La Maison Pavie

Sheltered from St-Malo’s tourist hordes in a district popular with the locals, this handsome contemporary fine dining establishment is the HQ of chef Luc Mobihan, a wizard when it comes to fish, seafood and regional veggies. He finetunes an enticing repertory in the zeitgeist, such as seared scallops with leeks and truffles, or abalone with a garlic foam. Meanwhile, his wife Isabelle gives free rein to her love of table arts and her passion for fine wines (Champagne, Loire, Burgundy, etc.). Suitably slick service.

This crêperie at the foot of the church serves crispy golden-brown galettes typical of the Gallo region. These buckwheat pancakes are topped with produce from neighbouring farms: vegetables from La Matz, milk from La Renaudais, fresh goat's cheese from Pleudihen, andouille from Dinan and charcuterie from La Paumerais. The buckwheat is grown on the banks of the Rance. A few brasserie dishes and a selection of ciders round off the menu.

Star-studded chef, Ludovic Dirscheri, has set up shop in this picture postcard Brittany village. His refined bill of fare mingles local and exotic inspirations. Carpaccio of scallops in olive oil with a coulis of beetroot, loin of roast boar flanked by cream of parsnips and a red wine gravy, or a pistachio flavoured kouign-amann with halva ice cream are just some of the dishes from the enticing, well-crafted menu. The interior sports untreated wood cladding and bare local stone walls, creating a cosy setting that is ideal to sample a tasting menu that won’t break the bank.

In a cosy, contemporary interior, enjoying lunch with a magnificent view over the bay of Le Prieuré promises to be a memorable experience. As they drink in the open sea, gourmets will appreciate the creative cuisine of chef-owner Didier Méril. His top-notch seasonal produce comes mainly from the market and local fisheries (Jerusalem artichokes showcased in a variety of textures and shellfish marinière; mackerel, spaghetti squash and a fish head jus finished with butter; pear tartlet with almond crisp, Tonka bean vanilla cream and pear sorbet). Good value for money at lunchtime.