Domaine de la Poyat

You are sure to feel right at home in this charming stone-built inn set in a picturesque little wine-growing village. In a chic and cosy setting, the surprise set menu (only the ingredients are listed) stars seasonal produce, which are presented in carefully crafted dishes. This skilfully prepared and delicious cuisine is classic at first glance, but often scattered with unorthodox notes (Japanese chilli condiment, Maury-chocolate sauce etc). There are a few comfortable guestrooms for overnight stays.

Old-world charm meets contemporary comfort in this tastefully renovated 15C abbey built entirely of honey-coloured stone. The uplifting cuisine celebrates local recipes and classics: pâté en croûte, pike quenelles, volaille de Bresse with morels, scallop mousse, Rossini pigeon and praline tart. In summer, reserve a table on the pleasant terrace overlooking the courtyard garden.

The twin of the Lyon Café Terroir, this restaurant is located in the grounds of Domaine Saint-Cyr, the wine estate in Anse, on the edge of the Beaujolais area. A new take on Lyon specialities, excellent roast meats for sharing and an extensive wine list, on which the estate takes centre stage alongside vintages from Beaujolais and other terroirs, all from independent winegrowers. The place has a rustic and welcoming bistro feel and a terrace looking out onto the surrounding countryside.

In the heart of Lucenay, a village built of Beaujolais golden limestone, this restaurant occupies a converted village school. Pauline Fleuret, along with her partner, front of house, keeps things simple in this inviting space. Her market-fresh cuisine is fresh and healthy, designed for maximum flavour: Comté croquettes, saucisse de Morteau and beetroot ketchup; chicken blanquette with tarragon and candied lemon, polenta gratin; lemon and sesame cake, mascarpone cream and meringue pieces. Reasonable prices. Booking is essential.

This 18C edifice by the River Saône feels like a cross between a trendy guinguette and a country house. The food is resolutely in the zeitgeist, but for all that does not neglect French classics, a case in point being pan-fried frogs' legs or sautéed calf’s sweetbread. Peaceful, cosy terrace.

Here in the capital of the historical Beaujolais province, this aptly named restaurant boasts a contemporary decor with blue walls, untreated wood and a glass-fronted wine cellar. The dishes, of course, showcase seasonal produce with precision. On this occasion, options included soy-cured egg yolk with shiitake mushrooms and asparagus espuma; pork pluma with artichokes barigoule and a full-bodied liquorice jus; and a chocolate and coffee duo with contrasting textures. The lunch menu is updated every week; the seasonal menu changes throughout the year. Smooth service and a regional wine list.

In a stylish, sand-coloured stone house on the banks of the Saône, L’inaTTendu (‘unexpected’) is aptly named. The chef signs a creative, indulgent score, rooted in regional tradition with the odd Asian twist. You can expect a dining experience rich in culinary twists paired with a matchless view of the river from the lush green terrace.