There are many good local restaurants – in our village, in next-door villages, by the side of the Dordogne, on hilltops overlooking the countryside and even a Sunday lunch with dancing “Guinguette” on the quay at Castillon La Bataille (see here)
We are regulars at the super Spanish style Restaurant de la Gare, a 10/15 min walk from our Mill to the Vélines railway station. Tel : +33 (0) 5 53 57 48 62.
Our local restaurant on the main road (93 route du Périgord Pourpre) – The Mont Plat has recently reopened for lunch, simple and well liked in the village. Tel +33 (0) 5 53 63 11 69.
In the summer there is a good bistrot on the riverside just a short hop across the Dordogne at Pessac-sur-Dordogne. The Palma Nova at 2 Rue du Maréchal Ferrand, 33890 Pessac-sur-Dordogne. Telephone : 06 22 17 61 54. You'll need to book in advance.
Also on the lovely quayside of Pessac-sur-Dordogne, enjoy Le Pessaquai. The interior is elegant & refined and so is the cuisine (French with influences from around the world). Reserve on 05 57 47 41 04.
If like me you are a fan of cream teas, there is a Franco/New Zealand run Château outside the nearby pretty village of Gensac that does excellent ones. The scones & cakes are sensational. Contact: The Glass House at Château Carbonneau, Telephone : 05 57 47 46 46.
In the beautiful Unesco world heritage village of Saint Emilion, there are a lot of places to have lunch - the following are my favorites (you'll need to book):
L'Envers du Décor: https://www.envers-dudecor.com (good value for money, where local winegrowers go with their customers, has a terrace at the back)
Logis de la Cadène: https://www.logisdelacadene.fr (treat yourself, it's excellent and justifiably expensive!)
La Terrasse Rouge: https://www.laterrasserouge.com (the latter is in the vineyards near Pomerol. Request a table on the terrace).
Cross the river at Pessac and take a half hour lovely drive down by the riverside towards Branne. Very beautiful when the sun is beginning to set and everything starts glowing pink. One of our favorite restaurants can be found in the little market square: Le Caffe Cuisine, 9 Place du Marché, 33420 Branne. Telephone : 05 57 24 19 67. Book a table on the terrace in summer but we also adore the inside in winter, close to their huge fireplace. Eclectic décor and top cuisine.
Surrounding St Emilion are its satellites. Rolling countryside and pretty drives take you to the small village of Montaigne St Emilion, where you’ll find Le Clos Mirande restaurant. We particularly like coming here for lunch. Reservation by telephone : 05 57 74 50 16.
Head uphill for 10mins to a super meal at Bucket’s Auberge Inn. In the summer eat outside by the vines. http://www.buckets.fr. Le Bourg, 24230 Montazeau. Tél. : 09 83 43 14 41. Tél. port. : 06 72 71 37 09
For one of the most spectacular views in the area and a very nice meal try Château de Sanse, 1 Lieu Dit Sanse, 33350 Sainte Radegonde, Tel: 0033 (0)5 57 56 41 10. And book a table on the terrace.
For an astonishingly gargantuan experience, try this family run restaurant, Famille Moutier, Lieu Dit Cappe, Thénac, 24240, Tel : 05 53 57 92 41. Must book in advance. And take a big appetite!
In my blog, little by little, I will be adding suggested day trips around the area including additional restaurant details. There are also lots of recommendations in the Information File at the Mill.