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Restaurants
What are the best restaurants in Aix-en-Provence? Our favorite restaurants
What are the best restaurants in and around Aix-en-Provence? Gastronomic and Michelin-starred restaurants, chefs’ bistros, fine brasseries, wine cellars… discover the editorial team’s selection.
Elegant and enchanting, Aix-en-Provence reveals itself through its fountains, pretty squares and shady lanes. A city of art and culture, an icon of Provençal art de vivre, the city is also teeming with fine restaurants.
1. Hélène Darroze at Villa La Coste, Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade
Just a few kilometers from Aix-en-Provence lies Château La Coste, a fabulous wine estate dotted with works of contemporary art. The estate's owner, Irish businessman Patrick McKillen, has taken the crazy gamble of combining art, wine and gastronomy. Prestigious works by Louise Bourgeois, Sean Scully and Frank Gehry, Jean Nouvel's futuristic aluminum winery, the contemporary palace Villa La Coste, the vineyards and the vegetable garden all live in surprising harmony on this extraordinary site, which boasts one of the region's most envied restaurant offerings. There are no fewer than five restaurants, including the gourmet table at Villa La Coste, where chef Hélène Darroze, a three-starred chef for her London restaurant Hélène Darroze at The Connaught and a two-starred chef for Marsan par Hélène Darroze in Paris, has been officiating since last year. Since March 2022, the Hélène Darroze restaurant at Villa La Coste has been awarded a star by the Michelin Guide.
The setting? It's in the heart of Villa La Coste, an intimate luxury retreat, that the chef, originally from the South-West of France, reinvents herself with a cuisine in tune with Provence, a region she's particularly fond of since she spent part of her apprenticeship there. The restaurant is organized around different areas of the hotel. You can choose to dine on the terrace for a chic, bucolic ambience, or in the main dining room floating on the water, all glass to take full advantage of the Mediterranean luminosity. Either way, the spectacular views of the Luberon and Mont Ventoux give this tranquil setting a timeless feel.
The cuisine? Today, in this enchanting setting, Hélène Darroze puts plants at the heart of her dishes. Each dish title - carrot, eggplant, chickpea - pays tribute to its producer. The chef forges close ties with the region's farmers and producers, whom she regularly tracks down and meets. Sourcing doesn't stop there, either, as she works in collaboration with the estate's gardener to select the plants and vegetables to be grown on site.
On the menu, she offers dishes in her own image, sincere and authentic, with strong flavors and no unnecessary sophistication.
Carefully selected local produce is brought to the fore, such as the Multicolored Beets from Cultivateur de sens in Ventabren, cooked in a salt crust, raw and dressed in vinegar, and Mediterranean mackerel in escabeche and rillette. A festival of finesse, flavors and colors that seduced us.
Hélène Darroze at Villa La Coste
Villa La Coste
2750 Route de la Cride, 13610 Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade
In the heart of Villa La Coste, Hélène Darroze reinvents herself with a cuisine in tune with Provence.
2. La Table du Pigonnet, Aix-en-Provence | Chef : Thierry Balligand
Looking for a moment of serenity? Head to La Table du Pigonnet, a renowned institution since 1924! Just a few minutes' walk from the center of Aix, you'll discover a secret garden where calm and nature are the watchwords. Whether seated inside the restaurant in a classic setting or on the shady terrace overlooking the park, you'll enjoy market cuisine with Provencal accents: Pêche du Jour, Fumet de Champignons et Légumes d'Hiver or Escargots de Provence en Persillade, Mousseline de Patate douce au Guanciale. Suppliers are based in Toulon, Marseille, Meyreuil or Avignon. Note that these dishes can be divinely accompanied by a suggestion from the sommelier, who boasts one of the finest wine lists in the region.
In this Aix-en-Provence restaurant, which has been given a new lease of life with a décor designed by Jacques Garcia, attention is paid to the smallest details, such as the art of the table, the impeccable service of the maîtres d'hôtel, the tablecloth-covered tables... This natural elegance is complemented by the cuisine of chefs Thierry Balligand, a native of Northern France who arrived at Le Pigonnet in 1993, and Fabien Torrente. Perfectly cooked and seasoned, the dishes are beautifully presented, and it's clear that both chefs have a pastry background.
On the first floor of the bastide, indulge in an old-school cocktail in a hushed setting. The Rose Bar showcases the flavors and skills of yesteryear.
With Les Amis and its new menu, the establishment celebrates the century-old soul of this house steeped in history, which has seen artists, travelers and lovers in search of escape. In this spirit of conviviality and sharing, the restaurant now offers a selection of exceptional dishes to enjoy on the go. Whether in the gardens, at the bar or even in the privacy of your room, every mouthful promises a journey to the heart of Provencal flavors.
La Table du Pigonnet
Le Pigonnet
5 Avenue du Pigonnet, 13090 Aix-en-Provence
La Source's seductive, contemporary decor, pleasant, convivial terrace and simple menu combine tapas, bistronomic dishes and street food.
3. Les P'tites Bouchées
A must-visit restaurant in Aix-en-Provence for dim sum lovers. The décor, with wooden tables and exotic wallpaper, creates a comforting atmosphere. The semi-open kitchen gives diners a front-row seat to the preparation of Cantonese bites served in steaming baskets. Among the delights on offer are lion's head (dim sum wrapped in rice grains) with pork and coriander, shrimp dim sum, green beans with bonito shavings and beef and onion confit.
Chef Lucas Chevalier also offers tasty side dishes such as soft baos with grilled pork belly and crisp vegetables topped with curry sauce, sea bass ceviche with chimichurri, coconut milk and lime, served with jasmine rice, or Chinese cabbage salad with fresh coriander.
To end on a sweet note, we offer mochi glazed with strawberry or black sesame. All accompanied by delicious beverages, including homemade iced tea or fresh yuzu Iki mousse.
Les P'tites Bouchées
17 Rue Aumône Vieille, 13100 Aix-en-Provence
4. L'Auberge La Coste
Perched a few kilometers from Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade, L'Auberge La Coste stands behind its ochre facades, hemmed in umbrella pines and bathed in the soft Bouches-du-Rhône light. Located in the heart of the prestigious Château La Coste, L'Auberge doesn't try to compete with its neighbors, and cultivates a form of sophisticated simplicity. In the Bar de l'Auberge, authenticity reigns supreme: exposed beams, burgundy leathers and a stone bar recall the quiet solidity of a place where you know how to take your time. Outside, a square adorned with a flowery fountain invites you to stroll, while inside, the restaurant-bar offers a warm, almost familiar atmosphere. In terms of cuisine, the menu celebrates the terroir of Provence, with dishes that juggle tradition and creativity. Starters include pan-fried foie gras with apples and buckwheat granola, or poultry liver terrine with homemade pickles. Main courses include a farmer's chicken salad with the chef's honey vinaigrette, or a chicken, mushroom and leek pie. Even classics like fish and chips, revisited with pea purée, or the classic cheeseburger with homemade bun and fries, find their place on the menu. Last but not least, our homemade desserts - rice pudding with apple and caramel, vanilla-glazed profiteroles and almond chocolate - are comfortingly generous.
From May 2025 onwards, we'll be inviting you to the terrace of La Rôtisserie to enjoy the sunny days: lunches bathed in Mediterranean sunshine, and dinners under the stars. La Rôtisserie will offer a generous menu - seasonal salads, grilled meats, Provençal-style vegetables - to immerse us in the convivial atmosphere of summer grilling
Auberge La Coste
Open every evening from 7pm to 9:30pm, and from 12am to 2:30pm on Saturdays and Sundays
2750, Route de la Cride, 13610 Le Puy-Sainte-Reparade
5. Le Bouillon Aixois, Aix-en-Provence
Located on the corner of rue de la Couronne and place des Tanneurs, Le Bouillon Aixois is a friendly address that brilliantly revisits the Parisian bouillon concept, with a delicious Provencal twist! The brainchild of Angélique Fiore, a former financial consultant who returned to Aix after a successful career change, this establishment offers tasty cuisine at unbeatable prices, without ever sacrificing quality. The menu, which changes with the seasons, highlights local produce. Mimosa eggs, leek vinaigrette, coq au vin and the famous mashed sausage are just some of the generous, comforting dishes that win over a loyal clientele. All in a lively atmosphere, with its chequered floor tiles, friendly sound system and sunny terrace on the charming Place des Tanneurs. Accessible, warm and authentic, Le Bouillon Aixois is turning heads and has already established itself as one of Aix-en-Provence's must-visit restaurants.
Le Bouillon Aixois
29 Rue de la Couronne, 13100 Aix-en-Provence
6. Le Art at Château de la Gaude, Aix-en-Provence | Chef : Matthieu Dupuis-Baumal
Just a few minutes from the city center, Château de la Gaude is home to a Michelin-starred restaurant, just a few months after opening in 2019. From the terrace overlooking sublime French-style gardens, you can savor the creative cuisine of chef Matthieu Dupuis-Baumal, who marries French cuisine based on local products with influences from his many travels around the world. The exceptionally large diving scallops are cooked in coffee grounds and flanked by turnip "vivified with citrus". The chef's "pigeonvoyageur" comes in a pistachio gratin fillet, kadaïf confit leg, kebab neck, giblet bonbon and Manjolive saffron jus. The richly diversified cellar also features the estate's biodynamic wines.
Le Art
Château de la Gaude
3959 Route des Pinchinats, 13100 Aix-en-Provence
Just a few minutes' walk from the center of Aix, you'll discover a secret garden where calm and nature are the watchwords.
7. Pierre Reboul, Château de la Pioline
Since 2016, chef Pierre Reboul, known for his innovative cuisine bordering on molecular gastronomy, has taken over the reins of the restaurant at Château de la Pioline, a magnificent mansion anchored on a four-hectare estate of greenery. Here, he expresses his generosity and boundless creativity. Constantly on the lookout for new sensations, he asserts an unashamed fantasy, while sublimating the tastes of the finest produce. A lunch menu and three 3-, 4- and 6-course menus are offered in line with the seasons.
Good to know? Pierre Reboul's table at Château de la Pioline has been awarded a star by the Michelin Guide.
Pierre Reboul
Château de la Pioline
260 Rue Guillaume Du Vair Pole, 13290 Aix-en-Provence
Constantly on the lookout for new sensations, Chef Pierre Reboul asserts his imagination, while sublimating the tastes of the finest produce;
8. Restaurant La Villa Gallici, Aix-en-Provence
Come to La Villa Gallici and be immersed in the unique, cosy atmosphere of this Florentine Relais & Châteaux establishment. This grand 18th-century mansion houses a gourmet restaurant with a flower-filled balcony terrace that pays homage to Provence, as in the case of the Sisteron lamb saddle roasted with rosemary, accompanied by purple artichokes stuffed with pine nuts and Taggiasche olives, fresh coriander and reduced jus. For lovers of fine wines, La Villa Gallici wine cellar, built in the shape of a decanter, is one of the finest in the region.
Restaurant La Villa Gallici
18 Avenue de la Violette, 13100 Aix-en-Provence
Chef Pierre creates gourmet, local and, you guessed it, "canaille" cuisine, based on traditional French dishes.
9. Le Mas Bottero, Saint-Cannat
In the small village of Saint-Cannat, on the legendary Route Nationale 7 and just 15 km from Aix-en-Provence, Le Mas Bottero is the eponymous restaurant of Michelin 1-star chef Nicolas Bottero. The leitmotiv of this lover of the Provençal terroir? To showcase the finest local produce through refined, healthy, gourmet creations. In spring, green asparagus from producer Didier Ferreint rubs shoulders with local lamb, brousse from the Rognes goat farm and organic chickpeas from the Cucuron mill. Vegetarian dishes with a fresh soul are also in the spotlight here.
The little extra? A chef and team with a passion for wine, behind a menu recognized as "particularly interesting" by the Guide Rouge, and regularly organized menus featuring a winegrower to discover.
Le Mas Bottero
2340 Route d'Aix RN7, 13760 Saint-Cannat
10. Les Vieilles Canailles, Aix-en-Provence
It doesn't take long to fall under the spell of this authentic French-style bistro and its welcoming, passionate team, led by Fred, who takes great pleasure in describing every dish on the menu in detail and with his lilting accent. Pierre, the chef, creates gourmet, local and, you guessed it, "canaille" cuisine, based on traditional French dishes such as roast marrow bone with herbs, tournedos of duck breast or homemade andouillette. The menu changes all the time, depending on the season, the weather and the catch of the day. So come back regularly for a shot of authenticity and conviviality.
Les Vieilles Canailles
7 Rue Isolette, 13100 Aix-en-Provence