From Michelin-starred venues set in medieval treasures to chic contemporary bistronomy, Dijon offers the culinary choices of a cosmopolitan capital, but on a more human scale. Set the stage for romance with a bottle of fine local wine, tasty and stylish dishes, and an intimate and inviting setting in one of these dreamy spots in Dijon.
The contemporary loft-style décor perfectly sets off the incredible oak and stone architecture of the medieval listed building. There’s no need to choose your menu. La Maison des Cariatides offer a seven-course exploration of contemporary textures and flavours with an optional wine pairing (you can choose your own wine if you prefer but guests rave about the wine choices). It’s one of the pricier options on our list, but has a well-earned Michelin-star.
The name fits this restaurant well, it’s a ‘hidden corner’ a couple of blocks away from the main tourist thoroughfares. It’s one of those addresses that locals tend to keep for themselves, so if you were not looking for it on purpose you’d walk right by it. Le Coin Caché’s atmosphere is authentic and informal, and they have a handful of tables in the shaded courtyard when weather permits. The menu is composed from scratch in tune with the seasons and the wine list is top quality and served by the glass. The key ingredient that makes this a lovely spot for a dinner date is that the service makes you feel like you are the most important customer that ever walked through their door.
Dr Wine started as a wine bar, as its name suggests, with an endless selection of local and international bottles, and offered a few dishes, cheese and charcuterie boards to go with the wine. The place became so popular that they graduated into a full restaurant with contemporary dishes and local classics. The interior of the bar and restaurant are decorated with an industrial-chic touch, and the walled patio in the back is a quiet and relaxed place to dine a deux at twilight.
In the heart of the city, just steps from the main shopping streets, the restaurant of the Grand Hôtel La Cloche has long been a symbol of the high art of living. This place has a view of the interior garden and the fountain and the hosts take care of all the romantic touches: delicate china, diaphanous crystal, fresh flowers, candles and a discreet but attentive service.
Here is another address that you may pass by if it hasn’t been specifically recommended, particularly as it is at the back of a courtyard and all but invisible from the street. The menu changes almost on a daily basis according to what is in season in the central market, wine is served by the glass and the atmosphere is quiet and understated. It’s excellent value for the quality of the meal and the service, to the point that demanding regulars are asking why Michelin inspectors haven’t yet awarded this restaurant a star.
The two-star Michelin restaurant, located in the Chapeau Rouge hotel, is touted as the peak of the gastronomic experience in Dijon. At the helm of his own restaurant, Chef William Frachot has carved out a reputation for revitalising the Burgundy classics with a highly creative twist. The atmosphere is unfussy, contemporary and refined.
This place features a seductive dining room in a 13th-century crypt with vaulted ceilings, subdued lighting and a grand piano. The ultimate romantic atmosphere is perfectly complemented by a quality menu highlighting regional products from local providers.
Vegans look away now. This dining venue is presided by an open wood-fired grill. Lamb, beef and pork dominate the menu. The setting is inviting and draws you in to a handful of tables in the main room and the cobbled courtyard set back from the street. With an excellent wine list, crisp and elegant table settings and the rustic rural-inspired wood and copper décor, Le Sauvage offers a surprisingly romantic setting for a gourmand meal.
Steps away from the Palais des Ducs is the renowned Bernard Loiseau group of restaurants. The menu combines Burgundy traditional dishes with a contemporary creative touch. The impressive wine list is served by the glass, which opens the tantalising possibility of taking a wine tour of Burgundy with a different selection for each course.
Stéphane Derbord is found at the helm of his restaurant working together with his wife who is in charge of the dining room. The experience feels personal — it’s intimate with the exquisite cuisine perfectly complemented by the quiet unpretentious décor.
This is such a gastronomic institution that the list would not be complete without it. Le Pré aux Clercs, a fabulous spot for an elegant gourmet experience right across from the Palais des Ducs, is at the time of writing changing hands. The Billoux family is passing the torch to chef Georges Blanc, himself a multiple Michelin-starred virtuoso. The venue is expected to reopen after renovation in late spring 2017.
Granted, this is a bit of an odd choice. A pizzeria is not the first place you think of when you book a table for a romantic date, but this is no average pizza place. It’s a no frills, friendly, low-key place with a fresh, authentic vibe and the food is so divine that your partner will fall in love with you all over again just for finding such a great spot. It has wood-fired oven pizza made by hand and authentic Italian ingredients with a sprinkle of French flair. Here you can share, eat off each other’s plate, the salads are gorgeous and the airy lemon mousse is dreamy. Reservations are absolutely recommended for dinner, you will be turned away at the door because this address, once a well-kept secret, is often fully booked to the last table.
