Hôtel Le Vivier WISSANT - Centre Village

Tucked away in the lush green countryside, this 19C former farm is now an exquisite gourmet establishment. A huge, paved courtyard is framed by historic stone buildings dripping in character, the outhouses of which have been converted into cosy guestrooms. The inviting, airy dining room sports a glazed façade and a warm vibe courtesy of a log-burning fireplace. The establishment’s sensibly priced food is indulgent, wholesome and deftly crafted with local produce and showcased in a well-balanced, authentic menu.

This bistro nurtures its authentic vintage look, courtesy of banquette seating, mirrors and Art deco-style posters. Patrick Comte is at the helm, rolling out his tasty take on traditional seasonal dishes: snail persillade; egg bourguignonne and a buttery golden turnip; Angus faux-filet steak, gratin dauphinois with maroilles and béarnaise sauce; a Paris-Brest-style éclair with hazelnut ice cream… Indulgent cooking that hits the spot every time!

This pleasant top-floor restaurant boasts a peerless panoramic view over the Strait of Dover and the English coast… it is like something you would expect to see in a painting! The food showcases locally caught fish: lobster casserole, sea bass in a salt crust, sole meunière. To be washed down with a good wine chosen from a list carefully curated by the proprietor.

The chef, Matthieu Colin, puts the experience he gained in Michelin-starred establishments to good use. In a lovely contemporary interior, he continues to pay tribute to local fishing, but also brings local produce into creative dishes that thrive on originality: cod with seafood condiments, grapefruit, crozets, spiced fennel. Friendly and efficient service.

A pleasant establishment that holds the ingredients and artisans of the Côte d'Opale and Pas-de-Calais areas in high regard. Chef Emmanuel Pillot and Laura Gambart met at La Liégeoise in Wimereux, where he was sous-chef and she was front of house as cheffe de rang. The dishes leave you in no doubt that this seasoned chef knows his craft. The starter strikes a lovely balance of flavours with a slow-cooked egg, Wissant shiitake, parsley and buckwheat; the tender free-range chicken is accompanied by a medley of Ratte potatoes; and a delicious take on a classic riz au lait. Pure bliss!

A family-run business that pays tribute to women must be a good sign! A “matelote” is the fisherman’s wife, whose talent cannot be equalled when it comes to preparing fish, just like that of this establishment devoted body and soul to seafood (but not to the exclusion of other ingredients). Fish and shellfish are crafted in keeping with culinary tradition and with the firm intention of encouraging sustainable fishing. Save room for the patriotic line-up of Gallic desserts, such as soufflé, the house signature dish.

This restaurant, which feels like a smart bistro, ticks all the boxes. Here, Tony Regnier, who trained at some prestigious establishments, conjures up really modern cuisine with creative touches, flawlessly executed and flavoursome, to be savoured in a tastefully decorated room, or on the pretty flower-filled terrace. The guinea fowl and pistachio terrine served with apple chutney left a lasting impression!