VVF Golfe du Morbihan Sarzeau Arzon

An enthusiastic and friendly young couple, Clément Raby from Paris and Estelle Mercier from the Gard region, have succeeded in turning heads with what they call their “cuisine libre” (“free cooking”). Served in a relaxed setting, this creative, original cuisine is spot on, with recipes that really work and just the right combination of flavours. On their “blind” menus, dishes aren’t announced until after you’ve tasted them so that guests can really give their senses and tastebuds a workout!

Set among flower gardens and century-old trees, this fully restored 16C Breton estate has been enhanced by an elegant contemporary extension. In this refined setting, chef Olivier Samson (formerly of La Gourmandière - La Table d'Olivier) showcases his talent. His refined contemporary cuisine is deeply rooted in the local terroir and presented in the form of tasting menus. Celtic produce is handled with precision: Breton abalone with spinach and a pork jus; sole from small-boat fishing with asparagus and kumquat; roast pigeon with cocoa and pigeon leg bonbon. In dish after dish, buckwheat, sea

This restaurant on the Rhuys Peninsula, the result of a fruitful collaboration between two seasoned chefs, is nestled in an authentic Breton building recognisable by its stone façade and blue door and window frames. The interior of this contemporary bistro blends traditional and modern elements, with exposed beams, a period fireplace and open kitchen. On the menu, hearty and perfectly executed recipes celebrate Brittany's terroir – the leek, andouille and mustard tart is the epitome of finesse and indulgence. In addition to an enticing lunch deal, the menu-carte is particularly appealing.

This old stone farmstead smothered in Virginia creeper and set in wooded grounds is the HQ of Emmanuel Kouri, previously encountered at Les Climats (Paris). Mindful of the provenance of his produce (line-caught fish, organic market gardeners, local dairy produce), he crafts a predominantly seafood score, like flame-licked young mackerel, carrots in verjuice and nasturtium leaves or pearlescent monkfish, courgette dip, marinière of shellfish and salsa verde. To be enjoyed on the shaded terrace in fine weather.

A stone's throw from the church, Église St Saturnin, this hotel-restaurant is housed in a handsome stone-built 17C Breton residence. The name pays homage to Alain-René Lesage, a native of Sarzeau and author of the picaresque novel Gil Blas. The interior is as charming as the outside promises: exposed beams, old terracotta floor tiles and a fireplace; a smattering of paintings by local artists add a contemporary touch. In the kitchen, the young chef cooks up delicious dishes, perfectly balancing textures and temperatures, and using high-quality ingredients, such as strips of squid, which he sea

The name of this country house is a nod to the nearby island of Gavrinis. The chef, who trained under Pierre Gagnaire, captures the spirit of Brittany as he showcases the produce of this plentiful, vibrant region, with dishes like a medley of locally grown mushrooms (pleurote, shiitake), served roasted, in ravioles and in consommé or red mullet paired with a chervil coulis and a dressing of bone marrow and andouille, or John Dory, artichokes, cured meat, shellfish and a white wine sauce. A genuine gourmet halt, further enhanced by a ‘sustainable’ interior décor, adorned in driftwood and a soft

Tucked away behind the town hall, this compact restaurant has a somewhat unusual basement-level dining room with exposed stone, metal beams, glass partitions and modern light fittings. The chef cooks up hearty dishes, remarkable for both their generosity and bold flavours: maiale tonnato, Parmesan and capers; magret de canard, mashed potatoes with whole-grain mustard, vegetables and a piquillo pepper coulis. Friendly welcome and service, and the lunchtime set menu is a steal!