La Closeraie Saint Girons

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.

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.

Set in a former hardware store, the first-floor dining room, reached by an imposing wooden staircase, sports a retro feel. The ground floor is home to the open kitchen and a wine boutique. The score errs towards traditional French (from pâté en croûte to loin of veal with truffles, without forgetting an île flottante dessert), dotted with a handful of international accents. The seasons are reverently respected in dishes that are packed in flavour.