It’s now possible to enjoy our meals in the dining room or on the terrace of restaurants that have finally reopened. For months, they have had time to prepare their menu, to simmer concepts and on the menu, there is something new in the offing, from Lille to Lyon, from Marseille to Nantes. Here is a selection of newly opened places to eat.
The highest rooftop, NŪ Restaurant in Lille
Long awaited, NŪ is Lille's first restaurant-bar with a rooftop and a spectacular 360° panorama. Perched across from the Euralille shopping center and between the city's two train stations, NŪ (pronounced Nous) intends to bring people together around its hearty cuisine. A member of the Mange Lille collective, the chef and initiator of the project Maxime Schelstraete promises a convivial atmosphere for diners, whether its day or night, and a menu that favors local products and short food supply chains.
Bec restaurant- The most provençal restaurant in the Vallée des Baux in Provence
It is in Paradou, in the heart of beautiful Provence, between garrigues and lavender fields, that Edouard Beaufils and Jessica Cogoni have put down their suitcases and their stoves after several experiences in Europe and internationally. From the initials of their two names “Bec” was born; nestled at the foot of the Baux de Provence in a sunny family farmhouse where vibrant cuisine is accompanied with a warm and dynamic service. He in the kitchen, she in the dining room: we feast on good food and good humor with a tasty southern accent.
A 100% solar restaurant, Le Présage in Marseille
This has never been seen before in France, or even in Europe: a solar restaurant, albeit in an experimental version, but which already shines out for its originality. The brainchild of an engineer turned chef, the concept of Le Présage, which is playing the guinguette game this year on the heights of Château Gombert in Marseille, aims to be a gastronomic restaurant in a natural, edible forest by 2022. For the moment, the sunny menu, inspired by plants and flexitarians, takes advantage of the solar satellite dish and its associated oven. Impressive!
The most royal, the Grand Contrôle-Ducasse, in Versailles
Travel back in time, in the very heart of the Château de Versailles estate, with a view of the Orangery and the pièce d'eau des Suisses- this is the exceptional experience offered by Le Grand Contrôle - Airelles Château de Versailles hotel, which welcomes its first guests this spring. With the Pavillon Dufour as its setting, the Ore-Ducasse restaurant at the Château de Versailles adds to the grandeur of the place by boldly interpreting French haute cuisine, inspired by recipes from the past. In a décor of gold and gleam, from the waiters' attire to the reedited 18th century tableware, the diners are transported into the world of royal splendor...
The best in the vineyards, Les Belles Perdrix at Château Troplong Mondot in Saint-Emilion
Nestled in the heart of the vineyard of Château Troplong Mondot, Les Belles Perdrix reopens after 3 years of renovation. The Michelin starred chef David Charrier now oversees the kitchen's menu, sourcing his produce directly from the property's permaculture vegetable garden. Local producers contribute to a sincere and intuitive cuisine, awakening the senses. The icing on the cake is the new pastry chef, Adrien Salavert, who will delight the diner’s sweet desires.
The most alpine, La dame de Pic- The 1920 in Megève
Le 1920, the gourmet restaurant of the Four Seasons Hotel Megève, welcomes a new lady in the kitchen, Anne-Sophie Pic, and teams her up with the brand. The world's most starred chef has created a menu based on Savoyard produce in association with a local producer. Fir buds, meadowsweet, sweet clover, caraway, hogweed... Under the impressive wooden vault of the dining room or on the elegant terrace with a view of the Alps, when small flowers and mountain pastures are combined with gastronomy, culinary experiences scale new heights.
A taste of French Riviera, Bocca Nissa in Nice
In place of the institution Le Hussard, Bocca has taken up residence in Nice (Nissa), ideally located at the entrance to the Cour Saleya and just a stone's throw from the seafront. The new restaurant has awakened the coast with a promising combination: beautiful dishes inspired by the Mediterranean, a green rooftop and a joyful atmosphere. It's no coincidence that one of the pillars of the project, Jean Valfort, is a native of the area and has boundless love for his hometown and its people.
The most generous, Le Bouillon du Commerce in Nantes
The Bouillon reminds us of these 19th century restaurants that served traditional French cuisine, especially broth, from which they take their name. There are still a few of these restaurants in Paris that are famous for their affordable prices. Nantes embarks on a culinary adventure on the large Place du Commerce. In a period decor, the 250-seat restaurant, with a dining room and terrace, hopes to meet the challenge of conviviality with a menu of popular, generous and accessible dishes.
The most prominent, L'Observatoire du Gabriel in Bordeaux
A Grand Siècle building signed by Ange-Jacques Gabriel, in the heart of historic Bordeaux, on the magnificent Place de la Bourse designed by the architect of King Louis XV... This is the setting for Le Gabriel, whose opening last fall, even for a few days, created a stir. A bar with a cozy decor on the ground floor, an elegant bistro on the second floor and, at the top, a 35-cover gastronomic restaurant rightly named the Observatory. The young starred chef Alexandre Baumard offers a high-flying culinary experience with a sharp and ambitious wine list.
The most Mediterranean, the Chelala in Toulouse
In an industrial setting with stark walls and striking colors, Chelala does not go unnoticed in the Victor-Hugo district, one of the busiest areas in Toulouse at the moment. With chef Gad Azran, formerly of Chez Ducasse, Jean-Georges in New York and the very chic Market on Avenue Matignon in Paris, at the helm, the menu invites you on a journey around the Mediterranean. Flavors from Lebanon, Greece, Israel, Morocco or Turkey will delight your taste buds with great dishes to share, so you don't miss a thing.
The most convivial, Food Society in Lyon
And one more! After La Commune, Heat and Food Traboule, here is Food Society, the fourth Food Court in four years to take up residence in the capital of Gaules. This new culinary temple of XXL dimensions (3,000 square meters, 10 food kiosks, a bar and a large terrace) is set up in the Part-Dieu shopping center. Food Society promises "to see and to eat": a colorful decor, striking signage, home-style cuisine, festive events and a commitment to zero plastic. The line-up includes La Mère Brazier's grocery-counter, Lyon's two-starred institution, and Café Terroir for market cuisine.
The most Dolce Vita, Gigi in Ramatuelle on the French Riviera
While waiting for Gigi in Paris this fall, head over to the Pampelonne beach, hidden under the pine forest, located just a stone's throw from Saint-Tropez. Much more than a restaurant, this "second home" is a place to rest, share and create unforgettable memories. On the plate, Gigi will honor a cuisine that combines the classics of Italian cuisine and essential Mediterranean dishes. We will have to wait until December 2021 to discover Gigi's residence in the mountains, on the heights of Val d'Isère.
And in Paris?
We are also delighted to see the reopening of restaurants in the capital with new addresses that will be the talk of the town. From Forest in the Palais de Tokyo to the incredible Halle aux Grains, Michel and Sébastien Bras's restaurant, nestled on the top floor of the newly inaugurated Bourse de Commerce.
By Pascale Filliâtre
Journalist-traveller. I often voyage to the end of the world to explore what France offers... just next door. filliatre.pascale@orange.fr
