La Troliere

In a quiet street bang in the heart of Moulins, we don't need to be asked twice to take a seat in the snug dining area. In the equally dinky kitchen, the chef-owner crafts honest, homely, seasonal fare, illustrated by provençal aïoli with loin of cod and whelks, or grilled duck breast with lemon-spiked polenta and moussaka-style stuffed courgette.

The restaurant of Château Saint Jean, which impresses first by its stunning location in a former chapel, sports a surprising, highly successful marriage of periods, like that of the nave, clad in copper lacework panels for an almost snug feel. The food is of the same ilk and chef Olivier Valade more than demonstrates that his star-studded background (Côte d’Or at Saulieu, Hélène Darroze) owes nothing to chance! His surgical craftsmanship showcases seasonal premium produce and overflows with character: delicately smoked brill and truffle-flavoured blanquette; squab with wild mushrooms and walnu

Break up your journey with a gourmet interlude at this family-run establishment! Matthieu Omont skilfully crafts creative cuisine for guests to enjoy in a spruce modern setting. A champion of the Bourbonnais terroir, the chef showcases ingredients sourced from small-scale producers, the kitchen garden and the orchard, but not to the exclusion of fish and shellfish fresh from Brittany – such as langoustines from Le Guilvinec crusted with thyme, artichoke and a hazelnut oil jus, or duo of quail, celeriac mousse and browned ceps. The excellent house-made bread made using heirloom flours is the id

This rustic village house is the lair of Maud Millet, who conjures up stylish, flavoursome, signature cuisine that is entirely made from scratch – from the bread to the charcuterie made out of organic Gascony pigs raised by her hubbie, Benoît, who also lends a hand in the dining room. The focus is on cherry-picked local ingredients, e.g. courgette flower stuffed with pike and a jus of Loire crayfish. The couple champions authentic, hand-crafted cuisine presented in a single set menu and served in a warm, homely vibe. The epitome of a French country restaurant.

A picturesque medieval village provides the backdrop for this attractive 14C building, which houses a restaurant boasting an elegant contemporary interior and a terrace overlooking the garden. Chef Quentin Dorangeville, who hails from France's Sarthe département, cooks up seasonal cuisine that is as meticulous as it is ambitious. Using fine ingredients, he creates balanced combinations, such as medallion of blue lobster, tomato, preserved lemon and courgette cream with ginger. Good food and service with a smile!

Ten kilometres outside Vichy in a village dominated by a 12C fortress, this inn is near a bridge over the Allier dating from the 1930s. In a contemporary interior, the owner-chef signs a single set, market-sourced menu at a bargain price and a more elaborate score in the evenings: roast tomatoes in aspic, espuma of stracciatella in a gazpacho or a ‘blesotto’ of bouchot mussels and cockles with a shellfish foam. When the weather is fine, the shady terrace overlooking the river is truly blissful!

Chef Julien Chabozy's aromatic, tasty food showcases the best of local produce, with lashings of personality to boot. Friendly and endearing depict the front of house vibe, supervised by his wife Marie. The establishment also boasts a delicatessen and a wine shop, La Cave des Toqués, next door… It was love at first bite.