Eating out
We have put together a list of some of our own favourite resturants. Most speak English, so don’t be nervous about booking a table, and if you try to speak a little French you’ll find that even the smallest effort is much appreciated, even if it’s just a ‘bonjour’! Lunch is normally served between 12 and 2pm (but expect raised eyebrows if you arrive after 1pm!). Dinner from 7.30pm to around 9.30pm. (It’s advisable not to arrive later than 8.30pm and worth booking in advance especially if you are in a large party). Please also note that a number of restaurants are seasonal and close during the winter, and some close on Tuesdays or Wednesdays – to avoid disappointment, please check in advance.
Château des Vigiers, Le Vigiers, 24240 Monestier, very close to Bonte. Tel: 0553 61 50 39 Known for its great golf course and spa, there are three restaurants at this stunning Château, just down the road from us.
Restaurant La Grange. Just a few miles down the road towards Duras and turn left, in the centre of Saint-Sernin. This new restaurant is getting excellent reviews. Their stakes are highly rated. +33 5 53 94 84 63
Hostellerie des Ducs, Boulevard Jean Brisseau, 47120 Duras Tel: 05 53 83 74 58 Attached to the family-run hotel, the menu changes regularly to reflect the season. A reasonably-priced fixed lunch from €15, or splash out on the more expensive multi-course menus for something really special, featuring foie gras, lobster and beautiful presentation! Booking essential. Close to Bonte in Duras
La Terrasse, Place du Chateau, 47120 Duras, close to Bonte Tel: 05 53 84 29 62 In the centre of Duras, in the square opposite the château, La Terrasse serves an imaginative menu of delicious fresh foods, often with an oriental twist. Often busy owing to its central location and growing reputation, booking is advised.
Le Don Camillo, 47120 Duras Tel: 05 53 83 76 00 A well-regarded Italian-style restaurant serving pizza and pasta as well as some French cuisine, in the centre of Duras by the covered market area.
L’Escapade, La Grace, 33220 Porte Sainte Foy et Ponchapt Tel: 05 53 24 22 79 A popular spot , this is a family-run restaurant and hotel. Very peacefully situated in a countryside setting.
Côté Bastide, 4 rue Abbatoir, 33220 Ste Foy La Grande Tel: 05 57 46 14 02 With a beautiful covered terrace (for which reservations need to be made well in advance) and a sommelier providing recommendations on perfect wine matching this well-regarded restaurant serving modern cuisine is highly recommended.
Le 8, 8 rue Marceau, 33220 Ste Foy La Grande Tel: 05 5741 31 49 Serving traditional French food and Grand Mayne wines, booking recommended.
La Cour D’Eymet, 32 Boulevard National, Route de Bergerac, 24500 Eymet (Tel 05 53 22 72 83) Great restaurant – the chef is purportedly after a ‘Michelin star’! Expensive by French standards – but excellent for a special occasion, they also have a reasonably-priced lunch menu.
Le Chai Brasserie is set in the old wine making building and offers a more informal and relaxed dining experience, also serving lighter meals and snacks. Open daily for lunch and evening meals (lunch: 12pm – 2pm, snacks: 2pm – 4:30pm, evening: 7pm – 9pm).
Les Pieds sur Terre, 41 boulevard National, 24500 Eymet (Tél : 05 53 27 53 49) Ania and Stéphane have converted a former farming cooperative building into a modern wine bar with touches of wood and soft taupe décor and a terrace at the front. The menu offers a varied selection of international bistro dishes, from grilled meats to mussels and more. Try the steak and chips; simple, yet delicious.
Pizzeria des Arcades, Place Gambetta (the square with the fountain), 24500 Eymet Italian restaurant in the centre of Eymet run by the flambouyant moustachioed Daniel, great pizza, pasta and delicious traditional Italian dishes. Fantastic desserts, particularly the ‘Coupe Aramis’, prune ice cream with Armagnac, caramel sauce and lashings of whipped cream! No reservations taken, so try to arrive well before 8pm to avoid a queue.
Le Camelia, 47120 Auriac sur Dropt (Route de Duras) (Tel 05 53 20 24 62) A young French couple offer excellent food at really good value for money, expect a mix of local workers and retirees at lunch, relaxed in the evenings.
XIII Clochers, 47120 Monteton (Tel: 05 53 94 32 75) A hilltop restaurant in the beautiful village of Monteton, fantastic views including the 13th Century church, one of the thirteen church towers that can be seen from the terrace (the restaurant’s name means ‘Thirteen Steeples’). Traditional French food, good lunch menu, ask for a ‘Leffe Serieuse’ if you’re a beer drinker, and ask someone else to drive!
Moutier Duck Restaurant, Monestier Lieu-dit Cappe - 24240 Thénac Tél : 05 53 58 47 39 Not for the vegetarians, but great for an evening meal of seven courses (the savoury ones all containing duck) paired with the perfect wines, and a huge cheese board. You won’t leave hungry (or completely sober!)
La Table du Marché Couvert, 21 Place du Marché couvert, 24100 Bergerac (Tél. 05 53 22 49 4) Featured in the 2015 Michelin Guide, serving imaginative and elegant dishes in a modern, light and airy environment. Cooking lessons are available too.
Latour Marliac, Le Bourg, 47110 Le Temple-sur-Lot (Tél. +33 (0)5 53 01 08 05) Dine among water lilies, relax on terraces in the middle of the award-winning white-lily collection. Café Marliacea also opens its doors every Saturday and Sunday night in July and August with a night tour and concert, with Sunday evening reserved for restaurant guests only.
La Petite Auberge, 24550 Villefranche du Périgord (Tel : 05.53.29.91.01) Quite a trek (but worth it!), in the heart of the Perigord, with various dining areas available, choose from : -indoors, in the cosy and welcoming dining room, - outside on the veranda overlooking the gardens, allowing you to enjoy the local cuisine while you appreciate the countryside view - outside on the shaded terrace surrounded by the pastoral décor Whether in a group, with family or as a couple, you will enjoy the authentic and convivial surroundings, with a smiling welcome from discreet staff.