水之村

This large farm in a somewhat remote and picturesque food-producing valley of Balagne is home to olive groves and a vegetable garden and also raises cattle. The owner, a fiery character, pulls out all the stops to make guests feel welcome in this simple, rustic restaurant, whose vibe is poised between a sheepfold and an open-air tavern. She puts all the farm's produce to good use: traditional Corsican cuisine is served here, packed in gutsy flavours (cabbage stuffed with veal; quenelles of brocciu and poached Swiss chard in tomato sauce; stufatu of veal with olives and roast polenta). The menu

This former sheepfold, a family business for 15 years, is perfectly in tune with its authentic, welcoming village. Corsican produce takes pride of place from the veg and herbs fresh from the garden to the grilled or spit roast suckling pork and tender lamb (wood fired cooking is the house specialty). Savour textbook perfect, generous fare on the refreshingly shaded terrace.

Could this pink-rendered villa, decked in flowers and overlooking the gulf, have found the secret of authentic Corsican food? Whatever the case, you can be certain that you will sample wholehearted, full-bodied dishes made with first-class ingredients in keeping with time-honoured culinary traditions: nothing goes to waste from pig’s trotters to tails, the meat is slowly spit-roasted on the open fire or the lady of the house hovering nearby to check you finish your plate. Beverages included in the menu. Highly recommended.

In the Reginu valley, next to the golf course, this pretty little restaurant housed in a converted mill enjoys a bucolic setting and outdoor café garden vibe. The delicious menu is the culmination of the finest ingredients of the Balagne region (local fish, organic vegetables). The prawn arancini, cold bisque and snow peas is a particularly fond memory. A warm welcome and a really charming setting, far from all the hustle and bustle: a firm favourite.

La Table is part of La Villa, whose luxurious decor fades in front of the jaw-dropping view of the bay, citadel and mountains. The focus is on premium regional produce which is married with Italian-inspired recipes: Milanese veal cutlet, carpaccio of marinated Corsican veal “al Limone”, a new take on parmigiana, etc. Everything is served alfresco on the incredible panoramic terrace. Simpler (but equally delicious) lunch menu.

A characteristic Corsican house in a charming mountainside village sets the splendid scene to sample wholesome country fare, prepared simply from painstakingly selected ingredients, among which Corsica’s famous cured meats and fruit, vegetables and herbs from the garden. Take a seat on the spacious terrace and drink in the jaw-dropping view of the mountains and ancient oak forest. Just a word of warning: bank cards are not accepted, so take cash!

Bang on Roya Beach with a matchless view of the bay of Saint Florent, this hotel-restaurant rolls out a huge terrace lined in gardens that stretches down to the seafront. At the helm are César and Fanny Combe whose globetrotting careers took them to luxury hotels in Polynesia and Vietnam. This cosmopolitan background adds a subtle edge to a modern Mediterranean score rich in vibrant, colourful flavours and dotted with exotic notes, illustrated by Tahitian-style tuna or the ginger, coconut or bok choy ingredients that jazz up some of the dishes. An idyllic setting against a backdrop of waves ge