Lefferves Cence

Chef Jérôme Prévost (a local man and formerly sous-chef at Le Cerisier in Laventie) has brought panache to these premises – once an antique dealers' – in the heart of Douai. The elegant vestiges of the past (marble fireplace etc) blend in seamlessly with the restaurant's modern decor (with designer features such as circular banquettes, light fittings, swivel chairs). The chef makes the most of fish from the Côte d'Opale and vegetables from local producers; in season, he dedicates a menu to lobster. Boterzing, part of the same group, serves simpler bistronomy cuisine.

This handsome redbrick edifice at a crossroads in the hamlet of Petit Attiches is run by an enthusiastic young couple. A stylish, modern interior, a terrace and a pretty garden to the rear set the inviting scene. Carefully crafted, up-to-the-minute dishes are paired with fine wines.

With its red-brick walls and bucolic garden, this presbytery steeped in history has been turned into a hotbed of local flavours under the guidance of chef Romain Vienne. Drawing on extensive experience in MICHELIN-starred kitchens (La Côte d'Or in Saulieu, Le Clarance in Lille) and characterful brasseries, he has created a destination for foodies with simple, modern decor. Each dish expresses a love of nature: light courgette flower fritters, peas and crispy mint; perfectly cooked farm-reared pork, grilled leeks and melt-in-the-mouth pommes darphin; golden acacia-flower fritters and house-made

Deep in the countryside, on a cobbled section of the fabled Paris–Roubaix cycling race route, L'Arbre is run by flamboyant chef Benoît Bernard. After La Laiterie, he has changed gear with this contemporary, hearty and fresh regional cuisine. The tempting lunchtime menu draws regulars; à la carte, sea urchins and langoustines are lovingly prepared. Cream of watercress soup and poached Cadoret oysters, John Dory with mussel risotto and, for dessert, his take on the classic meringue merveilleux. Full of wit and mirth, the chef, who hails from northern France, is on first-name terms with his custo