Aix en Provence, France — Food and Dining
Restaurants in Aix en Provence, France
Restaurants
Recommended restaurants
Chez Maxime
In the heart of the old town, this charming restaurant serves up typical Provençal cuisine and some fantastic grilled meats. Excellent wine list. Closed Sundays and Mondays in low season.
12 place Ramus
Tel: (04) 4226 2851.
Website: www.restaurant-chezmaxime.com
Price: $-$$
L'Arbre à Pain
Also in the old part of town, this restaurant was one of the first providers of organic foods in Aix, and is very popular with vegetarians. Galettes (pancakes) are one of the house specialties, but the menu offers many other exciting surprises, and the homemade desserts are a must.
12 rue Constantin
Tel: (04) 4296 9995.
Price: $
Le Cay Tam
This is a well established Vietnamese restaurant in Aix, with a well earned reputation for the quality of its food. The décor is pretty, and the staff friendly.
29 rue de la Verrerie
Tel: (04) 4227 2811.
Price: $
Le Clos de la Violette
Located in a residential area near the Archevêché, this mansion from the turn of the century is surrounded by a shaded park, and it is possible to sit on the terrace in summer. The food is locally inspired and expertly executed, although the restaurant lost one of its two Michelin stars in 2008. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
10 avenue de la Violette
Tel: (04) 4223 3071.
Website: www.closdelaviolette.fr
Price: $$$$
Les Deux Garçons
A real institution in Aix-en-Provence, situated bang in the heart of the action on the Cours Mirabeau, Les Deux Garçons is no stranger to famous customers (Cézanne, Zola, Churchill, Picasso, Edith Piaf and Alain Delon have all eaten there). Expect traditional brasserie fare in exceptional décor. Piano bar most evenings.
53 cours Mirabeau
Tel: (04) 4226 0051.
Price: $$-$$$
Le Passage
Trendy restaurant in a complex celebrating all things Mediterranean. Chilled décor and simple, tasty food, served by friendly young staff. A great meeting place.
10 rue Villars
Tel: (04) 4237 0900.
Website: www.le-passage.fr
Price: $$
Le Yoji
Japanese restaurants are growing in popularity in France, and Le Yoji does better than most, with regulars praising its refined décor, authentic atmosphere and excellent food (Japanese and Korean).
7 avenue Victor Hugo
Tel: (04) 4238 4876.
Website: www.yojisu.com
Price: $$-$$$
Restaurant Pierre Reboul
Acclaimed chef Pierre Reboul created a bit of a stir when he opened his eponymous restaurant in the old town. Molecular cuisine and a funky design have brought a sense of fun to Aix's dining scene, as well as another Michelin star.
11 petite rue Saint Jean
Tel: (04) 4220 5826.
Website: www.restaurant-pierre-reboul.com
Price: $$$$
Nightlife
Bars: There are (surprisingly for this city in the south of France) plenty of pubs to choose from: take your pick from the Red Clover, 30 rue de la Verrerie, O'Neil, rue d'Italie, Queen's Head, 11 rue St-Jean, O'Sullivan's, place des Augustins or The Old Bulldogge, 32 rue Emeric David. For something a bit more French, try Le Bistrot Aixois, 37 cours Sextius, or the IPN, 23 cours Sextius, both perennial favorites with students. Or for something a bit more upmarket, Les Deux Garçons on the Cours Mirabeau is a good place to while away an evening.
Clubs: The high student population means that there is no shortage of clubs in Aix-en-Provence. The choice is vast: from the well-established Le Mistral, 3 rue Frédéric Mistral (near the Cours Mirabeau) (http://mistralclub.fr), a monument to loud music with a notoriously fickle entry policy, and the place to see and be seen; to venues like Les Templiers, route d'Avignon, in the Lignane district, a house music venue featuring top-notch DJs, or Le Divino, 4039 route de Sisteron (www.divino.fr), a smaller funky club. There are special student nights in many venues, so check local guides for the latest information.
Live Music: The Hot Brass Jazz Club, chemin d'Eguilles, near Celony (www.hotbrassaix.com), is a good place for jazz, while those more into rock should head for Le Bistrot Aixois, 37 cours Sextius.
