Château Julie

This restaurant is something of a UFO in Bordeaux’s gourmet landscape, courtesy of a striking glass and concrete structure, castle stables, views of the Pont d’Aquitaine suspension bridge and a rock music soundtrack. The same is true of the cuisine of Vivien Durand, a chef bursting with original ideas who reinterprets Gallic culinary conventions with a keen gastronomic eye. A daring gamble given his apparent dismantling of tradition, but one that hits the spot every time! Xipister-flavoured tagliatelle of squid, pig’s head terrine with a gutsy gravy and Périgord truffle or an amazing onion sou

This restaurant, opened in the middle of the Médoc region by a local young couple, is a pleasant surprise. The chef serves up French cuisine with exotic touches, using local produce as much as possible: the results are tasty. Pleasant decor and a friendly welcome.

Opposite the village's small railway station, an elegant Bordeaux-stone building now houses a refined trattoria. Chef and owner Pierre Rigothier has waved goodbye to Lune and its bistronomy cooking to usher in the cuisine of Italy (a passion of his) in a cosy, retro-style setting – honey-coloured stone walls, a solid wood table d'hôte and cane seats with velvet upholstering. The apparent simplicity of the cuisine belies the rigorous and skilful cooking and seasoning that goes into it, whether vitello tonnato or the perfect risotto. Reflecting true know-how, the menu is quite varied and serves

Surrounded by the Médoc vineyards, this contemporary restaurant is nestled in an outbuilding of the Château Marquis de Terme (an 1855 Grand Cru), whose terrace is set in the estate's pretty garden courtyard. Under the stewardship of Grégory Coutanceau, who signs the menu, you will taste fresh, modern cuisine that is very much of its time and free of unnecessary frills. The appealing wine list features almost 600 labels, including a selection of Bordeaux reds and prestigious vintages available by the glass.