10 Top Restaurants In Dijon, France

La Dame d’Aquitaine offers something a bit magical. The restaurant lies underneath the Place Bossuet in central Dijon, in the 13th century crypt of the former abbey of Saint-Jean. You reach the restaurant by going through the superb 17th century mansion of Perreney de Balleure before descending the stairs to dine beneath wonderful Gothic ribbed vaults and pointed arches. The service is renowned locally for being friendly and welcoming. Chef Laurent Perriguey offers a menu that emphasises seasonality, colour, and strong flavors; the Burgundy rabbit served with kidneys and mustard is a particular speciality. Be sure also to explore the extensive wine list; along with a selection of premier cru wines from Cote d’Or vineyards, there are plenty of village wines available. These are often the most intriguing Burgundy wines, with all the grapes used coming from a single village.

Restaurant Stéphane Derbord prides itself on offering a warm welcome and excellent food made with the finest local produce. Chef Stéphane Derbord has a reputation for taking traditional dishes and executing them brilliantly. The menu has earned Restaurant Stéphane Derbord a Michelin star, and features hearty dishes such as smoked pike perch, duck foie gras, calves’ feet, and duck breasts from the Dombes region. The dessert menu is a little more exotic; if you are feeling adventurous opt for banana, pineapple and mango cake, with pineapple carpaccio with curry and cinnamon. There is a fantastically uncluttered look to the décor; light pours into the restaurant onto white tablecloths and stylish wooden furniture for a relaxed, modern feel.

Le Pré aux Clercs offers an indulgent, unforgettable dining experience. The restaurant is on the Place de la Libération, the historic central square of Dijon. From inside the 18th century Baroque building that houses the restaurant, diners look out at the magnificent Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy. The food is of a standard to match the spectacular surroundings, and father-and-son team Jean-Pierre and Alexis Billoux hold a Michelin star for their superb menu. There is a strong emphasis on the finest Burgundian produce and big earthy flavors. Particular specialities at Le Pré aux Clercs include Bresse chicken, Burgundy truffles, and langoustines cooked with star anise. Sit out on the terrace during the summer and survey the grandeur of Dijon.

The curiously named ‘Smoking Piano’ is a great spot in which to sit back and enjoy watching the world go by while listening to the conversations of ordinary Dijonnais. Well-hidden on the Rue Berbisey, Le Piano Qui Fume is an uncomplicated small bistro more popular with locals than tourists. The menu and décor eschew over-refinement and provide the authentic Dijon bistro experience, with stone walls and wooden beams ensuring a relaxed, informal ambience. The chef Monsieur Didier stresses the importance of taking time and care over food, and everything is prepared on-site. The menu is traditional Burgundian, trusting the quality of the ingredients to shine through. Dishes to look out for include chicken with local morels, fresh fish from the market, and the mango vacherin for dessert.

Dijon’s premier restaurant, the Hostellerie du Chapeau Rouge, boasts two Michelin stars. Chef William Frachot stands at the forefront of contemporary Burgundian cuisine, with influences taken from his time in Canada and Britain. Located close to Dijon Cathedral and the Musee des Beaux Arts, the Hostellerie is ideal if you want the highest-quality contemporary French cuisine and superb wine; sommelier Maxime Brunet took the Best Young Sommelier in France award in 2013. There are some amazing flavour combinations available; veal kidneys with grapefruit, and Venezuelan chocolate with sesame seeds for dessert, and a stress on vegetable and mineral flavours such as truffle, asparagus and wild garlic. The décor compliments the food, with tree-bark and green walls providing a sensory experience to chime with the natural flavors.

Just south of central Dijon, Restaurant So is perfect if you are looking for an alternative to traditional Burgundian cuisine. Highly regarded and increasingly popular with locals, Restaurant So is run by Japanese chef So Takahashi with wife Rié providing front-of-house service. The cuisine is a brilliant combination of French ingredients from the nearby market with Japanese cooking techniques and presentation methods. You can expect a lighter, more delicate approach to local Burgundian produce with delicacies such as Bresse chicken and foie gras. Restaurant So is particularly renowned for the quality and perfect execution of their fish dishes, ranging from cod to sea snails and razor clams bought daily from the market.

Part of the Grand Hotel once frequented by Princess Grace of Monaco, Le Jardins de la Cloche is now something of a well-kept secret, offering classic French cuisine in grand surroundings. Despite being only a short distance from the city centre, Le Jardins de la Cloche offers a tranquil and beautiful terrace garden in which to relax and dine. You can also be served inside in the restaurant with its purple walls hinting at regal decadence, or in the wood-panelled Library Bar where you can enjoy a liqueur whilst browsing the tomes. There are several menu options to tempt you; the ‘Flavours of Burgundy’ is quick and simple and lets you sample classic dishes such as snails with garlic and parsley, and eggs meurette.