Hi Agatha

We spent 3 nights in Aix in June, and went to these restaurants:

- L'Amphitryon, 2 rue Paul-Doumer http://www.restaurant-amphitryon.fr/

- Les Bacchanales, 10 rue de la Couronne

I can't find a website for the resto, but this is a video of it -

previsite.com/virtual-tour/Bouches-du-Rhone-…

- Le Petit Verdot, 7 rue d'Entrecasteaux

http://www.lepetitverdot.fr/

They are all in the old town, and we thoroughly enjoyed them all, with L'Amphitryon having the edge for us - it has a lovely covered garden dining area, and would be perfect for a birthday celebration. You will need to book.

Those are my recommendations, I'm sure other TA members will have more advice to give you. Aix is a lovely old town.

PS - how is winter in Melbourne? We've been there twice (in April both times)and love it!

Thank you Talisker. L'Amphytron gets a great tick in the Rough Guide too and I had Le Petit Verdot down as a possibility for dining just with my partner.

You are not going to get haute cuisine for 30E per head.Other restaurants it is not necessary to book in advance if you eat early. Some don't accept bookings.

We were in Aix for a week in June this year.Ate around for 4 nights and then decided Chezjo was best (see my report on TA) Just 100m up from Bar Cezanne off Cours Mirabeau Rotonde end. Nice people. It must be good because the locals eat there. Ate at some crap joints but I won't bore you with them. You will get a table at Chezjo with a minimum wait except on Fridays and Saturdays (closed Sundays) when you need to arrive b4 7.30pm.

I know this sounds like a promo but I assure you I have no connection with chezjo.Just loved the place. Aircon would have been nice in June but September shouldn't be a problem.Buy wine by the jug (pichon) not by the bottle.Food is great value for money. We paid twice the price in a provencale restaurant the hotelier recommended.Only 3 tables occupied and a bouillabaisse that was a pale imitation of one we had in Nice a year earlier. Chezjo do serve traditional local dishes as well as international food. But, sad to say, most people order pasta or pizza.

Sounds like a good adventure. Have fun.

Thanks Wirral. Fantastic post in the TA restaurant section. Just the detail that people like me find helpful.

I'm also looking forward to being able to pick up some wonderful produce at the markets - we will have a few nights of eating in with each couple taking a turn to cook for the group.

Hiya aggie. Sounds like you are all going to have a whale of a time. Glad you liked my review of chezjo. Can't believe the value for money in eating out in Aix. Drinks not so. Pastis (an acquired taste) was good value for early evening and beer acceptably priced but botlled wine. Wow! Maybe that's why the locals drink draught wine.

Enjoy your holidays.

Hi Agatha,

Although Aix isn't well known for it's restaurant scene, there are a few gems hidden in this city. Two of my favorites:

CHEZ CHARLOTTE

32, Rue des Bernardines

04.42.26.77.56

Traditional French food a unique feel at this place as you actually feel like you've walked into somebody's home (presumably Charlotte's home). You can see right into the kitchen and hear the hustle and bustle and goings on.

The menu is traditional French with a wide variety of options. The Coq au vin is absolutely to die for. Two courses (entree + main course or main course + dessert) can be purchased for 14 Euros and all three for 17 Euros. Decent selection of wines as well. For two people splitting an entree and dessert and getting separate main courses (total 28 Euros) is the perfect option then you can splurge on a decent bottle of wine.

If the weather permits, ask for a table out in their garden. And don't mind the rude waiters...consider it part of the charm!

PASTA COSY RESTAURANT

5, Rue d'Entrecasteaux

04.42.38.02.28

Although not your traditional French cuisine, this restaurant will definitely leave you smiling. The manager, Fabien is an absolute charm and he provides the entertainment to your evening. It’s not uncommon for him to pull up a chair next to your table and tell you stories for half an hour. And his English is perfect so it’s an added bonus. His wife, Cecile manages the kitchen, coming up with amazing pasta themed creations that you will never think of creating yourself. All types of tastes and flavors. Something to please everyone. I highly recommend the pasta-wrapped pear dish as well as the traditional “Pasta Cosy” dish if you like parmesans cheese. The tapas appetizers are a wonderful mix of flavors as well and would suggest getting all 9 (small portions) if you are feeling adventurous.

The décor is another reason to go here. A small area makes you feel, well…”cozy.” The light fixtures are pasta strainers and graters turned upside down. Don’t forget to check out the bathroom!

Prices range from 12-20 Euros per dish. Desserts are around 5 Euros each. A good wine selection ranges from 15-45 Euros per bottle. For Friday and Saturday evenings make sure to call ahead as space is always booked up early.

I'd be happy to provide some more suggestions, but these two are definitely my top two favorites.

- Brian