L'Essentiel

“Naissain” means spat (or oyster larvae). This modern bistro was opened by Thomas Iglesias, a chef who has sailed the seven seas. He always has one dish devoted to this mollusc, which he sources from his brother's oyster farm in La Teste de Buch. As for the rest, this wayfaring chef admits to having a soft spot for vegetables, on which he lavishes his creative talent to tease out each flavour, in dishes such as a starter of mushrooms, miso, ham and Jerusalem artichoke. The concise menu is renewed monthly and the lunchtime menu offers excellent value for pleasure.

Mathieu in the dining room and Rémi in the kitchen have poured their love of produce and good vibes into this buzzy town-centre hangout. Whether it is beneath the shade of plane trees in summer or in the dinky dining room in winter, you will sample up-to-the-minute bistro nosh that stars local produce and well-judged creative notes, without straying too far from traditional roots as the textbook technique and whole roasts frequently confirm. The admirable selection of wines by the glass (and the bottle), which is both savvy yet affordable, goes down a treat with the evening carte blanche menu.

Just 100m from the beach and the port of La Hume, this modern, attractively done out bistro is the ideal place to share a handful of starters with friends or family, or to indulge in classic dishes given a lovely twist by chef Nicolas Vallois: poultry, duck and prune pâté en croûte; egg verjuice mayo, celeriac, baby gem and Granny Smith remoulade, salted egg yolks; pork confit cromesquis etc. The cellar features a good selection of organic and natural wines, as well as a fine selection of wines by the glass. When the weather permits, plump for a table on the large, pleasant, shaded wooden terr

In a simple, inviting setting, a couple who are well versed in the culinary arts are breathing new life into traditional cuisine. Prepared collaboratively by both chefs, the food impresses with its clarity, well-chosen ingredients, good sauces and generosity: mullet ceviche, vanilla-infused lemon and seaweed tapioca; quail stuffed with foie gras, peas à la française and a full-bodied jus. This modern eatery also boasts a pretty wood-decked terrace shaded by plane trees. Friendly service.

Located at the end of the harbour, this restaurant's terrace with rattan chairs boasts a peaceful view of the boats and oyster port, and feels like an invitation to indulge in a laid-back culinary interlude. The interior decor is also reminiscent of a boat, with its arched bar and light wood open kitchen. The chef Brice Tomico has perfected fresh seafood cuisine, featuring oysters from the hut next door and line-caught fish from Arcachon fish market.

Originally from Cambodia, the Khong family settled in Arcachon, and now they are the ones inviting diners on a journey: from China and Japan to Southeast Asia, using regional ingredients. Don't miss the dim sum, the real stars of the show, wrapped in a remarkably fine dough.

Grégory Colantuono, formerly chef at Bistro' 50 in La Hume, has now opened his own restaurant in the town centre, not far from the Théâtre Olympia. Post-renovation, this typical Arcachon villa boasts a bright, modern interior, in which to enjoy a delicious, wallet-friendly lunch – diners can also opt for the wine of the week by the glass. The evening menu is more ambitious, with creative and masterful combinations of ingredients sourced in Gironde and more exotic influences: scallops, coffee emulsion, napa cabbage with mead vinegar and kimchi sesame; squab with red kuri squash, Swiss chard, po