ibis Auxerre Sud

In this world-famous wine-growing village, a "wine bistro" is bound to be a hit. Picture the scene: a local entrepreneur, two Japanese chefs who are huge fans of French cuisine, top-notch ingredients (house-made tapas, charcuterie and purebred meats that have been perfectly matured), and an amazing wine list at bargain prices (to sample here or take away). Local patrons and wine-loving tourists mingle here, and a positive atmosphere reigns. To be consumed in moderation!

At the foot of Saint Pierre Church, sited in a historic town house, the dining room sports a minimalist edge. The Japanese chef crafts cuisine that pairs local produce with the millimetric accuracy of his homeland, depicted by trout in a beurre blanc with celeriac and nori seaweed, or a rack of pork with a charcutière sauce. Sensibly priced lunchtime market menu, more ambitious in the evening.

A few minutes’ walk from the covered market, this dinky eatery, refurbished in a tasteful modern vibe, is the brainchild of François Liebaert, a well-known local chef. His enticing seasonal menu is occasionally jazzed up with creative notes, such as line-caught hake served with a gutsy Spanish sauce, flanked by spot-on balanced seasonings and artistic plating. Estelle efficiently and cheerfully manages the front of house.

This contemporary bistro with an understated decor has blossomed in an old cellar belonging to Domaine Laroche, famous for producing Chablis. Trained in Tokyo and some top-flight French establishments, the Japanese chef invites his customers to partake in cuisine inspired by regional dishes revisited with imagination. Good value for money.

Mathieu Sagardoytho, the new owner-chef of the Zinc, signs a creative menu that pays tribute to painstakingly sourced ingredients (mackerel from Trinité-sur-Mer marinated in mirin, lamb from Clavisy farm, plums from Yonne). Remarkable list of Chablis (and other Burgundies).

Traditional, expertly crafted, market-fresh cuisine that lets the ingredient shout its name, such as lacquered sweetbread with peanuts and cauliflower. The à la carte lineup stars a range of pedigree Gallic classics such as homemade terrine, upside-down onion and chicory pie, calf’s head and even game in season. Cheerful service sets the tone in this handsome abode just a stone’s throw from the village church and square.

In the middle of the village, with the church on one side and fields on the other, this beautiful 18C manor house with a courtyard to the front has a refined, classical decor. The premises are both home and place of work for an enthusiastic, smiling couple with experience in some of the world's top restaurants. Sun Young, a pastry chef who hails from South Korea, and chef Jérémie work together to devise an appealing, delicious and rather traditional menu: super-soft poultry with crispy skin and an excellent, generous fricassee of chanterelle mushrooms, and a buttery potato purée; beef chuck co