Annette's Home

This spruce, endearing bistro on the main square of Illies is smoothly and passionately run by former Top Chef contestant, Christophe Pirotais and his partner Julie Dieudonné. Their gutsy indulgent cuisine is unveiled in an inspired, big-boned surprise menu, illustrated by a delicate pannacotta of white asparagus with radish-flavoured ice cream or a fillet of seabream escorted by chickpea fritters and a creamy jus of smoked herring roe. The welcome is warm and cheerful and the service is as smooth as a silky bearnaise sauce. Lovely rear patio for alfresco dining in fine weather.

Chef Christophe Dufossé has been thriving in his homeland, as his cooking illustrates. This pretty château set in leafy grounds sports a contemporary conservatory extension. Here, he champions organic, self-sufficient and sustainable surf and turf cooking centred on vegetables and produce from the North. Every dish is delicately yet generously crafted – and flanked by robust classic sauces. The dishes speak for themselves – monkfish gratin with a sabayon sauce and its ragout of clams, razor clams and cockles. Other highlights are the bread and sweets, particularly the incredibly lavish dessert

Chef Sébastien Renard (who appeared as a contestant on Top Chef) has taken over the sumptuous premises of his mentor, the great chef Marc Meurin. This red-brick mansion is truly magnificent, and its bar and elegant glass roof lend it undeniable flair. The young chef, who hails from the region, shows his firm commitment to local produce by showcasing local ingredients and championing their suppliers. He serves up a carte blanche-style set menu that leaves no doubt as to his technical expertise: squid tagliatelle with apple, celery and ginger; monkfish tail with a medley of white asparagus and h

At Château de Beaulieu's contemporary brasserie, chef Christophe Dufossé devises cuisine that embraces both the traditional and the modern. It is a superb setting in which to enjoy meticulously prepared high-quality dishes: poached egg, fried portobello mushrooms and a mushroom cream; mackerel from the Côte d'Opale, red cabbage and smoked bacon; walnut tart, milk chocolate cream and walnut ice cream. Barbecue on the large terrace in summer, slow-cooked dishes in winter.