Indulge in Divine Cuisine at These 3 Historic Burgundy Restaurants

Whether you’re visiting Burgundy for work or play, eating out over a few glasses of the region’s famous ruby-hued wine is a must. As you might expect, the area has some superb dining spots – fine cuisine goes hand in hand with fine wine, after all. Here are three of the best restaurants for indulging in dishes and flavours as legendary as the region’s famous tipple.

La Maison des Cariatides

The building housing the Michelin-starred La Maison des Cariatides restaurant is framed by 17^th-century exposed stone walls and pale wood accents, and yet the locale still exudes the contemporary cool of a loft apartment thanks to a few modern touches. And then there’s the jaw-droppingly delicious cuisine; a veritable tour-de-force of exquisite local produce fresher than fresh. The visuals are taken care of, too – the intricate dishes are bursting with colour, offering a real treat for the eyes as well as the palate.

Stop by for lunch or dinner and pick from dishes like classic escargots in a garlic cream sauce or succulent Charolais beef. The delectable chocolate torte isn’t to be missed if you’re feeling indulgent, either. Choose from the great selection of affordable wines to round off your meal.

Le Jardin des Remparts

‘The truth on the plate’ is the philosophy of Le Jardin des Remparts head chef Christophe Bocquillon. This singular approach have translated into a truly divine dining experience, which in turn have earned the eatery a well-deserved Michelin star and the admiration of many a food loving visitors. Moreover, Bocquillon’s quest for culinary candour have led him to focus on highly seasonal dishes and thus the menu at Le Jardin is ever changing. You might find fresh oysters with watercress velouté one week and full-flavoured Iberian Pork with juicy corn the next.

The restaurant is two minutes from the Place Carnot in Beaune and located in a striking 1930s villa. Dine outside under shady canopies to take in the elegant Art Deco architecture. It’s the perfect place to network with colleagues in relaxed surroundings, or to simply soak in the atmosphere of Beaune on a fine day.

Le 1131

Set in the cloisters of a 12^th-century abbey, this Michelin-starred offering exudes a particular sense of grandeur. Ornately carved stone and wood adorn the walls, while a high-vaulted ceiling in the central dining room gives the space a wonderfully airy feeling. There’s definitely more than a hint of romance to this spot, even without the softly flickering candles and floral touches.

The ever-evolving menu at Le 1131 features seasonal local produce of the highest quality. Explore dishes like the classic French speciality of frog’s legs in a punchy wild garlic sauce, or try tender roasted rack of lamb with a rosemary jus. In a playful and inventive twist, each section of the menu is inspired by the local landscape. There’s earth, water, and meadow sections, with vegetables, seafood and meat dishes in their respective environments.

You can also treat yourself to the chef’s signature menu, certainly worth trying if you’re looking for a truly memorable dining experience. It includes a tantalising cheese trolley for desert – and if anyone knows how to do cheese properly, it’s the French.