( in Futeau, France)

L’Oree Du Bois is a delightful small hotel and restaurant hidden among the hilly orchards of Futeau,... not that far from the world-famous Champagne country of north east France. Birdsong, sweet-scented flowers, trees everywhere, panoramic valley view, space, silence – this really is a stunning natural setting. ‘Maître cuisinier de France’ Paul Agesse causes a complementary stir in the plush, formally-set country-style dining room where he serves a gourmet menu of dishes from his native Brittany and the historic Meuse area of the Lorraine region. From farm-raised game to shellfish and truffles, every dish at L’Oree Du Bois is perfectly prepared and presented. Agesse’s wife, Roselyne, does an admirable job of choosing the wine; a happy marriage indeed. L’Oree Du Bois is, generally speaking, a special occasion restaurant, and somewhere scenic and relaxed for a refined traditional Sunday lunch in the countryside. Upon arrival, please inform the restaurant that your booking was made via toptable. Opening hours: Mon - Tue 7:15pm - 9pm Wed - Sat 12pm - 1:30pm & 7:15 - 9pm Sun 12pm - 1:30pm L’Oree Du Bois is a three-star hotel... [moreless]

(5 Digue Gaston Berthe in Calais, France)

A l’Entre 2 Mers restaurant right on Calais’ seafront is a relaxed, friendly fish and seafood eateri...e where you can enjoy the best of the briny beasts while enjoying a great view of the beach and the sea. The décor features nautical blue in a traditional setting with a lively bar where you’ll like to linger. The many menus range from excellent-value prix fixe to more adventurous gastronomic displays. There are not only dishes like classic mussels in white wine and fillet of seabass in seafood sauce, but also superb steaks like fillet of beef grilled or panfried in special sauce. Wines roam the French regions but you’ll be glad to be right here. Upon arrival, please inform the restaurant that your booking was made via toptable. Opening hours: Wed - Mon 12pm - 3pm & 6:30pm - 9:30pm Tue: closed Easy parking... [moreless]

(44, boulevard des Brotteaux in Rhône, France)

We moved to our new address on 14 December 2004. Dining room designed by Pierre Chaduc. Contemporary... with glazed wine cellar. Magnificent Hisle chandeliers. Delicious contemporary cuisine. [moreless]

(Esplanade Maurice Justin in La Grande Motte, France)

This seaside restaurant, with sweeping views of the harbour and ocean, is a perfect spot to tuck int...o some fresh, local seafood and a bottle of crisp white wine. Alexandre is located on the Esplanade Maurice Justin in La Grande Motte, France, and has floor to ceiling windows as well as an outside patio to enjoy the panorama. Dany and Michel Alexandre run a young and innovative kitchen, and favourite dishes include the tapenade of fresh cod with olive oil mashed potatoes; the squid risotto with garlic; and the salmon cooked with crystallised lemon, chorizo and served with creamed garden peas. The restaurant is ideal for lunches and elegant evening meals, and has a 350+ wine list. Upon arrival, please inform the restaurant that your booking was made via toptable. Opening hours: Mon - Sun 12pm - 1:30pm Tue - Sat 7:30pm - 9:30pm Alexandre has a lovely outdoor terrace with views of the harbour... [moreless]

(39 Avenue de l'Opéra in Paris, France)

Michelin-starred Gilles Choukroun is one of the enfants not-so-terrible of a new esthetique of Frenc...h cooking that has advocates swooning in delight. It employs the classic methods, exotic flavour combinations and playful eating methods to superb effect. His restaurant, Angl'Opéra, is set in the beautifully refurbished Edouard VII hotel, and is smart, slick and welcoming, with a curving dining room and waitstaff kitted out in jogging chic. The fusion menu, written in Dadaist style, includes dishes like starter of hot boullion, ginger, soft-boiled egg and foie gras, main course of salmon with lemon risotto with a shot glass of hot coconut milk. Great wines. Upon arrival, please inform the restaurant that your booking was made via toptable. Opening hours: Mon - Fri 12pm - 2:30pm & 7:30pm - 11pm Sat - Sun:closed all day [moreless]

(32 Rue de Berri in Paris, France)

Annapurna restaurant in Paris’ chic 8th arrondissement just around the corner from landmarks like th...e Georges V is the oldest Indian restaurant in the capital. It’s a long-time favourite of lovers, lovers of Indian food and various celebrities. The service is charming while the décor is luxurious and refined, like a true maharajah’s palace, with vibrant sub-continental colours and gorgeous tapestries. In the tiny Indian salon you dine at low tables enjoying the sitar player who is there every evening – the French find it ‘depaysant’, transporting them to another country. The menu is authentic and very familiar to British diners – samosas, curries, tandoories, nans – though here they are spiced with a delicate hand. The biryanis seem to be a favourite, but you could probably choose with your eyes closed and have a marvelous meal. Well-matched wines make Annapurna a very special Parisian institution. Upon arrival, please inform the restaurant that your booking was made via toptable. Opening hours: Mon - Fri 12pm - 2pm & 7:15pm - 11:15pm Sat 7:15pm - 11:15pm Sun:closed [moreless]

(14 Rue des Fosses Saint Bernard in Paris, France)

l'AOC is named for those important little letters you find on your bottle of wine, not the grands vi...ns, but the darned drinkable ones of more quotidian price. This small, welcoming restaurant is like a proper country eaterie, but in the heart of lively Blvd St Germain. There are tiles on the floor, charming prints and cookware adorn the walls, yet white tablecloths and smart service. You generally choose your plate of mixed starters, charcuterie and the like, from the buffet laid out on the polished antique chest-of-drawers. Then move on to one of the wonderful grilled dishes that are the speciality of the house. As you might suspect, the wine list is well worth exploration. Upon arrival, please inform the restaurant that your booking was made via toptable. Opening hours: Tue - Sat 12pm - 2pm & 7:30pm - 11pm Sun - Mon: closed all day [moreless]

(, 5 Rue Saint Joseph in Lille, France)

Au Bout des Doigts(At your fingertips)in the heart of Old Lille is all about surprise. The dining r...oom is set in an old piano warehouse where the space gives play to the asymmetrical furniture and the invigorating colours. The menu concept all challenge your assumptions. Here’s the nub: Au Bout des Doigts serves every complete meal without knives, forks or spoons. You choose plates of meat, fish or a combination, veg, dessert and chef Fabrice Vermuse creates combinations of flavours to delight the palate, combinations of familiar flavours and more unusual ingredients. Eight to twelve bites make a meal and the whole table can share in the feast. This is a concept that works terrifically well with groups of friends, but also very well with working lunches or dinners as there’s no service interruption every five minutes. Eat, brainstorm, enjoy. And yes, there are fountains where you wash your hands. Groups of any size up to the hire of the entire restaurant, accommodating 180, are most welcome. Every first Wednesday there are musical evenings where you can discover local artistes. Upon arrival, please inform the restaurant that your booking was made via toptable. Please note that on Saturdays there are two sittings at 7:30pm and 10pm Opening hours: Mon 7:30pm - 10:30pm Tue - Fri 12pm - 2pm & 7:30pm - 10:30pm Sat 7:30pm – 11pm Sun: closed all day [moreless]

(22 Rue de la Barre in Lille, France)

Au Gout du Jour restaurant in the heart of Lille is exactly what it says – the best, freshest flavou...rs of the market transformed by chef Caroline Dubuisson into seasonal dishes with more than a touch of innovation. The menu is organized into ‘Instincts’ and ‘Creations, and it is a point of honour at Au Gout du Jour that absolutely everything is made right here, from veg to sauces to desserts. The restaurant itself is terrifically warm and attractive, with bistro seating, colourful place settings, wrought iron chandeliers and charming décor that all add up to a relaxed setting for Dubuisson’s high-calibre cuisine. Dishes may include smoked duck breast and kiwi with honey vinaigrette, scallops flambéed with Calvados, and coffee-speculoos crème brulee, though top marks might just go to the restaurant’s own carbonade. Reasonable, interesting wines, well-priced menus and friendly service. Upon arrival, please inform the restaurant that your booking was made via toptable. Please note that this restaurant only take bookings up to 10 people. Opening hours: Tue - Sat 7:30pm - 10:30pm Sun - Mon : closed all day Au Gout du Jour is a favourite of the local Club des Bons Vivants... [moreless]

(15, rue Principale in Bas-Rhin, France)

The Lion d'Or offers 3 dining rooms: The large 'Vallée' dining room with seating for 150. The 'Villa...ge' room with seating for 30. The 'S'Löewestuewel' room with seating for 20. [moreless]