Demeures & Châteaux - Hôtel de la porte Saint-Malo - DINAN

Sheltered from St-Malo’s tourist hordes in a district popular with the locals, this handsome contemporary fine dining establishment is the HQ of chef Luc Mobihan, a wizard when it comes to fish, seafood and regional veggies. He finetunes an enticing repertory in the zeitgeist, such as seared scallops with leeks and truffles, or abalone with a garlic foam. Meanwhile, his wife Isabelle gives free rein to her love of table arts and her passion for fine wines (Champagne, Loire, Burgundy, etc.). Suitably slick service.

The restaurant of Hotel Castelbrac is named after the boat of Commander Charcot, a famous polar explorer. Born in Dinan, chef Julien Hennote has also explored other culinary universes, from the French Riviera to Polynesia. His cooking is testament to his fondness for produce of the local terroir and for sustainable coastal fishing (such as hand-dived scallops and abalone, lobster and seaweed) – demonstrating his respect for resources. His ambitious and elegant dishes abound with flavour; the desserts are wickedly decadent. Cosy dining area and panoramic terrace overlooking the sea, with Saint

This crêperie at the foot of the church serves crispy golden-brown galettes typical of the Gallo region. These buckwheat pancakes are topped with produce from neighbouring farms: vegetables from La Matz, milk from La Renaudais, fresh goat's cheese from Pleudihen, andouille from Dinan and charcuterie from La Paumerais. The buckwheat is grown on the banks of the Rance. A few brasserie dishes and a selection of ciders round off the menu.

Star-studded chef, Ludovic Dirscheri, has set up shop in this picture postcard Brittany village. His refined bill of fare mingles local and exotic inspirations. Carpaccio of scallops in olive oil with a coulis of beetroot, loin of roast boar flanked by cream of parsnips and a red wine gravy, or a pistachio flavoured kouign-amann with halva ice cream are just some of the dishes from the enticing, well-crafted menu. The interior sports untreated wood cladding and bare local stone walls, creating a cosy setting that is ideal to sample a tasting menu that won’t break the bank.

In a cosy, contemporary interior, enjoying lunch with a magnificent view over the bay of Le Prieuré promises to be a memorable experience. As they drink in the open sea, gourmets will appreciate the creative cuisine of chef-owner Didier Méril. His top-notch seasonal produce comes mainly from the market and local fisheries (Jerusalem artichokes showcased in a variety of textures and shellfish marinière; mackerel, spaghetti squash and a fish head jus finished with butter; pear tartlet with almond crisp, Tonka bean vanilla cream and pear sorbet). Good value for money at lunchtime.

Ludivine La Rosa and Alexandre Frin run this restaurant in an attractive early-20C red-brick building near the sea, with picture windows with small panes and white frames. The chef composes a modern, open-minded and 100% seasonal menu that keeps things simple: just good ingredients (preferably with short supply chains) and aromatic herbs and flowers from the kitchen garden. Nearby PEP'S is the pair's second venture, which revolves around simpler cuisine and dishes for sharing.

While the interior, with its picture windows, is very pleasant, it is outdone by the knockout south-facing terrace just above the picturesque Bec de la Vallée slipway. It is the perfect place to sample fine seafood, as well as classics from Brittany's terroir, e.g. local country bacon or far Breton (traditional flan-style dessert).