Restaurants: Avignon and Environs
Other Intramuros Locations
AOC A pleasant wine bar tucked away in a small corner of the pedestrian zone. Wine is served by the glass or bottle and one can nibble on wine-friendly small plates, like charcuterie, cheese, tartines and roasted veggies. Open until late, a good way to spend an evening. Prices: €15-30. 5 Rue Tremoulet, 84000 Avignon Tel: +33 (0)4 90 25 21 04
Numéro 75 In a 19th century grand mansion once belonging to Jules Pernot of Pastis fame. Contemporary furnished dining room and garden shaded by centenary trees. Stylish cooked dishes under the baton of Chef Brunel, who also owns Brunel in Avignon. We liked it a lot - the food, the setting, the atmosphere. In our opinion one of the top places in Avignon. Prices: €26-33. 75, Rue Guillaume Puy, 84000 Avignon Tel: +33 (0)4 90 27 16 00
Le Woolloomoolloo With an almost unpronouncable name this is the place for devout vegetarians - an Avignon institution. Decor reminiscent of a curiosity museum with artifacts from all over the world leading to great pieces of conversation. Exquisite cuisine. We love it, especially the occasional theme night. Prices: €15-38;. 16 bis Rue des Teinturiers, 84000 Avignon. Tel: +33 (0)4 90 85 28 44
Rue Galante Area
Rue Galante, running parallel (East) to Rue de la Republique, has an array of reasonably priced ethnic restaurants. Great place for a change of cuisine or if you just want a small bite.
Tapalocas on 15 Rue Galante, a rowdy bodega de tapas, full of students and anyone who likes a totally informal place for a change. Great food, drinks and lively company. Efficient service but you might have to stand in a pub like atmosphere, sometimes even outside. Local artists show their works hoping for a breakthrough. Prices: €9 for 3 tapas, a glass of wine and a small coffee. 15 Rue Galante, 84000 Avignon, Tel: +33 (0)4 90 82 56 84.
Tanoshii on 8 Rue Galante, opened in 2005 to the delight of Anglo expats living in Avignon craving for good Japanese food like in London or New York. Good sushi and do it yourself grilled dishes. Friendly service, great place to have in Avignon. Prices: €15-30. 8 Rue Galante, 84000 Avignon, Tel: +33 (0)4 90 85 59 43.
Homesick?
Le Simple Simon, "ye olde tea shoppe" in Avignon complete with Victorian oak beams, floral interior and a huge collection of Britobilia. Admire the Victorian sketch of "A Day in Brighton", a picture of the Queen and the old grandfather clock. Located on Rue Petite Fusterie (runs parallel to Rue Racine), it has been an institution for expats since the 70s, when two British ladies decided it was about time to show the French how to make a decent cup of tea and cakes the old fashioned way. They have passed the baton to a younger generation. Prices: €15-20 for a light lunch. 26 Rue de la Petite Fusterie, 84000 Avignon, Tel: +33 (0)4 90 86 62 70.
A stone's throw from Avignon:
Auberge de Noves A country manor set in 20 acres of manicured grounds about 12 km south of Avignon between the towns of Noves and Châteaurenard. Boutique hotel and award winning restaurant with a 1-star Michelin rating since many years. Provençal cuisine at its best and a wine cellar which is unequalled in the region. Dreamlike dining on the terrace or indoors. Prices: €45-68. Domaine de Devès, Rte.D28, 13550 Noves. Tel: +33 (0)4 90 24 28 28
Take one of the two bridges across the Rhône, drive up to "Ville Historique" and park your car. Lovely medieval setting, but no longer a worthwhile trip from a gourmet perspective. Aubertin in the town center under the arcades on Rue de l'Hôpital and Le Prieure on Place du Chapitre are in quarantine as far as this recommendation list is concerned. Price/quality is gone in our opinion. A pity!
A long stone's throw from Avignon:
La Mère Germaine An oldtimer and favorite of local winemakers and connoiseurs. The hotel/restaurant, established in 1922, offers well crafted Provençal dishes. Nothing spectacular but good and tasty dishes typical of the region. The wine list is first class - try the white Châteauneuf for a change, excellent! Prices: €20-23. 3, Rue du Commandant Lemaitre, 84230 Châteauneuf du Pape. Tel: +33 (0)4 90 83 54 37
L'Huitre et la Vigne Tapas and seafood place in the midst of the Côtes du Rhône vineyards. Who's brilliant idea was that? Anne Sophie of course! A self-taught chef. Fresh seafood platters, tapas type dishes and rosé du maison. Dinner only and reservations are a must. She's developed quite a following. Prices: €10-35 (tapas type dishes). Route D792, Peyre Plantade, 30210 Saint Hilaire d'Ozilhan. Tel:+33 (0)6 08 05 63 57
