Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Aix-en-Provence

La Chimère Café is a beautiful dining space that boasts an art-inclined interior decor. Its opulent chandeliers, cherubs and plush furnishing are inspired by Baroque, Art Deco and Belle Époque architecture. To match the regal aura are 70 inventive cocktails and drinks like Single Malt, Bourbon and Irish Whiskey. Revoke the prohibition era vibe with cigars and spirits while savoring their bar fare. On the seasonal menu are Petite Lobster Tail, Cod Croquettes, Octopus a la Gallega, and dessert Hot Cold Citrus Sabayon Seven at Chambord.

This family-run establishment is based a few kilometers away from Aix-en-Provence on the road to Puyricard, and has been in business for about 30 years. There is an enchanting range of chocolates, with constantly changing designs and colors. The reputation of this house is worldwide and this alone makes it a good reason to enjoy sampling their wares when in the town center. A simple must for chocoholics!

Standing on the Cours Mirabeau is a temple dedicated to crystallized fruits. Nobody can resist the window display, sparkling with sugary and sun-gorged fruits, pastries, chocolate confections and calissons (marzipan cakes) waiting to be tasted. The chorus of young, helpful waiting staff in black and white uniforms gives the place a traditional air, and contrasts with the colorful delights before your eyes. Well worth a visit!

A short walk from the Tourist Office and the Place de la Rotonde, this brasserie can be recognized by its splendid art déco style windows. It is an institution in Aix-en-Provence. It serves Provençal specialties, such as the Grand Aïoli (provençal garlic mayonnaise) as well as dishes from the Alsace region, including Seafood-Sauerkraut (big portions). The tempting dessert buffet is a perfect finishing touch to your meal.

La Bataclan is a chic restaurant and lounge housed in a historic oil mill, complete with Roman arches and a trendy atmosphere. The contemporary space is sleek and stylish, featuring a canopied outdoor terrace for casual-chic lunches and a happening lower level for clubbing and post-work drinks with tapas. The menu is influenced by Spanish culture and inspired by Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist. A prix-fixe menu is available every lunch; that combined with its central location makes this ideal for a business lunch. Post sunset things heat up with local DJs spinning the latest in techno, talented bartenders slinging cocktails with ease, and the cities young and hip coming out to play.

For more than 20 years, this disco located seven kilometers (4.5 miles) to the north of Aix-en-Provence proper, has been an essential meeting-place for jazz-lovers; as much for the program of live concerts as for its DJ and his passion for swing. The photos on the walls evoke many torrid nights and evenings when the great names from the music scene came here to perform and to improvise.