PROVENCE - France 2014 - page 980

this place is a hit with the young local crowd for its wine and weekend concerts (Mon-Sat
10:00-1:00 in the morning, closed Sun, no food in evening, across from waterwheel at 41
Rue des Teinturiers).
Worthwhile for a Splurge
(See “Avignon Hotels & Restaurants” map, here . )
Book a few days ahead for these places:
L'Essentiel is where in-the-know locals go for a fine meal at reasonable prices. The
setting is classy-contemporary, the wine list is extensive, the cuisine is classic French,
and gentle owner Dominique makes timid diners feel at ease (inside only, €32-45 menus ,
closedSun-Mon,2RuePetiteFusterie,tel.[phone], www.restaurantlessentiel.com ) .
Le Moutardier servesfinemealswithamesmerizing,full-montyviewofthefloodlit
Palace of the Popes. Book ahead for the terrace tables, but skip it if you can't dine outside
(€36-50 menus , daily, 15 Place du Palais, tel. [phone]).
Hôtel d'Europe 'srestaurant earned aMichelin starandservesasurprisingly reason-
able menu in its lovely dining room and courtyard terrace (€48 menu , inexpensive cham-
pagne, see “Sleeping in Avignon,” earlier, for details).
Restaurant Numéro 75 is worth the walk (just past where the cobbles end on Rue
des Teinturiers). It fills the Pernod mansion (of pastis liquor fame) and a large, romant-
ic courtyard with outdoor tables. The selection is limited to Mediterranean cuisine, but
everything's très tasty (€30 lunch menu, dinner menus : €29 two-course and €35 three-
course, Mon-Sat 12:00-14:00 & 20:00-22:00, closed Sun, 75 Rue Guillaume Puy, tel. 04
90 27 16 00, www.numero75.com ) .
Good for Moderate Budgets
(See “Avignon Hotels & Restaurants” map, here . )
La Vache à Carreaux venerates cheese and wine, while offering a full range of cuisine.
It'salivelyplacetospendanevening,withcolorfuldecorandanextensiveandreasonable
wine list. This place is a hit with locals, who gather around outside sipping €4 glasses of
good wine, reluctant to leave. Try the poulet au Comté (chicken with Comté cheese) or
a tartiflette (tasty scalloped potatoes with melted cheese), and say bonsoir to welcoming
owner Ludovic (inside dining only, €9 starters, €12-16 plats , open daily, just off atmo-
spheric Place des Châtaignes at 14 Rue de la Peyrollerie, tel. [phone]).
Le Fou de Fafa 's friendly British owners are making a splash with locals, serving
tasty, fresh, creative cuisine at good prices. Delightful Antonia runs the entire room alone