AUBERGE DU CANAL

Established in a handsome mansion, abutting the Opera House and just behind one of France’s most beautiful squares, chef Charles Coulombeau and his wife Roxane are a firm fixture of Nancy’s culinary scene. After stints at Les Prés d’Eugénie and Lameloise, Charles deftly crafts modern cuisine, enhanced by creative flourishes and nods to Japan, where he worked for a time. Citrus, seaweed and Asian notes are perfectly paired with premium ingredients such as ikejime Vosges Arctic Char or plump Bresse chicken. Knockout terrace overlooking the park.

In this peaceful Haute-Marne village that was close to General de Gaulle's heart, this fine 17C stone house is surrounded by beautiful grounds that blend into the countryside. Inside, however, not a hint of nostalgia, whether in the contemporary decor or the cuisine – not even in the set menu dubbed "Je vous ai compris!" (I have understood you! – from De Gaulle's famous speech). Chef Jean-Baptiste Natali has travelled extensively, taking in Marrakesh, London and New York. He creates contemporary French cuisine (with frequent nods to his travels), using premium ingredients such as venison, turb

A former officers' mess, this mansion standing proud next to the Porte des Moulins is now a charming restaurant, designed and set up by chef Laurent Petit. Both the name and decor of this elegant property surrounded by a large vegetable garden pay homage to the tradition of basket-making in Fayl-Billot – the birthplace of this champion of ingredients from Lake Annecy. The carte blanche menu devised by Valentin Loison (the chef from the Jura previously worked at Le Clos des Sens and Mirazur) is creative and on point, drawing inspiration from foraging (polypody), garden vegetables, local livesto

In the heart of the Lunéville countryside, this romantic, classical château is nestled in wooded grounds. You pass through a dignified series of rooms that have lost none of their period cachet: wainscoting, parquet floors and open fireplaces, into the dining room overlooking the grounds. A few subtle baroque and contemporary touches brighten up this glamorous interior, providing the perfect foil to the chef's cuisine – traditional with modern touches. Previously a pastry chef, the talented and discreet Cyril Leclerc (who hails from Lorraine) loves premium produce. He treats it with respect –

Near Nancy and the Rhine-Rhone Canal, we warrant you will be won over by the vintage charm of this 1960’s house and its discreet rural edge. A family business for three generations, formerly an open-air tavern, today’s diners make a beeline for its shaded terrace. Seasonal, up-to-the-minute fare: pig’s trotters, sardines, confit onions; apricot crumble and vanilla cream – signed by the owner-chef, all of which washed down by a fine choice of vintages.

In the heart of the Centre Pompidou-Metz is one of the few fine dining restaurants to be located in a French museum. The sleek, bright space is housed in a glass and metal setting with glimpses of the canopy of this stunning building; wood and cardboard furniture designed by Shigeru Ban adds to the serenity of the place. Roxane and Charles Coulombeau homed in on the smallest of details in a quest for excellence when it comes to the table design. A big fan of Japan, where he used to work, the chef cleverly combines seasonal ingredients from Lorraine with his passion for the Land of the Rising S

A charming little Italian restaurant run by a chef who hails from Lorraine but has Sicilian roots, and his Milanese partner. By no means fixated on the classic repertoire, the restaurant serves a tasting menu entitled "Scoperta della Pasta", which showcases their house-made pasta. Much care goes into dishes that incorporate top-notch, at times premium ingredients, many imported from Italy. With its pared-back decor, just a handful of tables, dark parquet flooring, white walls and colourful Abstract paintings, the interior is both contemporary and intimate. Excellent selection of local wines.