Hotel de la Mer

This bright modern bistro is the HQ of Frenchman Charles Thuillant and Korean Mi-Ra, a globetrotting couple who met in Ze Kitchen Gallery, a mecca of French-Asian cuisine. But it was ultimately in Deauville, where Charles spent his holidays as a child, that they opened their own restaurant. Together, they conjure up vibrant, lively dishes in which Normandy country produce is melded with perfectly judged Asian influences, for example marinated fish in a mango-passion fruit seasoning; wagyu beef, smoked jus, samsang; nodi marini pasta, oyster, wakame, crunchy veggies… Spot-on service and a moder

On a side street of an iconic picturesque village of the Côte Fleurie, the establishment of the Tougard couple, open since the early 2000s, is fronted by a discreet facade. In a snug stylish interior, the chef crafts a score that cleverly slaloms between tradition and modernity. If we were to cite a single example, it would be his talented new take on calf’s head. Flavours and aromas that hit the spot every time. Not to be missed!

A stone's throw from the banks of the River Touques and just off the tourist trail, a former crêperie is the HQ of Jarvis Scott, a former contestant on French TV's Top Chef. There is a rock 'n' roll vibe to this stripped-back, minimalist space, which is centred on the open kitchen and has an upstairs area, where a communal table is conducive to interacting with fellow diners. With his unusual pairings, the chef shakes up diners' expectations of seaside resort fare. His message is loud and clear: bold flavours delivered without unnecessary frills. The wine list gives pride of place to natural a

When strolling down the main street of Houlgate, you will pass this spruce, slate-roofed villa. In a contemporary, cheerful interior depicted by wood and stone, local lad Maxime Lehoucq has grown into a talented chef. He works with seasonal Normandy ingredients (veal, free-range eggs and cream) together with fish supplied by his fisherman brother from Trouville. Maxime’s bistronomic signature and the occasional exotic note do the rest: flame grilled mackerel, beetroot and seaweed mayonnaise; Prieuré leg of poultry, gnocchi, creamy mushrooms, Comté cheese and hazelnuts. The menu, which changes