Chateau de La Vieille Chapelle

This restaurant is something of a UFO in Bordeaux’s gourmet landscape, courtesy of a striking glass and concrete structure, castle stables, views of the Pont d’Aquitaine suspension bridge and a rock music soundtrack. The same is true of the cuisine of Vivien Durand, a chef bursting with original ideas who reinterprets Gallic culinary conventions with a keen gastronomic eye. A daring gamble given his apparent dismantling of tradition, but one that hits the spot every time! Xipister-flavoured tagliatelle of squid, pig’s head terrine with a gutsy gravy and Périgord truffle or an amazing onion sou

On the lively Chartrons market square, this pretty stone building is the newest and latest establishment of chef Philippe Etchebest, also behind Bordeaux’ Quatrième Mur. Guests are greeted like old friends and immediately feel at home in this tasteful, welcoming interior. Philippe’s unwavering commitment to good food and to working only with top local produce shines through and is clearly shared by his talented team. The tasting menu, entirely seasonal, features a few of his signature dishes, such as ravioles of mushrooms and sautéed foie gras, as well as some exquisite vegetarian recipes. Wel

In the world-famous village of Saint-Émilion, Yannick Alléno rigorously oversees the restaurant of this luxury hotel, once a convent, whose nuns offered sanctuary to pilgrims and travellers. Chef Sébastien Faramond and his team turn out finely tuned dishes that lean towards the Aquitaine terroir of Southwest France, enhanced by remarkably intense sauces and reductions: koji risotto cooked in Graves wine, grated aged Mimolette cheese and cockles au naturel; the signature dish of "pigeon soufflé et rôti au feu d'enfer, bec façon ortolan, filet au jus de presse en amertume d'oseille"; warm chocol

Located in the central edifice on Bordeaux's iconic Place de la Bourse, opposite the Miroir d'Eau water feature, this establishment is run by the owners of Château Angelus and Logis de la Cadène in Saint-Émilion. The gorgeous 18C parlours have been converted into a single open space and lavishly appointed – oak floors, thick carpets, wood panelling and mouldings. Young chef Bertrand Noeureuil, who worked with Arnaud Donckele, delights diners with beautiful cuisine inspired by the sea and the seasons – noisette de sole "Chambrelent" au plat, or lightly veiled thin fillets of sardines "Bacalan",

(Temporarily closed for renovations) An iconic establishment if ever there was one. For many years, Le Saint James was the realm of its avant-garde founder, chef Jean-Marie Amat; he commissioned Jean Nouvel to redesign his premises, which opened in 1989 and became a benchmark in design – and now they are to undergo major renovation works again. The restaurant pays tribute to Nouvelle-Aquitaine producers by elevating the fruits of their labours, from Gironde caviar to Bazas beef.

British chef Gordon Ramsay (born in Scotland) is a true culinary talent who has already been awarded three Michelin stars in England. He signs off on Le Pressoir d'Argent's menu who breathes a touch of modernity into the classic cuisine. It all comes together to enhance that French art de vivre – the opulent and refined decor and ultra competent service, the celebration of the finest ingredients from the abundant Bordeaux and Aquitaine region (foie gras, truffles, caviar, fish)… and the solid silver Christofle lobster press that is moved from table to table. The competence of the three sommeli

This elegant house built of local stone is something of an institution on the Right Bank, in a neighbourhood that is not renowned for its stock of good restaurants. Passionate about ingredients and flavour, chef François Sauvêtre crafts pared-back and straightforward cuisine, eschewing fancy techniques. The multi-course surprise set menu highlights the chef's talent for sauces; the "Balade de Saison" set menu offers excellent value for money at lunchtime and in the evening. The completely refurbished dining room, done out in soft shades of white, blue and grey, opens out onto a quiet south-fac