VILLA HOTEL

This restaurant, located in an old antique shop in the centre of the village, cannot fail but delight: a contemporary, elegant interior, a patio-terrace ideal in fine weather, and at the helm, a young couple who offer market-inspired dishes like this grilled octopus with black garlic and fregola sarda pasta, or rump of veal with polenta and cardamom.

In the centre of Fontainebleau, Fuumi is the teppanyaki outpost of starred chef Kunihisa Goto. Authentic Japanese fare, crafted directly in front of diners, particularly if you are lucky enough to nab one of the counter seats that command the best view of the culinary performance. The banquet of gyozas, ramen and okonomiyaki, the house specialty, illustrates the infinite care lavished on each dish. The attractively priced Bento lineup at lunchtime (teishoku menu), with a soup, small sides and a choice of main course, is just the ticket for a delicious snack. Friendly, buzzy vibe. Bookings high

Located on a pedestrian street, this restaurant pays homage to hunting and culinary competitions: the chef, a finalist in the Lièvre à la Royale Championship, is also a fan of pâté en croûte. Meat dominates the menu – oreiller de la belle Aurore; fillet of guinea fowl, grilled green beans, shiso leaf tempura and offal sauce, not to mention the carefully prepared desserts. Small terrace.

In the heart of this charming borough, on a pedestrian square near the town hall, a pocket-sized restaurant run by a young chef with an impressive cv. Market-inspired menu with the likes of fresh pasta with mussels, calamari and langoustines, or poultry quenelles with freekeh... Scandinavian style dining room, terrace overlooking a fountain. Delicious prices.

What are two Australian chefs (with stints at Yard, Spring, Bones and Au Passage) doing in the heart of the grounds of Saint Vrain Castle, more precisely in the tastefully refurbished former stables? Well, they are knocking up spot-on food, sourced directly from the estate’s huge cottage garden, which actually existed before the restaurant, using fruit and vegetables that are harvested only when perfectly ripe. A fine dining experience that mingles rural charm and gourmet delights, overlooking the surrounding countryside. Guestrooms available for overnight stays. Booking compulsory.

A contemporary setting, a modern interior and a choice of two venues to treat yourself to a slap-up meal: Brasserie Louis and its traditional lineup or its gourmet sibling, Le Bouche à Oreille. Slick, professional service and food that showcases top-notch ingredients (including lobster, scallops and foie gras) with a creative twist. Modern, comfortable guestrooms.

In the centre of the village, this welcoming flower-decked place with a garden and terrace is a real oasis of calm. Cosy setting and cuisine that navigates between tradition and modernity (notably the melt-in-the-mouth pithivier pie, rum crème brûlée, pistachio ice cream), not forgetting Sologne game in season.