Château Des Roises

This edifice on the banks of the Yonne is truly superlative! Founded by Marie Lorain in 1945, the establishment rose to fame in the hands of her son, Michel, and then later, when her modest, conscientious grandson, Jean-Michel, took over. The latter has entrusted his nephew, Alexandre Bondoux, with the task of composing the menu. Regulars can rest assured that the original, iconic dishes remain (lobster stew; calf sweetbread in ginger), now flanked by flashes of inspiration (skate wing à la meunière in green butter, lovage and morels; suckling lamb from the Pyrenees, gambero rosso and Arabica-

Patrick Gauthier's restaurant, the shape of which calls to mind the bow of an ocean liner, overlooks the River Yonne at the tip of a small island. Diners forget the town around them in an interior whose design is inspired by the chef's many trips to Scandinavia and Asia. A "cook first and foremost" and highly passionate about his work, he continues to personally present the day's specials and suggestions to guests. A great fan of markets and fish and seafood, he creates authentic, spirited cuisine that is full of flavour: green asparagus from Mallemort, pan-fried foie gras, duck jus; meticulou

An enthusiastic self-taught young couple runs this restaurant with a subdued decor composed of raw materials. The premises also house a bakery and delicatessen leading onto a lovely terrace and indoor garden (including a citrus tree greenhouse). The ingredients, which are 95% organic, make for healthy, tasty and balanced dishes.

Of Italian and Mediterranean inspiration, this bright, modern trattoria, housed in a former art gallery, overlooks a cobbled courtyard. We fell head over heels with the roasted artichokes in a pesto and parmesan jus. Before leaving, pop into the gourmet delicatessen store and stock up on top-of-the-range Italian goodies.

The decor is trendy with bare bricks, polished concrete floors and bistro furniture, as is the concept... Choose a bottle of wine from the cellar, before pairing it with a good, simple dish with a focus on ingredients (artisan produced charcuterie, free - range meat, cheeses from Bordier etc). A tasty and friendly place.

Chef Yann Caputo is a big fan of vegetables, which he grows in his own vegetable garden and sources from small local producers. Here in his "garden bistro", he also likes cooking fish, mainly from Brittany, in homage to his native region. The reasonably priced lunch menu is a steal. The evening menu features more high-end ingredients, which are always accompanied by vegetables from the chef's garden: seared langoustines with peanut and satay, green apple tartare with mint and tarragon; turbot and garden vegetables, hazelnut sabayon, trout roe and lemon caviar. The charming decor with a natural

Victor Martin and his chef Julien Drapier, a native of the region, are a well-established team. The intelligent and harmonious dishes beautifully showcase local ingredients, in bold-flavoured combinations, often with Asian influences, such as gyozas with a soy and ginger broth or the biscuit and matcha tea cream. Add to that smiling service, good value for money and a pleasant terrace by the water.