Cap-ferret océan Réf 126

A keen traveller, chef Mélanie Serre (who previously worked with the late Joël Robuchon) has set up shop in Cap Ferret, at the start of the peninsula – facing out to sea (at high tide) or seagrass beds and samphire plants (at low tide). Her indulgent menu is eclectic, with many nods to bistro or even classic French cuisine. Her perfectly executed recipes are often given an appealingly creative twist: she makes a mean pâté en croûte, devilled eggs with leek vinaigrette, stuffed cabbage, beef Wellington, rum baba… There's a good wine cellar with bottles to suit all budgets, from modest natural w

This modern, cheerfully down-to-earth micro-bistro a stone's throw from the lighthouse promises a treat for your taste buds. At the helm: a local (front of house) and a chef who used to come to the area on holiday. Indeed, this place radiates a free-spirited, playful energy, with a menu of small plates for sharing, eg cockles with chorizo, satay coconut milk broth; fried chicken, chilli butter and Fourme d'Ambert cheese – fresh produce, impeccable fish, full-flavoured dishes. The small dining room centres on a large counter; the tables and chairs have an artfully weathered look, a wall of azul

Make a beeline for this little place in the heart of Arcachon, just a stone's throw from the beach. Behind the black and white storefront, there is a restaurant with a modern decor and a retro touch. The chef knows his stuff, astutely revising bistronomy and traditional dishes: eg a wonderful terrine of black Bigorre pork/poultry, updated with a red onion and pear compote; veal in a herb crust, sweet potato gnocchi.

Grégory Colantuono, formerly chef at Bistro' 50 in La Hume, has now opened his own restaurant in the town centre, not far from the Théâtre Olympia. Post-renovation, this typical Arcachon villa boasts a bright, modern interior, in which to enjoy a delicious, wallet-friendly lunch – diners can also opt for the wine of the week by the glass. The evening menu is more ambitious, with creative and masterful combinations of ingredients sourced in Gironde and more exotic influences: scallops, coffee emulsion, napa cabbage with mead vinegar and kimchi sesame; squab with red kuri squash, Swiss chard, po

Originally from Cambodia, the Khong family settled in Arcachon, and now they are the ones inviting diners on a journey: from China and Japan to Southeast Asia, using regional ingredients. Don't miss the dim sum, the real stars of the show, wrapped in a remarkably fine dough.