Les deux garcons is pretty touristy but I wouldn't avoid it for that reason. I doubt you need a reservation there but I would get there by 7pm.

Where did you end up eating Huss? I am staying for one week in Aix in September. There will be 8 of us and the day we arrive is the birthday of one in the group so we would like to eat somewhere nice but not over the top.

Le Riad was recommended to us but I have read a number of reviews on French websites and it would appear to not be as good as it once was.

I would like to book somewhere so I know that we are assured of a table.

I hope it is okay to jump onto this topic. I am new at posting here.

Hi

We just got back from Aix. I would recommend Chez Maxime. They have a slightly overzealous maitre d' - but the rest of the staff were great and the Provencale food is exceptional.

Unlike the over prepared and artistic offerings of the other restaurants in Aix, the 'beef stew' which is marinated in red wine, bay leaf, star aniseed, etc is just wonderful.

They also have a superb local wine list - try the local wines, they were brilliant.

Enjoy your trip.

S

I would poke around Forum des Cardeurs, right around Place de l'Hotel de Ville. It's this almost hidden "street" filled with cafés. Chez Laurette has excellent lasagna - not exactly French, but delicious! If you are looking for an authentic Provençal lunch, visit Le Carillon on Rue Portalis, near Place des Prêcheurs. It fills up quickly with lawyers from the Palais de Justice - get there early.

Sometimes the best "French" food isn't strictly French. For tantalizing ethnic food, wander around Place Ramus. It has Chinese food, Vietnamese food, Indian food, Thai food....everything - all priced extremely well. You will also find my favorite Chinese-Vietnamese restaurant: Anh Dao.

Thank you France-maniac and My Favourite Things. Less than a fortnight to go now!

Hello,

I agree with the post about Les Deux Garcons. It is probably the most touristic cafe in Aix and one of the most overpriced. Unless you are ready to break your budget, I would suggest somewhere else. I would make it a point to grab a cafe one morning at the 2G, just for the experience though.

I have posted in another thread about Chez Charlotte being one of my favorite restaurants in Aix. Since moving here, I have taken numerous friends, relatives, and visitors there for the food, atmosphere, and charm and each time have been absolutely pleased with the experience. I have made reservations in advance by phone and am sure they would accommodate that.

Although Chez Maxime is a bit pricier than the other choices that you listed, I find the food excellent and the nice little square that it is located in is very charming.

I would also suggest ZINC HUGO which has traditional French food and a rather daunting, yet complete, wine menu.

- Brian

My favorite restaurant in Aix-en-Provence:

Le COMTÉ d'AIX

7, Rue De la Couronne

Tel : 04 42 26 79 26

This is small intimate restaurant, reservations are strongly advised.

Thank you Brian and Sarastro. I don't really want to eat anywhere on Mirabeau even though it is iconic, I understand better value is to be had away from that strip. My group don't want to walk too far though so I've been having a great time on city.vox looking at location!