B&B La Closerie 33

Not far from Bordeaux, this property is a little paradise nestled in the vineyards of Château Smith Haut Lafitte, a Graves grand cru classé winery. Nicolas Masse is the chef behind La Grand'Vigne, the hotel's fine dining restaurant. Masse strives tirelessly towards a single goal, which is to showcase the bountiful produce of Aquitaine (from caviar to Pyrenean lamb), including its vegetable cornucopia and its wines, especially those of Pessac Léognan. As legible as it is pure, his high-flying cuisine is dedicated to revealing the distinctive flavour of painstakingly selected produce from southw

Located in the central edifice on Bordeaux's iconic Place de la Bourse, opposite the Miroir d'Eau water feature, this establishment is run by the owners of Château Angelus and Logis de la Cadène in Saint-Émilion. The gorgeous 18C parlours have been converted into a single open space and lavishly appointed – oak floors, thick carpets, wood panelling and mouldings. Young chef Bertrand Noeureuil, who worked with Arnaud Donckele, delights diners with beautiful cuisine inspired by the sea and the seasons – noisette de sole "Chambrelent" au plat, or lightly veiled thin fillets of sardines "Bacalan",

British chef Gordon Ramsay (born in Scotland) is a true culinary talent who has already been awarded three Michelin stars in England. He signs off on Le Pressoir d'Argent's menu who breathes a touch of modernity into the classic cuisine. It all comes together to enhance that French art de vivre – the opulent and refined decor and ultra competent service, the celebration of the finest ingredients from the abundant Bordeaux and Aquitaine region (foie gras, truffles, caviar, fish)… and the solid silver Christofle lobster press that is moved from table to table. The competence of the three sommeli

This elegant house built of local stone is something of an institution on the Right Bank, in a neighbourhood that is not renowned for its stock of good restaurants. Passionate about ingredients and flavour, chef François Sauvêtre crafts pared-back and straightforward cuisine, eschewing fancy techniques. The multi-course surprise set menu highlights the chef's talent for sauces; the "Balade de Saison" set menu offers excellent value for money at lunchtime and in the evening. The completely refurbished dining room, done out in soft shades of white, blue and grey, opens out onto a quiet south-fac

On the lively Chartrons market square, this pretty stone building is the newest and latest establishment of chef Philippe Etchebest, also behind Bordeaux’ Quatrième Mur. Guests are greeted like old friends and immediately feel at home in this tasteful, welcoming interior. Philippe’s unwavering commitment to good food and to working only with top local produce shines through and is clearly shared by his talented team. The tasting menu, entirely seasonal, features a few of his signature dishes, such as ravioles of mushrooms and sautéed foie gras, as well as some exquisite vegetarian recipes. Wel

This restaurant is something of a UFO in Bordeaux’s gourmet landscape, courtesy of a striking glass and concrete structure, castle stables, views of the Pont d’Aquitaine suspension bridge and a rock music soundtrack. The same is true of the cuisine of Vivien Durand, a chef bursting with original ideas who reinterprets Gallic culinary conventions with a keen gastronomic eye. A daring gamble given his apparent dismantling of tradition, but one that hits the spot every time! Xipister-flavoured tagliatelle of squid, pig’s head terrine with a gutsy gravy and Périgord truffle or an amazing onion sou

The quatrième mur (‘fourth wall’) of a theatre is the invisible one that separates the actors from the audience. An apt name for this restaurant set in Bordeaux’ iconic Grand Théâtre. Philippe Etchebest plays a gloriously simple, understated score focusing on first-rate ingredients, high-flying technique, a side dish and a jus. The terrace on one of the opera house’s outdoor side galleries is heavenly. Bookings essential – two sittings at lunchtime and in the evening. The menus change weekly.