Les Sous Bois

Alexandre Bourdas has turned his SaQuaNa into a real social hub, open from morning to night, the idea being to make good food accessible to as many people as possible. The menu is varied, with influences from near and far (including a Japanese section), and, as ever, it boasts a number of must-tries, such as his monkfish in coconut broth and combawa oil, "our house bouillabaisse" or his emblematic pascade (oven-puffed pancake): a talented, confident and inspiring culinary showing featuring a wealth of dishes that are designed "for sharing". Depending on the time of day, SaQuaNa is also a patis

In his restaurant overlooking the Bassin du Roi, chef Gauthier Teissere is assisted by Marguerite (his wife) front of house. His contemporary, creative cuisine is occasionally elevated by Asian influences. The elegant and cosy interior is in keeping with a menu that is seamlessly in step with the seasons. Dishes never fail to impress, whether it's roasted salsify with cashew nuts and black garlic condiment, or pork belly with Cajun spices, carrot cream and pak choi.

This top-notch establishment is laid out behind a tasteful glazed façade. The chef adheres to tradition when crafting his bold, generous and flavourful cuisine but puts his own stamp on dishes with flashes of originality – think tonkatsu-style breaded pork pluma, parsnip mousseline, trapper's spice blend and sweet and sour meat jus. His friendly and efficient wife takes care of things front of house, dispensing insightful wine recommendations along the way.

Established in the luxury Ferme Saint Siméon Hotel, a historic hamlet in the upper reaches of Honfleur, this property is the quintessence of stylish. The plush elegant Normandy-style interior, the wooded grounds and the terrace with a superb view of the Seine Estuary may be absolutely enchanting, but not enough to distract us from the matter at hand! The chef creates seasonal contemporary cuisine that draws on top-notch Normandy produce. The estate is also home to the half-timbered, thatched roof La Boucane bistro, which serves equally tasty, but more traditional cuisine.

On Place Hamelin, in Honfleur's historical quarter, this restaurant is accommodated in the house that is said to be the 1768 birthplace of JFE Hamelin, a rear admiral in Napoleon Bonaparte's navy. The space – typical of Normandy, with its half-timbered walls and exposed stonework – is the perfect place in which to sample seasonal dishes that embrace both meat and fish (as the name suggests). The roast sea bream, herb jus, beans and redcurrants are steamed to perfection and beautifully presented. Small terrace for fine weather.

Far from the bustle of the port, this restaurant nestling on rue des Lingots is set against a medieval backdrop of cobbled streets, a stone's throw from an imposing church, Église Sainte-Catherine, a gem of timber architecture. Le Lingot's interior decoration is the picture of French elegance: paintings adorn the exposed-brick walls, candles flicker on tables set with antique china, and chandeliers glint on the ceiling. The chef delves deep into the heart of Calvados, serving a frequently updated set menu and refined cuisine that fetes Normandy's terroir: oysters, local fish and beef.

Don’t worry, the oysters aren’t burnt - despite the name! Updated recipes, quality ingredients, locally sourced whenever possible (organic veg, fish from small boats) and a concise, seasonal menu. This friendly bolthole is run by an enthusiastic couple: local lad Paul Lacheray, in the kitchen, and his partner, Chloé Woestelandt, who runs the dining room.