Montpellier - Eating
- Nearby guides:
- Nîmes
- Perpignan
- Rodez
- Marseille
- Provence
- Carcassonne
- Girona
- Toulon
- Clermont - Ferrand
- Lyon
- Other guides in France:
- Biarritz
- Carcassonne
- Courchevel
- Dinard
- La Rochelle
- Limoges
- Nantes
- Nice
- Nîmes
- Paris
- More
The cuisine of the Languedoc region has much in common with Mediterranean cooking, including sumptious ingredients from the best that land and sea have to offer. In Montpellier, the ties to Catalonia on the other side of the Spanish border are apparent in the size of the portions served. The city has the full range of dining options from luxury restaurants to rustic neighbourhood eateries.
Le Jardin Des Sens
Twin brothers, and chefs, Jacques and Laurent Pourcel joined up with Olivier Château to open gourmet restaurant Le Jardins des Sens in an old building in northern Montpellier in 1988. Ten years later, it was awarded three stars in the Michelin Guide. Since then, Le Jardins des Sens has maintained its status as the premier restaurant in Languedoc.
La Compagnie De Comptoirs
After the success of Le Jardins de Sens, the owners went on to establish restaurants in several other French cities, and in London. Many of them are called La Compagnie de Comptoirs, decorated in the French colonial style, and serve French Mediterranean fare. The La Compagnie de Comptoirs in Montpellier is sometimes described as the cheaper companion of Le Jardin de Sens. That is somewhat misleading considering its first-rate interiors, food, and prices.
L’olivier
Another Michelin-starred restaurant is L’Olivier, which proudly displays its single star. The food is world-class – some would even contend it’s the best in Montpellier – but the decor is more conventional.
La Maison De La Lozère
The city’s gourmet crowd also frequents the slightly less expensive La Maison de la Lozère on rue Aiguillerie. The rustic cooking has its roots in the Lozère area, an upland and scarcely populated part of Languedoc. The sampling menu is recommended for those with a good appetite.
Le Vieux Four
This intimate Old Town neighbourhood restaurant is popular with couples, and anyone who likes large portions of beef, lamb or pork. The chargrilled dishes, in particular, stand out from the rest. Very good value for money. Make reservations for weekend visits.
