Perfect outdoor dining off the beaten path, not touristy. Most patrons will be French. The garden is lovely, the food even better. Generous salads and the seafood plateaus are immense.
Lac de la bonde, 84240 La Motte-d'Aigues | +33 4 90 08 22 05
Café du Lac
Where to go when you just want to seriously chill.
Café du Lac is in the realm of ‘beachy’ casual. It’s nestled against a walking path and rock wall of Etang de La Bonde. Along the strip of road between Sannes and La Motte D’Aigues, there are camping grounds (Camping de la Bonde) and an shuttered white table cloth restaurant (Restaurant du Lac).
Just past the closed Restaurant du Lac, you’ll find a rambling building which looks sort of like a bar/brasserie with a dirt parking lot. That’s the spot!
Don’t be put off by the ramshackle appearance because on the side you’ll find a group of tables with a 5 star view of the fresh water lake, with the Luberon mountain as it’s back drop. Killer view, decent food and reasonable prices await you.
What to eat? Salads, Chops, Brochettes, Roasted Fish, and of course, Pizza.
How can the French do Pizza you ask? Well, my friends you are about to sit at a table on former Roman grounds. Before this was France – Cesar ruled this land. And that’s why the wood fired pizza here is reputable. Enjoy.
Oh, and they only serve Irish Lamb – which is a bit funny because we happen to have phenomenal local lamb in Provence. No matter, it’s delicious!
Dress code: Jeans. Ditch the tie and the Jimmy Choo shoes. Casual is the code here and for a lake side table outside… book in advance.
La Closerie
Open for over 10 years, La Closerie is now ranked as a Michelin Star restaurant.
Boulevard des Platanes 84240 Ansouis | TEL +33 4 90 09 90 54
What makes it unusual? Run by the husband and wife team of Olivier and Delphine Alemany, La Closerie took over the space from a run of the mill restaurant that just never got off of the ground. Their talent, vision and partnership created a ‘petite coin’ in the village of Ansouis where authors, models, rock stars and politicians gather to enjoy their refined but low key atmosphere and of course, the food.
The food – well, it is a journey of flavors, tastes and presentation that surprises and delights us each and every time. Olivier is constantly balancing local flavors from local produce, olive oils, cheeses, and meats with culinary technique one would expect to find in Paris, London, NYC and LA.
Is the food sublime? Yes! From Fish to Foie Gras, and local Lamb.
Is the atmosphere pleasant? Yes!
Can I wear smart casual? Yes! And, you’ll find suits/ties and the best denim going on the patrons.
Is the wine list affordable? Yes – curated with the best vitners in the Vaucluse and other regions of France, this strictly French wine list ranges from Champagnes to Sauternes and those in between.
Service is genteel, and not cloying or overly familiar.
Credit cards are accepted and reservations – a must. Plan on booking 3 weeks out.
Boulevard des Platanes 84240 Ansouis TEL +33 4 90 09 90 54