La maison

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.

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.

Nothing remains of the ruined château, except its founding spirit, which has been given a new lease of life thanks to the vision of two local childhood friends. It is now home to guestrooms, a bar and a restaurant housed in the tasteful timber extension. The Colombian chef crafts authentic cuisine packed in flavour and scattered with South American notes (ceviche of fish of the day, flame-licked cooking). In line with their eco-responsible ethos, priority is given to local producers, and some of their vegetables, herbs and even fish also come from their own aquaponics greenhouse, hence the one

Julien and Marion are the driving force behind this restaurant housed in a renovated municipal building, in which original old stonework meets contemporary furnishings. In the kitchen, Julien carefully crafts his dishes, loyal to local producers; Marion oversees the dining room with discretion and genuine warmth. The chef may revisit traditional dishes such as pâté en croûte and soufflé, but he also devises more contemporary dishes: crispy boudin noir dumplings, apple compote and sage-pineapple oil, or grilled Duroc pork with sauce charcutière and herby polenta.