Restaurants: Aix en Provence & Environs
Aix en Provence is the city in France where many French would like to live. It has a vibrant university body and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in France. We like Aix best during the shoulder seasons. March to June and September to November are really enjoyable with a manageable flow of tourists and many students.
Aix has a great restaurant scene, but being a magnet for tourists, one has to choose carefully. Most restaurants are in or near the old town. Underground parking is available along the ring road circling it. That is, if you arrive early in the morning. Don't drive into the old town, only few streets are open to traffic, parking is non existent.
Top choice - if you really want to splash:
Le Clos de la Violette, a top choice by all standards. Hymns have been written about this 1-star Michelin restaurant located just outside the historic center, on Avenue de la Violette (easy walk from Pasteur or Signoret parking). Elegant setting inside and on a shaded terrace. Master chef Jean-Marc Banzo offers creative dishes, wonderful in their simplicity and use of local produce, but with an unsurpassed refinement. A must if you want to experience Provençal cuisine at its highest level. Prices: €50-90. 10 Avenue de la Violette, 13100 Aix en Provence, Tel: +33 (0)4 42 23 30 71.
Pierre Reboul Old Aix vaults have a new life, a new look. Modern furnishings in perfect accord with ancient walls. Chef Pierre Reboul reinterpretes suberbly Provençal classics. We can only say: taste and quality rule here. We were told that Pierre's menu selection depends on his inspiration and whatever is in season. No surprise he obtained a Michelin 1 star rating in 2009. Prices: €50-120. 11 Petite Rue St.Jean, 13100 Aix en Provence. Tel: +33 (0)4 42 20 58 26
Our recommendations:
L'Amphitryon on Rue Paul Doumer close to the Cours Mirabeau, a traditional setting with a wonderful interior courtyard for outdoor dining. The food is delightful, follows the season and the occasional touch of fusion cuisine give the carefully prepared classic French dishes a refreshing touch. The place to go for a great dining experience. Prices: €20-40. 2-4 Rue Paul Doumer, 13100 Aix en Provence, Tel: +33 (0)4 42 26 54 10.
Arquier Hotel Restaurant A bit off the beaten track 10km west of Aix. Close to the historic viaduct Roquefavour, which crosses the river Arc. Pleasant terrace near the water. Provençal cuisine using fresh produce of the season. A place for gourmet traditionalists. Prices: €25-40. Route du Petit Moulin, Roquefavour, 13290 Les Milles. Tel: +33 (0)4 42 24 20 45
l'Aixquis In the heart of the historic center of Aix, Chef Benoit Strohm offers elegant Provençal cuisine. Fish dishes are his forte. We like this one a lot. Good price quality and friendly service. Prices: €25-40. 22, Rue Victor Leydet, 13100 Aix en Provence. Tel: +33 (0)4 42 27 76 16
Auberge Provençal This 400 year old postal relay with rustic interior and truly Provençal country look is a well established address just outside Aix en Provence. Chef Gabriel Astouric offers typical dishes of the region. Quality is king here, service friendly and attentive. Worth the short trip from Aix. A real gem! Prices: €25-50. Impasse de Provence, Le Canet, 13590 Meyreuil. Take exit 32 on Autoroute A8 (Aix-Nice). Tel: +33 (0)4 42 58 68 54
Chez Charlotte, the food is good, prices low and portions generous. The somewhat quirky surroundings make you remember the times when you were in your early 20s. But it is very popular with the Aixois, no matter what age. We had a great time there. Prices: €13-20. 32 Rue des Bernardines, 13100 Aix en Provence, Tel: +33 (0)4 42 26 77 56. Between Rue Fontaine and Lisse des Cordelieres, a bit difficult to find.
Chez Gaby This brasserie and piano bar is an Aix tradition since 1965. While its look has changed (modern, cool decor going with the times), the cuisine produces the same quality dishes. The Provençal and Corse fish dishes are superb. Never mind the location on the southern outskirts of Aix, it's worth the trip. Prices: €15-30. 42, Avenue Fortuné Ferrini, 3090 Aix En Provence. Tel: +33 (0)4 42 26 23 29.
Chez Maxime, nicely prepared Provençal dishes, they excel especially in the meat category. Popular with Aixoiss and increasingly with out of town visitors. Outside dining on tiny Place Ramus is shared with three other restaurants - great setting on summer evenings. Prices: € 13-25. 12 Place Ramus, 13100 Aix en Provence, Tel: +33 (0)4 42 26 28 51.
Chez Thomé in le Tholonet 6km East of Aix; historic hunting lodge once visited by King Edward VII in 1906. Outside dining under plane trees, great place to relax on a hot summer night. The cuisine is not overwhelming, a bit pricey, but the atmosphere makes up for any shortfalls. Prices: €25-45. Le Tholonet, Tel: +33 (0)4 42 66 90 43.
La Madeleine an elegant restaurant on Place des Precheurs. Well known in Aix for the fish dishes, especially shell fish and Bouillabaisse (request it 48 hours in advance when you make your reservation). They also offer meat and vegetarian dishes. Prices € 30-60. 4 Place des Precheurs, 13100 Aix en Provence, Tel: +33 (0)4 42 38 28 02.
