L'instant Présent

The terrace of this stately home overlooking sprawling grounds and a 17C plane tree features in a novel by French author Michel Houellebecq. Mauritian chef Franco Bowanee crafts fine contemporary cuisine, strewn with discerning exotic touches. He doesn't mess around: his delicious dishes shine the spotlight not only on premium ingredients, but also the vegetables from the estate's kitchen garden. Surrounded by floor-to-ceiling glass, the dining room slots into the surrounding nature perfectly.

You soon forget the road just outside, as you snuggle up near the fireplace of this pleasant Auberge! The menu stars simple dishes of Burgundian inspiration that are nicely crafted and packed with flavour: slow-cooked egg and snails in a red wine sauce, guinea fowl supreme, puréed potato, braised endive, Bourdaloue tart – and the bill won't break the bank.

At this restaurant, the name of which means "vine branch", a pair of chefs work in tandem to cook up honest, unpretentious cuisine. The ingredients and produce – particularly the vegetables – retain all their flavour in dishes such as iced pea soup with goat's cheese and Thai basil. The desserts, too, are meticulously made, a case in point being the strawberry, almond and Timut peppercorn pavlova. The menu-carte features mouthwatering suggestions!

Mathieu Sagardoytho, the new owner-chef of the Zinc, signs a creative menu that pays tribute to painstakingly sourced ingredients (mackerel from Trinité-sur-Mer marinated in mirin, lamb from Clavisy farm, plums from Yonne). Remarkable list of Chablis (and other Burgundies).

This contemporary bistro with an understated decor has blossomed in an old cellar belonging to Domaine Laroche, famous for producing Chablis. Trained in Tokyo and some top-flight French establishments, the Japanese chef invites his customers to partake in cuisine inspired by regional dishes revisited with imagination. Good value for money.

This venerable 18C coaching inn has played host to some illustrious figures, from Napoleon to Elizabeth Taylor. Today, TV presenter and antiques dealer Julien Cohen has restored it to its former glory, decorating it with pieces from his personal collection – all of which are for sale! The restaurant boasts wooden floorboards, chandeliers, painted period ceilings and mirrors. On the menu: a modern take on traditional cuisine, punctuated with creative flourishes and exotic flavours.

This restaurant, run by the same family since 1910, now abuts a 12C church. Take a seat and admire the bright colourful interior or relax on the shaded terrace, as you sample a cleverly updated version of regional country nosh: Burgundy snails, eggs in red wine, veal kidneys in mustard sauce without forgetting the odd intriguing creation such as an escalope of salmon with Morteau sausage and a creamy sauce of runny cheese…