Le Camélia

The Morvan duo is back in the saddle and raring to go! They now work side by side, as the chef’s wife is happily back in the kitchen. After kicking off with a high-flying array of appetisers, the couple’s distinctive and creative score sets its sights on the local terroir (his birthplace) with a few hops over to Savoie (her birthplace). You can expect a virtuoso demonstration of culinary balance, enhanced by vibrant, incisive sauces that will sweep your tastebuds off their feet: duckling, sweet potatoes, grapefruit dressing, puree of rosehip and gin-spiked jus… On the beverage side, the alcoho

The name may suggest an antique dealer's, but despite the absence of old tomes, 19C paintings and 1930s objets d'art, you won't be disappointed! Set outside of the town centre, L'Antiquaire is a very pleasant and welcoming restaurant, with a façade completely smothered by foliage. Chef Jérôme Lebreton's generous cuisine with flashes of creativity is sure to delight the palate with its distinctive flavours, not least his combination of veal sweetbreads and kumquats. Worth noting: There is a completely vegetarian set menu.

Chef Clément Guyon is back in his hometown after a culinary odyssey that took him around France (notably Flocons de Sel in Megève) and abroad (Atelier Crenn in San Francisco). The timber of the façade and terrace are echoed in the restaurant's pared-back interior. The menu varies depending on the time of day: at lunchtime, bistronomic-style fare and a more high-flying slant come the evening, starring local and seasonal ingredients – served in a buzzy, bantering atmosphere.

In the heart of the town, almost within shouting distance of the castle, this small modern bistro, which sports a workshop vibe of wood and metal, is the brainchild of chef Adrien Barrier, who was born in Évron and knows Mayenne inside out. After stints with Yannick Alléno and Philippe Mille, this gifted craftsman curates feel-good, flavoursome food that hits the spot every time, be it his white asparagus with haddock, houmous and hazelnut crumble or the confit of pork belly, pressed aubergine and pork jus.

On the left bank of the Maine, the chef cooks up flavoursome recipes that blend tradition and the essence of the sun-drenched Mediterranean: croquetta di miale and a herby mayonnaise; shank of confit veal with Milanese risotto… A festive vibe, a crisp, enticing lineup and invariably packed to the seams. Meals are served in a trendy, industrial brasserie interior or alfresco, on the terrace.

White asparagus, hollandaise sauce; slow-cooked egg, artichoke emulsion; saddle of lamb, chickpea purée and, above all, the excellent Cointreau hot soufflé… A reliable family-run establishment that defies its age and serves delicate, classic cuisine that immediately wins diners over; no corners are cut when it comes to the quality of the ingredients. What's more, the welcome and service are charming and do justice to this former coaching inn, which, in the 19C, welcomed the monks of the nearby Benedictine abbey.

We fell head over heels with this bistro! The chef’s slate menu unveils a fresh, indulgent take on nostalgic dishes that will make you drool: pâté en croûte; calf's head with gribiche sauce; saddle of rabbit, mashed potato, mustard sauce; game in season, without forgetting a vegetarian offering. Fine choice of sensibly priced tipples from Anjou and elsewhere, most of which are organic and natural and an impressive lineup of chartreuse liqueurs. Bookings recommended.