The Originals Boutique, Hôtel Terminus, Bourg-en-Bresse Gare

Located on a pedestrian street, with an open kitchen that is already visible from outside, Agave references the plant from which tequila and mezcal are made. Raphaël and Fernanda Pillon, a French-Mexican couple and trained pastry-makers, create a brilliant fusion cuisine of French ingredients and Mexican flavours. After a stint in Mexico, the pair returned to his roots in the Ain, where they create balanced dishes, discerningly complemented by a variety of sauces and condiments: scallops and macha salsa, pastrami-style roast beef given a boost by salsa verde, veal rump elevated by an intense m

The epitome of a family-run inn, where hearty portions of tasty cuisine du terroir are served with a smile in a freshly refurbished dining area. Calf's head, chicken in creamy sauce, chicken liver soufflé and frogs' legs are all on the menu. Well-kept guestrooms for overnight stays.

Disciples of the Slow Food movement, Estelle and Andreas Baehr are passionate about showcasing premium fresh, organic and local produce. Beautifully balanced and seamlessly crafted, the lunch and dinner set menus are a culinary masterclass – dishes such as pollock served with saffron-infused grenaille potatoes, cockles and emulsion of rockfish soup tick all the boxes. Good recommendations when it comes to biodynamic wines.

In the hands of Georges Blanc, this handsome 1900 edifice is home to a splendid brasserie adorned with a fresco of the Blanc clan. The culinary score showcases a regional line-up of classics: Bresse poultry in cream, frog’s legs in garlic and parsley and traditional Nantua-style quenelle of pike. Lovely conservatory-cum-patio.

A firm favourite: justice is done to regional specialities (Bresse chicken, frogs' legs, crayfish and its legendary pike quenelles) and the wine list is packed with vintage bottles. Terrace with a view onto the church of the Royal Monastery of Brou.

In his Vonnas stronghold, Georges Blanc has embodied a certain idea of tradition for several decades. From a 100m² building, he has built an estate that spans several hectares composed of an entire village, whose houses and streets are prettily lit come nightfall. At the head of a small empire, Monsieur Blanc enjoys taking the time to meet guests and dedicates his menus with obvious pleasure. In the plate, you’ll find his emblematic Bresse chicken and famous crêpes Vonnassiennes, together with more contemporary recipes... to be paired with one of the wonderful vintages that grace the particula

This family-run establishment, which has had a contemporary makeover, affords relaxing views over the surrounding grounds. Chef David Lachavannes continues to deliver tasty and coherent cuisine that makes the most of ties with local producers. The market-fresh "Menu du Marché" served on weekdays is a bargain; the weekend menus are more ambitious. A real gem.