Where To Eat In Provence

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 Mediterrean fish options. Wine menu and desserts present nice options to extend the lovely perched experience. Highly recommended are the other restaurants owned by La Bastide Group - La Organery & Clover Gordes (Not Le Tigrr).

• More about La Bastide de Pierres
• Place du Château, 84220 Gordes

Set aback 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 40€ a person (for the British and Americans coming, it’s a steal) - worth paying 15% more for the quality and setting. Changes possible for allergies. Great local wine and champagne list. Reservations highly recommended.

• More about Le Jardin du Quai
• 91 Avenue Julien Guigue, 84800 L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

Situated in a former nursery north of town, about a 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 around. The mediterranean menu boasts Chef staples and daily market specials with a french twist, all designed for sharing. Appetizers and desserts were the highlight, and the sea bream with creme fraiche baked potatoes was the entree favorite, perfectly cooked with unexpected flavors and herbs from the property. Both cakes were heavenly.

• More about Edù Restaurant
• 17 Avenue Albert Schweitzer, 13210 Saint-Rémy-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 offering 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.

• 17 Rue du 8 Mai 1945, 13210 Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Chez Paulette is 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!

• Rue de la République, 13810 Eygalières, France

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, Chef Francis Mallman is world renowned and brings his Argentinian roots to France. 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.

• More about Vanina at Château La Coste

• 2750 Route De La Cride, 13610 Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade

Bon Appetit!

Read also: The Provençal Village You Have To Visit In 2023, and Summer In Provence.