Les Terrasses - Gordes

Raised in Marseille, Xavier Mathieu is a true-blue Provençal lad. He was introduced to the world of haute cuisine by master chef, Roger Vergé, a family friend. He went on to complete his apprenticeship with Joël Robuchon in Paris, before returning to the splendid family home nestling in the Luberon scrubland. The chef, who sports a distinctive shock of white hair, breathes new life into Provençal culinary traditions, giving each dish a new twist on its original form. Tian of black olives from the garden, leg of lamb from the Alpilles cooked in warm sand of the garrigue, two-course pieds et paq

Slices of Mediterranean dentex served raw, caraway, cauliflower and elderberry vinegar; Camargue bull, oyster tartare from the Étang de Thau and salicornia-pistachio pesto: there's no doubt that chef Jérôme Faure has a masterful understanding of gourmet cuisine. His subtly innovative take on fine dining is based on a rigorous selection of local ingredients. The same goes for the wines.

Christophe Bacquié greets diners like old friends in his gorgeous farmhouse set in peaceful countryside, surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and lavender fields. With his wife Alexandra and a closeknit, committed team, all of whom share his passion for Southern France and its produce and wines, Bacquié unfolds a single set menu with a strong Mediterranean identity. With flavour as his watchword, he crafts the finest ingredients simply and transparently and we were delighted to see some of his signature dishes, such as his modern aioli and his vision of iced Calisson, in pride of place on the

In one of the most picturesque villages of Luberon, this stately home overlooking the valley now houses a luxury hotel and this restaurant, whose exquisite terrace is shaded by chestnut trees while commanding a knockout view. In the manner of a luxury brasserie, the menu adds a Provençal twist to a patriotic lineup of culinary classics: local lamb with green peas and smoked eel. Swish, seamless service.

The chef proposes neoteric, distinctive cuisine, whose mainstay is wild herbs, which he learned to know through a local herb picker. Goosefoot, wild lemon balm, purslane, mugwort... The culinary score is poetic and rich in flavour, illustrated by Ventoux pork with helichrysum-flavoured poichichade. Consider us smitten!

Located in a picturesque Luberon village, this small but charming family business is run by an experienced couple. In a bid to ensure the dishes attain optimum quality, the chef offers a deliberately limited menu. You certainly can't argue with the results: meticulously prepared and fragrant recipes inspired by Provence and the finest seasonal ingredients. Considered a safe bet in the region, it has its fair share of regulars, which is always a good sign. It is wise to book a table.

Facing the church on Goult's main square, this restaurant offers excellent Provençal-inspired cuisine with the odd contemporary twist. Tables are set up in a small dining area with modern decor and out on the terrace, where you can soak up the village atmosphere. A charming welcome and a well-devised wine list that pays particular attention to organic options. A lovely spot.