Fasthotel Bordeaux Eysines

In his new restaurant, chef Tanguy Laviale (previously at Garopapilles) is calmly going about extricating himself from the traditional codes of gastronomy – with the help of his associate, Maxime Courvoisier, a sommelier who thinks outside of the box. Imagine: a short menu, comprising just eight dishes to be mixed and matched as you please (four or five of these small plates amount to a meal). The talented chef's technical approach always hits the mark, from the judicious combinations to the quality produce enhanced without any showboating, not to mention the impeccable garnishes and seasoning

Off the bustling tourist track of Bordeaux, this cosy, modern bistro is run by chef Alexandre Bru. His precise, deftly crafted, mouthwatering score is particularly sensibly priced. Nostalgic bistro classics are treated to an intelligent, generous revamp: poached egg in vin jaune and comté, onion soup with beaufort cheese and Espelette pepper, braised chuck beef in red wine… Cheerful service and vibe.

Nowadays, this 17C Carthusian monastery is home to a small boutique hotel and its restaurant. Opt for a table out on the terrace, which overlooks the swimming pool, or in an atmosphere reminiscent of an elegant boudoir (velvet banquettes, cane chairs and upcycled objects). In keeping with this setting, the cuisine is meticulous and comforting; it draws on the house's permaculture vegetable garden for some of its ingredients, and promotes subtle, delicate flavours. Tempting bistro set menu at lunchtime, distinctly fine dining menu in the evening.

The philosophy of seasoned chef Jean-Luc Rocha, who has captained many starred restaurants and who became a Meilleur Ouvrier de France in 2007, is founded on good food and good vibes. Every dish showcases the work of a savvy, veteran chef who has quietly mastered all the tricks of his trade; this certainly applies to his delicious raviole of snails and ricotta, served with a poultry gravy. From start to finish, the cooking and seasoning are deftly executed, a case in point being the delectable saddle of veal paired with carrots in a jus and white asparagus. Soul-warming fare at reasonable pric