Annapolis

Facing the lake that was so dear to French author Lamartine, this restaurant has been setting the standard in the region since 1964. Valentin Marin anchors his cooking in this mountain and lake terrain, preparing lake fish with a particular sense of precision: Arctic char with celery and beurre blanc with pike eggs; Savoie lamb with artichoke flowers; strawberry croustillant with tarragon. The elegant contemporary decor and attentive service guarantee a romantic atmosphere.

From Lamartine to Stendhal and Maupassant, many a French author has waxed lyrical about the atmosphere of Lac du Bourget and the view over Mt Revard. For his part, Chef Alain Perrillat-Mercerot has made the lake and mountains the splendid backdrop against which he serves his delicate, creative cuisine that fervently champions the Savoie terroir. Classically trained, his high-precision preparation of freshwater fish, local cheeses and wild blueberries is second to none – choose between two carefully composed single-choice set menus. The fantastic wine list fetes local grape varieties (among oth

In the heart of Aix-les-Bains, this buzzy eatery is a hit for its well-crafted culinary lineup and the warm welcoming interior which mingles bare stone and fashionable splashes of colour. Seasonal ingredients are savvily showcased courtesy of textbook talent and painstaking care: crispy asparagus coated in a silky hollandaise sauce, delicately seared brook trout followed by roast pineapple laced with spicy notes. Ticks all the boxes for discerning foodies.

This is the town-centre spot that everyone in Aix is talking about! The first venture of this young couple, the restaurant is an appealing modern space with an open kitchen. The chef conjures up neat contemporary dishes that are full of flavour, highlighting primarily local seasonal produce. He enjoys interacting with guests, especially when it comes to recommending the Savoie wines about which he is so passionate. A family atmosphere prevails here.

This friendly bistronomy restaurant is part of a small hotel in the upper reaches of the town centre. Behind a façade still reminiscent of Aix-les-Bains's heyday as a spa resort, this stylish eatery, complete with a wine bar, has lost none of its period cachet. It is run by a vital chef who often puts in an appearance on the restaurant floor. His down-to-earth bistro-style cuisine with a twist uses seasonal and sometimes premium produce (Angus beef, Corsican meagre etc). Attentive service. The enclosed tree-lined terrace to the rear is charming.

This is the brainchild of chef Clément Girod (formerly with Emmanuel Renaut), who has returned to his birthplace between two lakes. The result ticks all the boxes: local ingredients, homemade bread and ices, an organic wine list and spot-on market-fresh fare, illustrated by rainbow trout, medley of carrots and a carrot and ginger reduction.