WineTime France News

Dijon is NOT just known for mustard. So please don’t bring that up in conversation when talking to the locals. No, Dijon is the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy and also French food science capital…

Burgundy as a region is known for its meat dishes, beef in particular. So vegetarians abstain from reading further unless you are “strong of heart”.

Burgundy is famous for its “Charolais” beef. The white cow with muddy feet, that is synonymous with Burgundy’s countryside and famous Boeuf Bourguignon – beef stew in red wine sauce.

Burgundy is also famous for its SNAILS. Yes, les Escargots de Bougogne are a “must have” appetizer, especially when cooked in garlic, butter and parsley…!

Dijon is proud to welcome a new restaurant dedicated to and run by the Bernard Loiseau enterprise.  Ten years after the death of the “starred” Bouguignon chef, Dijon welcomes the opening of the new restaurant “Loiseau des Ducs”. 2013 is particularly rich for Dijon with  the city being confirmed as one of the 4 International Gastronomic Cities, as well as Lyon, Paris-Rungis and Tours.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank a number of local food guides for their help in producing this section: Arts & Gastronomie summer 2013 edition, Authentica Tours Guide, Le Bien Public, Happycurien,21 Mag & the tourism offices of Dijon & Beaune…to name just a few.

1. Traditional Restaurants

Restaurant de la Porte Guillaume – rue de la Liberté

Very traditional restaurant in the heart of Dijon, under the Hotel du Nord, next to the Arch on the Rue de la Liberté.

My opinion: If you want a typical, good quality traditional restaurant, with a retro-style where all the locals go!! Then this is it. All the typical regional dishes: Boeuf Bourguignon, Parsley Ham, Eggs Meurette, Filet of Pikeperch, Coq au Vin etc…Great wine list too.

Open 7/7!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

+33(0)3.80.50.80.50

La Fine Heure – rue Berbisey

My opinion: Regional & French cuisine. Very good-value lunch menu. Also has a very reasonable wine menu. Ideallyy situated in the Rue Berbisey – trendy bar/restaurant “ethnic” quarter of Dijon.

Closed Sundays

0033(0)3.80.58.83.47

Gril’Laure (next to Saint Benigne church)

My opinion: If you are a big meat fan, then this restaurant is for you. Apart from the typical regional dishes, check out the beef fillet with Epoisses cheese!

Open 7/7

0033(0)3.80.41.86.76

L’Epicerie (Place Emile Zola)

My opinion: this is one of my favourites, in the heart of restaurant land, on the Emile Zola square, at the end of Rue Monge. This is “grandma’s cuisine” in a pantry style atmosphere. Don’t be put off if there is a queue outside. The staff are excellent and you won’t have to wait long. Try the duck or lamb dishes. The wine menu is also very reasonable.

Closed Mondays

0033(0)3.80.30.70.69

Gastronomic restaurants.

William Frachot – Chapeau Rouge – 2 Michelin stars

My opinion. If you want to dine at the best restaurant in Dijon, this is probably your it. In a city known for its culinary conservatism, William Frachot stands out. His restaurant is audacious, working on his favourite ingredient, being “Fish” as opposed to the regional “meats”! There is an asian influence in his cuisine and I would suggest you try his “Thon Yellow Fine” tuna dish…unbelievable…

Best to book a table, so as not to disappointed.

Closed Sundays and Mondays

0033(0)3.80.50.88.88

Le Pré aux Clercs – Alexis Billoux – 13 Place de la Libération

My opinion: A young and gifted chef, with a restaurant situated just opposite the Philippe the Great tower and the Palais des Ducs. If your visiting in the summer months, try the Lobster Salad with peaches whilst  sitting on the terrace with a glass of Burgundy white! Divine…

0033(0)3.80.38.05.05

Restaurant Stéphane Derbord – 10 Place Wilson – 1 star

My opinion: Having learnt the trade at Guy Savoy and Fouquets, Stéphane took up the challenge to make this 17th century establishment his own, and convince the long term business and local clients to remain faithful. 1 Michelin star and many accolades later, this restaurnat “of a 1000 different wines” has become a Must in Dijon. I suggest the Carré d’Agneau (lamb) du Bourbonnais with piperade cannelloni.

0033 (0)3.80.67.74.64

Grand Hotel La Cloche – Aurélien Mauny

Probably the most famous and most elegant hotel in Dijon. The restaurant holds its own too, thanks to Aurélien mauny. try the brunch menu or one of his fantastic desserts: Soupe de Fruits Rouges au Combava.

0033(0)3.80.30.12.32

Chic & trendy…

BIM – 18 avenue Garibaldi

My opinion: Great ambiance/cool design and perfect for the sunny days. Check out their home-made burgers…well worth the calorie charge. DJ’s on Wednesday nights – guaranteed rhythm. They also have an intimate, cosy inside dining area, for 1 to 1 meals.

0033(0)3.71.19.21.18

Restaurant Mucha – 20 rue Quentin

My opinion: Modern/baroque style with parma ham burger, asparagus risotto and plenty of fresh fish dishes (straight from the market). Lunch menu starts at 13€!!

0033(0)3.80.30.68.69