Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Test the local wine and eat anything Catalan, including the fish and anchovies (hand-fil-
leted, as no machine has ever been able to accomplish this precise task). Consistency is
elusive with restaurants in Collioure, but those listed below have been reliable. All of my
recommended restaurants have indoor and outdoor tables, and most are in the old town.
Your task is to decide whether you want to eat well or with a view. Several delicious
gelati
shops and a Grand Marnier crêpe stand next to the Café Copacabana fuel after-din-
ner strollers with the perfect last course. If you're traveling off-season, call ahead—many
restaurants here are closed December through February.
Café Copacabana,
onthemainbeach(Boramar),offersbigsaladsandafewseafood
dishesinitssandycafé.Skiptheirsidewalk-boundrestaurant(whichhasabiggerselection
but smaller view) and find a chair beachside. The quality is good enough, considering the
view, and it's family-friendly—kids can play on the beach while you dine (€9 cheesebur-
gersandwraps,€15saladsand
plats
,dailymid-March-mid-Dec,PlageBoramar,tel.0468
82 06 74, best at sunset).
Le Tremail
is good for contemporary seafood and Catalan specialties served outside
or in. It's a small, popular place one block from the bay, where Rue Arago and Rue Mailly
meet. Reserve ahead if you can (€25-35
menus,
open daily year-round, 16 bis Rue Mailly,
tel. 04 68 82 16 10).
The restaurant at the recommended
Hôtel les Templiers
is popular with locals and
dishes up reliable value (daily, 12 Quai de l'Amirauté, tel. 04 68 98 31 10).
Chez-Simone,
a lighthearted budget place, serves great €3-5 tapas and
tartines
and
€12
plats
with sea views and smiles (daily for lunch, Thu-Sun for dinner, Boulevard
Boramar, tel. 04 68 82 12 56).
Cocoliberis,
a 10-minute stroll around the bay,is a simple, seaside place with a local
following, a reliable seafood-focused cuisine, and terrific views (€15-18
plats
, next to the
recommended Hôtel Boramar at 17 Rue Jean Bart, tel. 04 68 88 86 65).
Brasserie au Casot
owns the best setting away from the crowds, past the church on
Plage St. Vincent, and serves salads and
plats
with views for a fair price. Matisse would
dig the decor. Ask owner Alix about his homemade sangria (€13-16
plats,
June-Sept daily
11:00-20:00 weather permitting, lunch only Oct and May, Plage St. Vincent, tel. 04 68 22
42 46).
Eating Cheaply:
Small places sell a variety of meals to go (
à emporter;
ah em-pohr-
tay) for budget-minded romantics wanting to dine on the bay.
