LA MUSARDE

This bright modern bistro is the HQ of Frenchman Charles Thuillant and Korean Mi-Ra, a globetrotting couple who met in Ze Kitchen Gallery, a mecca of French-Asian cuisine. But it was ultimately in Deauville, where Charles spent his holidays as a child, that they opened their own restaurant. Together, they conjure up vibrant, lively dishes in which Normandy country produce is melded with perfectly judged Asian influences, for example marinated fish in a mango-passion fruit seasoning; wagyu beef, smoked jus, samsang; nodi marini pasta, oyster, wakame, crunchy veggies… Spot-on service and a moder

On a side street of an iconic picturesque village of the Côte Fleurie, the establishment of the Tougard couple, open since the early 2000s, is fronted by a discreet facade. In a snug stylish interior, the chef crafts a score that cleverly slaloms between tradition and modernity. If we were to cite a single example, it would be his talented new take on calf’s head. Flavours and aromas that hit the spot every time. Not to be missed!

The name of this restaurant may refer to the close bond between the chef and the sommelière (who are partners in life), or the association of food and wine – the couple’s respective passions, or to the two set menus served in two separate dining spaces. The first is a “tasting bar”, which rolls out dishes to share that tap into influences from far and wide (ceviche of croaker, ceviche juice and guacamole); the second is dedicated to fine dining with two tasting menus (and a third more concise score at lunchtime). The chef, who finds his inspiration in Normandy’s first-class fare and culinary h

When strolling down the main street of Houlgate, you will pass this spruce, slate-roofed villa. In a contemporary, cheerful interior depicted by wood and stone, local lad Maxime Lehoucq has grown into a talented chef. He works with seasonal Normandy ingredients (veal, free-range eggs and cream) together with fish supplied by his fisherman brother from Trouville. Maxime’s bistronomic signature and the occasional exotic note do the rest: flame grilled mackerel, beetroot and seaweed mayonnaise; Prieuré leg of poultry, gnocchi, creamy mushrooms, Comté cheese and hazelnuts. The menu, which changes

A stone's throw from the banks of the River Touques and just off the tourist trail, a former crêperie is the HQ of Jarvis Scott, a former contestant on French TV's Top Chef. There is a rock 'n' roll vibe to this stripped-back, minimalist space, which is centred on the open kitchen and has an upstairs area, where a communal table is conducive to interacting with fellow diners. With his unusual pairings, the chef shakes up diners' expectations of seaside resort fare. His message is loud and clear: bold flavours delivered without unnecessary frills. The wine list gives pride of place to natural a