Le Prieuré Corrèze

This dinky establishment, in the hands of Cyril Auboiroux for some ten years now, rolls out a concise, inspired menu composed of a choice of three starters, three main courses and three desserts. Local produce steals the star roles (Limousin beef, Corrèze veggies, sturgeon and caviar from Dordogne), albeit with the occasional more far-flung gourmet escapade and unexpected creations like an amber beer ice cream. Artistic plating enhances the perfectly paired contrasting flavours. Delightful, professional front-of-house team.

Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the work of a jovial, self-effacing chef, as modest as his food is good. Premium seasonal produce takes front stage in his dishes: free-range duck breast, purée of quince and prunes and a spicy gravy. Rugged, deftly crafted, lip-smacking food! In fine weather, head for the pretty terrace in the back garden.

At Olivier’s Table, Pierre is in the kitchen, while his partner, Fanny, a talented pastry chef, oversees the front-of-house. Normandy-born Pierre has enthusiastically embraced Corrèze, his land of adoption, in this town centre stone house, whose modern furnishings and designer lighting are the epitome of elegant. The repertory, in tune with the zeitgeist and at bargain prices, ticks all the boxes: enticing, polished and colourful. Examples include poached oysters, marinated seabass with citrus fruit and a lemon-vodka sorbet; veal scallop and sweetbread, ravioles of chanterelle mushrooms and bl

On the main road to Brive-la-Gaillarde, you are bound to notice this Corrèze-style building with its characteristic local stone walls and slate roof. You will immediately feel at home inside, thanks to the soothing decor (wooden floors, oak tables, leather- and fabric-upholstered seating) and the beaming smile of the laid-back chef. He cooks by instinct, devising blind menus out of locally sourced ingredients. His delicious dishes, such as Limousin veal belly, smoked beetroot, carrot ketchup and mashed parsnips, lack neither colour nor precision.

Between Corrèze and Lot, this charming 19C manor house has been completely renovated and now sports an airy, stylish dining room. The ceramic apples hanging from the ceiling evoke the restaurant’s nearby orchard and vegetable garden. Gifted, youthful chef Oscar Garcia (stints at Franck Putelat in Carcassonne and La Table d'Uzès) crafts seasonal dishes with a touch of creativity, using produce sourced from within a 100km radius: trout with beetroot, verbena and blueberries; Lot duck, chicory and blackcurrant pepper jus; hazelnut fougasse with a grape and tomato dessert. Five cosy guestrooms. Si

This restaurant in Égletons, between Tulle and Ussel, was opened by a young couple from the Basque Country, who are winning diners over with their commitment and unpretentious cuisine. On weekday lunchtimes, the food is deliberately simpler, with a good-value set menu that attracts regulars. In the evening, the menu pushes the envelope: grilled Basque blood sausage with potato patty and golden apples; crab mayonnaise enhanced with a carrot and curry cream, blini made with walnut flour.

An old café in the heart of this pretty village has been turned into a contemporary bistro by the Dutch duo of chef Tom Houdijk and cordial front-of-house manager Sarah van Baardewijk. The bistro vibe (banquettes, long tables, small bar) is in keeping with the menu, in which bistro classics – think beef tartare, sea bass fillet and crème brûlée – get a fresh and precise makeover. Colourful dishes, perfect cooking and meticulous details: a charming and welcoming establishment.