Hotel du Palais

Trained in star Swiss, French (and even Australian) establishments, chef Laurent Cherchi is a stalwart champion of the environment. He offers two menus, one of which is lacto-ovo-vegetarian, while the other is all-out vegan (without animal ingredients) – which is nothing if not rare in the universe of French star-rated establishments. All his produce is rigorously sourced locally, from the Cévennes to the Mediterranean (beef from Aubrac, saltbush lamb from Camargue, tomme cheese from Larzac) and the front-of-house team is more than well-versed in the ins and outs of each ingredient’s provenanc

Wend your way along narrow Rue Terral to this snug, attractively appointed restaurant and you will quickly find out why it is one of Montpellier’s most popular eateries! It is impossible to resist Daniel Lutrand’s cuisine, which is both inspired and inspiring, refined and refreshing, in a bid to showcase the region’s top producers. An example: confit celery in house-made Thai curry with green spinach and a curry-coconut cream or Ségala veal cutlet flanked by miso-laced confit leeks, seed cromesquis and veal gravy. Two sensibly priced lunchtime menus and a “surprise” menu in the evening, whose

In this lovely restaurant steeped in character in the heart of historic Montpellier, Boris Caillol (formerly Le Petit Nice and La Maison Troisgros) signs a bold creative modern score and the inventive, no-holds barred chef continues to set our tastebuds tingling! He scours Montpellier’s organic market himself, hunting out the best seasonal ingredients. The resulting subtle dishes are admirably paired with an enticing wine list that demonstrates a weakness for biodynamic wines from the region. The old stone walls are offset by soft lighting and contemporary fixtures, all of which is further enh

This astonishing restaurant is completely unremarkable from the street... what a surprise, then, beyond the stainless steel-clad tunnel, to enter this attractive room with a sleek decor that blends metal, Montpellier stone, tiles and granite. Chef Guillaume Leclère is committed to what he dubs his "cuisine d'arrivage": he serves a single set menu that changes regularly in line with the ultra-fresh ingredients available (Mediterranean fish, veal from the Pyrenees etc), all sourced via short supply chains. Only the list of ingredients is revealed to diners. The chef's precise, pared-back creatio

“Montpellier the Gifted”, as the city likes to bill itself, provides the backdrop to this well-hidden restaurant on the banks of the Lez. Slightly off the beaten track, it boasts a divine riverside terrace shaded by plane trees – a refreshing haven in hot summers. This modern and sophisticated Reserve is located in an old country house, an Ali Baba’s cavern of gourmet delights, unearthed from the little-known repertory of Languedoc-Roussillon. Former second of Alain Dutournier at the Carré des Feuillants, Charles Fontès signs intelligent compositions that revolves around the ingredient. Subtle

Headed up by a chef whose enthusiasm is contagious, this place is an ode to the seasons. Dishes are crafted from market-fresh ingredients and the menu-carte changes regularly – smoked haddock terrine, burrata, herby beetroot and devilled eggs; steamed saithe, parpadelle, braised fennel and fish soup; white chocolate and yoghurt cream, rum-soaked banana pulp, almond cake and salted butter caramel ice cream. Fresh ingredients, recipes made from scratch, regional wines: a restaurant that cannot fail to win you over.

(Transfer planned to 3 rue de l'Ancien-Courrier during the summer) Not even a stone’s throw from Place de la Canourgue, this small bistro with a minimalist interior invites you to sample the chef’s French-Korean cuisine, dotted with Japanese notes. This talented chef works exclusively with fresh produce, changes the menu every couple of months (except for classics such as the bibimbap) and, of course, shines the spotlight on umami flavours, illustrated by chawanmushi, an egg and shrimp flan with edamame and a dashi stock. Bookings essential.