La Grange

In the heart of the old town, this contemporary restaurant is run with appealing energy by a young chef who gives free rein to his inspiration, resulting in a delicious and eclectic culinary experience for diners. Indeed, influences from far and wide come together on a menu that is regularly renewed according to the seasons and the market; there are plenty of dishes for sharing. The restaurant also boasts a great selection of cocktails and a short wine list including a good choice of wines by the glass.

Chef Adam Blondeau is a trained pastry chef originally from Châteauroux. After time abroad and having garnered valuable experience in some of the world's top kitchens, he is now back on home turf. He may be young, but he already has several strings to his bow: skilled at fermenting (eg pickles), using herbs grown in his own garden, and playfully referencing the terroir. He doesn't cut corners when it comes to the quality of the ingredients in his pared-down dishes, a case in point being his Chambord venison. His cooking is ingredient-led, right down to single-ingredient dishes.

A father-and-son team is behind this brasserie-style restaurant with a smart, polished interior and a hint of Scandinavian flair. The father is a seasoned professional who has been cooking since he was 15 (his CV includes the Grand Hôtel du Lion d'Or in Romorantin and the Domaine des Dryades); his son provides enthusiastic service front of house. Farm produce and fish from Brittany are elevated by the sure touch of the chef: pan-fried snails and octopus, root vegetables and black garlic jus; sesame and dried lime biscuit, crumble with toasted sesame oil.

Japan boasts two museums devoted to the cartoonist Raymond Peynet, who created the famous lovers in 1942, immortalised by a postage stamp. Some of his Japanese admirers thus naturally chose the small village of Saint Valentin to celebrate February 14 in culinary style. In a stripped-back, contemporary interior, graced with posters and lithographs by Peynet, a 100% Japanese brigade conjures up a subtle new take on modern Gallic fare, scattered with delicate Japanese notes.

Locally reared meat (lamb, veal, beef), regional cheeses (mainly goat’s) and veggies from his large market garden… The chef is a fan of the region as you will taste. The delicious food is served in a pleasantly rustic interior. The epitome of a French country inn!

Not far from Brenne Regional Nature Park, chef Franck Gatefin continues his gourmet peregrinations with special attention given to the cherry-picked ingredients. He sources live freshwater fish, which he prepares using the ikejime method and relies on his regular gardener for organic veg. This fan of botany also grows his own aromatic herbs. Fish and vegetables obviously take pride of place in his beautifully plated dishes, which bear witness to his philosophy. Cordial, attentive welcome.

This restaurant run by a sincere and welcoming couple in an old farmhouse about 15km from Bourges is definitely one to recommend. Everything is house-made, most of the vegetables come from the family's own garden, and freshness is the order of the day in each dish. Multi-course set menus – more elaborate in the evening and at weekends – to be enjoyed on the shaded terrace bordered by the garden.