Restaurants in Avignon: our 12 favorite addresses in 2026

Avignon is a city where you can eat very well and very badly 50 meters apart. Sorting it out takes know-how. After five years living here, here are the 12 addresses where we take our guests without hesitation.

Sorted by budget and moment.

The bistronomy spots we recommend with eyes closed

1. La Fourchette — the impeccable classic

44 rue Racine · €25–45 · Reservation essential

Premium bistro cooking in a 1930s dining-room setting. The veal kidney with morel mushrooms is legendary. Exceptional value for cuisine of this quality. Book 1–2 weeks ahead in high season.

2. La Vache à Carreaux — the neighborhood spot

14 rue de la Petite Calade · €22–35 · Cash + Card

Small dining room, daily slate, sublime meat (Aubrac, Salers). You come for the côte de bœuf or the knife-cut tartare. No-frills atmosphere, local crowd.

3. L’Épicerie — the perfect lunch

10 place Saint-Pierre · €18–30 (lunch) · Reservation recommended

Old dining room facing the Saint-Pierre church, market-driven slate, €22 lunch menu that changes daily. Ideal after a Palais des Papes visit.

4. Hiély-Lucullus — the historic neo-bistro

5 rue de la République · €30–50 · Reservation essential

Opened in 1939, recently taken over by a young chef. Cheeky revisited bistro cuisine, impeccable service. The hare à la royale in season is an event.

The Michelin stars

5. La Mirande — 1 star

4 place de l’Amirande · €95–180 · Book 2–3 weeks ahead

At the foot of the Palais des Papes, inside a 14th-century mansion. Very high-flying cuisine, ballet-like service. The €65 lunch menu is the best way to try it without raiding the savings. Cooking classes also available (reserve ahead).

6. Christian Étienne — 1 star

10 rue de Mons · €75–160 · Reservation recommended

Technically perfect Provençal cuisine. Summer terrace with a direct view of the Palais des Papes. The “all truffle” menu in winter is worth the trip. The “Vincent” lunch menu at €49 is an excellent entry point.

Neighborhood favorites

7. Sevin — the auteur table

45 rue de la Bonneterie · €38–70 · Reservation essential

The chef, formerly second to Anne-Sophie Pic, cooks instinctively — vegetal, fermented. Short menu that changes every two weeks. The emerging local scene at its best.

8. Pollen — the vegetable kitchen

3-5 rue Petite Calade · €30–50

The restaurant for vegetarians (and anyone who wants to eat vegetables for real). Inventive plates, stunning presentation. Blind menu at €55 is well worth it. Natural wine.

9. Numéro 75 — the hidden terrace

75 rue Guillaume Puy · €30–45

An interior courtyard on a street you wouldn’t suspect. Southern cuisine, market-driven, slate, “friends at a friend’s place” vibe. Perfect for a romantic summer dinner.

For the market lunch

10. La Cuisine du Dimanche — at Marie’s

31 rue de la Bonneterie · €18–28 · No reservations

Marie cooks whatever she found that morning at the Halles. One starter, two mains, one dessert. The concept is what it is and it works. Tiny 16-seat room.

11. Restaurant des Halles — the indoor bistro

Rue Mongolfier (inside the Halles) · €15–25 · No reservations

Right inside the market, counter + 6 tables. Ultra-short menu, the fish of the day sells out in 30 minutes. €18 lunch menu, perfect for a quick lunch between sights.

For summer evenings on a terrace

12. La Sirinha — by the Sorgue

3 rue Joseph Vernet · €28–45

Terrace by the Sorgue canal (not the Rhône — the little Sorgue that runs through town). Fresh Mediterranean cooking, calm atmosphere. Ideal for a couple’s dinner or with friends. Book an outdoor table.

The traps to avoid (really)

• ❌ Place de l’Horloge: 9 terraces out of 10 are chains or pseudo-local, inflated prices, industrial quality. One exception: brasserie Au Bain Marie (west side, corner terrace).
• ❌ Place Pie at night: drinking, shouting, mystery food
• ❌ Any restaurant displaying a laminated multilingual menu on the sidewalk
• ❌ The so-called “southern cuisine” spots in touristy alleys near the Palais
• ❌ Chains (Hippopotamus, Le Bistrot du Boucher, etc.) — you’re in Avignon, not in suburbia

Local tips

The lunch menu

Most bistronomy spots run a €18–25 lunch menu that’s unbeatable. Same chef, same products, no evening amuse-bouches. It’s our weekly strategy.

Word of mouth

In the morning at the Halles market, ask the vendors “where are you eating for lunch?” — they’ve got the best addresses in their back pocket.

The Avignon Festival

During the festival (July 5–26), all restaurants extend their hours until midnight. It’s also when they’re most overwhelmed — book in May!

Vegetarian

Avignon’s bistronomy spots often offer a vegetarian menu on request even when it’s not on the menu. Ask when booking.

Our typical week

For a week-long stay, here’s how we’d split it:

• Monday (Halles market closed): La Fourchette
• Tuesday lunch: L’Épicerie · evening: La Vache à Carreaux
• Wednesday lunch: Restaurant des Halles · evening: Pollen
• Thursday evening: Christian Étienne (Vincent menu)
• Friday lunch: La Cuisine du Dimanche · evening: Sevin
• Saturday lunch: Numéro 75 · evening: La Sirinha
• Sunday lunch: La Mirande (lunch menu)

Average budget: €35–50 per person per meal, excluding Michelin stars.

And for the evening you cook?

If you’re staying with us at Lavande Évasion or Lavande Dorée, the kitchen is properly equipped. Hit the Halles market in the morning (closed Monday), walk back (10 min), cook in peace. Our suggestion: buy a whole fish and roast it in the oven, alongside Provençal zucchini and Domaine de la Coquillade olive oil. Memorable.

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