Rose, a short drive from the restaurant.
Vanina at Château La Coste, near Aix-en-Provence
The restaurants at Chateau La Coste are close rivals of the property’s stunning art collection. If you can stay for dinner and get a reservation in advance, acclaimed Chef Francis Mallman is world-renowned and brings his Argentinian roots to France. His first and only European outpost at La Coste since 2017 is still worth booking - it's a beautiful feast. For a half day or afternoon only, make time for lunch at the property’s Italian restaurant ‘Vanina’, the pizzas are swoon-worthy Neapolitan style overlooking the vineyards, most frequently with a very attractive diverse European scene.
Stay at Château La Coste on the estate.
Bon Appetit!
84 Rooms recommends: The Provençal Village You Have To Visit In 2023, and Summer In Provence.