Les Portes d'Or

At Transparence, just a short walk from Place Stanislas in a busy pedestrian street, transparency is more than just a name – you can see chef Patrick Fréchin working his magic through the glass partition! His various set menus (including one dedicated to lobster) feature beautifully presented dishes that showcase excellent seasonal produce. There is a quiet terrace to the rear.

Just a stone's throw from Place Stanislas, youthful chef Martin Debuiche orchestrates a market-fresh score inspired by regional produce. Carefully sourced ingredients and deftly crafted cooking: good food in a buzzy, friendly vibe.

A stone's throw from Place Stanislas, this restaurant allies rustic charm with contemporary touches. A bright dining area with bay windows overlooks the kitchen, where the team can be seen creating refined bistronomy dishes. The menu features generous, cleverly devised dishes, such as tomato stuffed with burrata and pesto, a duo of courgettes and slow-cooked pollock, and dark chocolate and passion fruit truffles. The modern and seasonal cuisine adheres to a commitment to bold flavours and well-prepared ingredients in a pleasant and lively setting – it is also good value for money.

In an ideal location 300m from Place Stanislas, this restaurant boasts an elegant decor in a bold, contemporary vein, enhanced by baroque touches – rather like the food, which is generous and colourful.

A youthful globetrotting chef runs this down-to-earth, laidback bistro in a cobbled street near St Epvre Basilica in the historic town. The bistro fare keeps step with the seasons and market availability, rolling out generous, appetising dishes, depicted by fried artichokes, frothy cantal cheese and confit egg yolk, or a fillet of trout with potato rosti, chermoula of cauliflower and an emulsion of Granny Smith apples. Natural wines dominate the wine list.

In the historic town near Saint Epvre Basilica lies an inviting eatery whose plush, stylish décor blends contemporary notes with century-old stone arches. The chef crafts a flavoursome score by way of several menus that keep pace with the seasons: Arctic char, mousseline of asparagus, chervil-flavoured veggie ravioles; a crunchy vanilla mille-feuille drizzled with caramel – to die for! Fine wine list.

The team that has taken over this small Art Nouveau building opposite the Parc de la Pépinière is on a mission to serve as a bastion against "junk food" and the industrialisation of what we eat. The chef connects with producers to champion local agriculture, delivering vibrant cuisine that is, above all, packed with flavour. Very good value for money at lunchtime.