Restaurants: Aix en Provence & Environs (cont'd)
Ethnic Treasures (cont'd)
Yamato Zen pure in a garden with lotus flowers, bamboos and murmuring fountains. Japanese cuisine with French sophistication. Chef Someya finesses traditional Japanese dishes. Service is attentive and discret. Prices are on the high side, but it's worth it. Prices: €50-70. 21 Avenue des Belges, 13100 Aix en Provence. Tel: +33 (0)4 42 38 00 20
Yoji A well regarded Japanese in Aix serving great cuisine. Try their sushis and sashimis. We like the place, especially eating on the shady terrace during the warmer season. But the tables are too close together, one feels a bit constricted. They also own a Yoji in Marseille, so make sure to make a reservation in the right city. Prices: €30-50. 7 Avenue Victor Hugo, 13100 Aix en Provence. Tel: +33 (0)4 42 38 48 76
Homesick?
The Olde Bulldogge, informal place dearly loved by homesick Brits, Americans, Canadians or anyone yearning for fish and chips, bangers and mash, burgers and all day English breakfast. You can even get used to the English country pub decor. Prices: €5-10. 32, rue Emeric David, 13100 Aix en Provence, Tel: +33 (0)4 42 91 39 93 (open 7 days from 7AM-11PM).
The Bulldogge & Barrister, the younger brother of the very successful Olde Bulldogge, equally good, same clientele. 29 Place Miollis, 13100 Aix en Provence, Tel : +33 (0)4 42 93 21 97
The Bistro & Café Universe:
There are many good bistros and cafés in Aix - impossible to list them all. We no longer include Café Deux Garcons, the grand old daddy of cafés/bistros in Aix on Cours Mirabeau. Nowadays mostly frequented by out of towners suffering from a severe bout of "Cézanne" nostalgia (this used to his hangout). But there is another way to look at it. This place confirms an old stereotype of French bistros: indifferent service from grumpy waiters. But the world has changed and many French bistros with it.
Café Bastide du Cours , a trendy brasserie, our top choice on Cours Mirabeau. Well prepared bistro type meals at reasonable prices for this prime piece of real estate. You will love the food, the friendly service and can watch the lively scene on Cours Mirabeau. Prices: €20-40. 43-47 Cours Mirabeau, 13100 Aix-en-Provence, Tel: +33 (0)4 42 26 10 06.
Brasserie Léopold, of the Hotel Saint-Christophe close to the Rotonde. A trendy brasserie with 30s decor, many young people, excellent, innovative bistro food and reasonable prices. Prices: €25-35. 2 Avenue Victor Hugo, 13100 Aix en Provence, Tel: +33 (0)4 42 26 01 24.
l'Unic Bar A favorite place for brunch, lunch or an afternoon snack and wile away the time people watching. The bistro/café overlooks the daily fruit market on Place Richelme, which has operated here for over 450 years. Prices: €15-25. 40, Rue de Vauvenargues, 13100 Aix en Provence, Tel: +33 (0)4 42 96 38 28.
Happy Days Café, Also on Place Richelme, equally good with a mostly gay clientele. Prices: €10-15. Place Richelme, 13100 Aix en Provence, Tel: +33 (0)4 42 21 02 35.
Moroccan Tea Houses
Tea houses have become very fashionable here. Good places to relax with a cup of tea in a tranquil oriental setting. Makes you think you should be traveling to Morocco or Tunisia next time.
L'Orienthe, a small, beautifully decorated little tea house. No chairs, just cushions. 5 Rue Félibre Gaut, 13100 Aix en Provence, Tel: +33 (0)6 62 16 48 25 (near Rue de la Verrerie)
La Theiere d'Orient, nicely decorated, a good place to rest and have a tea after walking the streets of Aix. 30 Rue Lieutaud, 13100 Aix en Provence, Tel: +33 (0)6 17 30 18 71.
