Résidence Amal

Previously cohorts at Miles (now closed), Gil Elad and Ronan Cadoret strike again! In this small bistro complete with a counter, they serve up a veritable feast of small plates celebrating the flavours and spices of the Middle East. Their dishes make good use of the locally sourced produce at hand (Landes free-range chicken marinated in sumac with a spicy chicken jus; shish barak stuffed with porcini and seasonal chanterelles). Other highlights include a wide variety of delicious house-baked breads (eg Yemeni kubaneh) and some excellent desserts, including a Lebanese turnover filled with a dat

A hit with the locals, this buzzy, youthful bolthole is home to Jérémy, nicknamed Jem’s by his mates who think he’s a bit wacky (loco in Spanish). Jem finds inspiration in local ingredients which he crafts into dishes rich in crisp, contrasting flavours. The counter commands a fascinating view of the kitchen team at work. Bargain-priced lunchtime menu and tasting menu in the evening with wine-food pairings; vegetarian menu on request.

This tiny bistro opened without fanfare, yet there is plenty to write home about. The chef is a dab hand, as demonstrated by the single set menu that changes every month with its original flavours and harmonious presentations. The decoration is just as noteworthy, including work by local artists. Opening nights are occasionally held – the chef himself paints in his spare time…

Opposite the Marché des Capucins, this down-to-earth bistro frequented by bon vivants is a fiesta of sincere and hearty no-frills cooking. The decor sets the tone, with an L-shaped counter, mosaic floors, weathered wooden chairs and colourful casserole dishes serving as decoration. As for the food, dishes full of character, drawing on the best of the nearby indoor market. There's an array of pork products, a fortifying peasant soup, no-frills artichokes-vinaigrette, a pig's tongue salad that channels the flavour of the local terroir, and beef cheek braised until oh-so-tender. The sauces are se

The chef's interest in regional traditions and his creative spirit are reflected in his use of the capuchin, an ancient utensil with a cast iron cone attached to a long rod, in which pieces of bacon are melted and used to flambée his scallops, lending them a slight grilled and smoked taste. With its hardwood floors, mouldings and exposed stonework, the tastefully refurbished dining room makes for an intimate dinner setting.

In a busy pedestrian street in the city centre, chef Yugo Ishikawa has set up shop in this elongated, minimalist-style restaurant. He throws himself body and soul into his painstakingly crafted dishes from the traditional Japanese cuisine he so loves. On the daily specials board: tonkatsu shoulder of pork in breadcrumbs, tuna tataki with ponzu oroshi, tsukemono pickled vegetables. Simpler delicious options at lunchtime. You almost feel like you are in an izakaya in Tokyo. A hit.

The couple behind Clos d'Augusta have created a more intimate and relaxed version of their restaurant here, just a few streets away from its predecessor. In a brick-clad space featuring an industrial-chic open kitchen, the chef cooks up indulgent contemporary cuisine based on solid classical foundations (soft-boiled egg in a red-wine sauce, charcoal-grilled chicken supreme, white chocolate millefeuille); all meats are now cooked over charcoal. Straightforward conviviality.