Hôtel de la cale

This white cottage seems to sit right on the ocean. The chef has chosen this isolated location to craft delicious cuisine in line with his commitment to local surf and turf produce. The result is beautifully presented dishes, such as slow-cooked pork cheeks in cider vinegar served with cabbage and apples baked in salted butter.

Res nostra mare (or "the sea is our law") is the motto featured on chef Romain Paillet's website and, indeed, his modern, Japanese-inspired cuisine relies solely on what the sea has to offer. The ingredients, such as tuna belly, are impeccably fresh. Thanks to well-balanced condiments and preparations, each plate has plenty of pep… as does the chef, who, passionate about what he does, spends a lot of time in the dining area mingling with his customers. In line with the chef's cooking, the decor has blue walls and more than the odd nod to Japan. The kitchen, literally in the centre of the space