Top 5 Places to Eat in Aix-en-Provence

Colorful historic buildings on a sunny street in Aix-en-Provence, showcasing French architecture.
AXP Photography, Pexels

Aix-en-Provence boasts a vibrant and diverse culinary scene, presenting a range of dining experiences from traditional Provençal bistros to Michelin-starred establishments, all while emphasizing fresh, local produce.

1. La Table du Pigonnet

Cuisine: Mediterranean and Provençal

Nestled within a luxuriant garden, this restaurant offers an elegant dining experience in a setting re-imagined by Jacques Garcia. The chefs craft Mediterranean cuisine, guided by the local terroir and enhanced by seasonal ingredients. Expect beautifully presented dishes such as poached eggs with truffle cream or a fig soufflé, complemented by an extensive regional wine list. Guests can choose to dine indoors or on the tranquil terrace.

Price: €55-€95 per person (excluding drinks), or €150 for a 4-course menu for two (excluding drinks).

Getting There: La Table du Pigonnet is conveniently located a 10-minute walk or a short 3-minute drive from Aix-en-Provence city center. Local buses, such as lines 04, 120, or 18, stop nearby at Roumanille or Sous Préfecture, which are just a 1-2 minute walk from the hotel.

2. Le Art at Château de la Gaude

Cuisine: Inventive Provençal with Japanese influences

Awarded one Michelin star in 2025, Le Art presents a gastronomic journey within an exquisite 18th-century bastide. Chef Matthieu Dupuis-Baumal's cuisine is boldly inventive, harmonizing Provençal flavors with subtle Japanese touches, and featuring seasonal, local produce. The magical setting, complete with a magnificent terrace, offers captivating views. Signature dishes may include beef tomato preparations, purple artichoke with Osciètre caviar, or Wagyu, alongside exquisite fig-based desserts. An impressive wine list, including selections from the Château, is available.

Price: Menus range from €135 (lunch) to €225 (dinner) per person.

Getting There: Located on the outskirts of Aix-en-Provence, Le Art is about a 10-minute drive from the city center. Public transport involves taking bus line 25 from Bellegarde to Mas d'Aubère, a journey of approximately 13-24 minutes, followed by a 12-minute walk from Parc Rigaud bus stop. A taxi ride typically costs €15-€18 and takes around 8 minutes. The Château also offers a private transfer service upon reservation.

3. Le Bouillon Aixois

Cuisine: Traditional French with a Provençal twist

This friendly bistro revives the classic French 'bouillon' concept, offering popular, simple, and generous homemade dishes made with fresh, local products. Situated on a charming square in Aix-en-Provence, it provides accessible dining with a menu that changes seasonally. Expect comforting classics like mimosa eggs, beef blanquette, or mashed sausage, along with homemade desserts. Reservations are not accepted.

Price: Starters: €2.90-€7.90; Main Courses: €10.90-€14.90; Desserts: €1.90-€4.50. A full meal typically costs around €25 per person.

Getting There: Le Bouillon Aixois is located at 29 Rue de la Couronne, in the heart of Aix-en-Provence's city center, making it easily accessible by foot from most central areas.

4. Le Bistrot

Cuisine: Traditional French and Provençal

A cozy and charming establishment located in Aix's Old Town, near the Cathedral Saint Sauveur. Le Bistrot is celebrated by locals for its traditional French and Provençal cuisine offered at excellent value. The menu features classic, hearty dishes prepared with high-quality ingredients, such as egg mimosa, beef blanquette, and house terrine. The atmosphere is relaxed, sometimes featuring soft jazz music. It is also wheelchair accessible.

Price: Main dishes are approximately €15; desserts around €7. A 'plat du jour' (dish of the day) is offered at an unbeatable price.

Getting There: Located at 5 Rue Campra in the Old Town of Aix-en-Provence, Le Bistrot is within comfortable walking distance of the city's main attractions.

5. IT - Italian Trattoria Aix-en-Provence Cours Mirabeau

Cuisine: Authentic Italian (Calabrian)

Positioned on the famous Cours Mirabeau, this casual trattoria offers a lively Italian dining experience. It specializes in homemade cuisine, utilizing genuine Italian ingredients and traditional family recipes. The interactive concept allows guests to choose their dishes at the counter, with fresh pasta prepared on demand. The menu includes a variety of pizzas, fresh pasta, salads, antipasti, and Italian desserts.

Price: Antipasti vary from €1-€23.90; main pizzas are generally in a similar range, and desserts are €3.50-€6.50.

Getting There: Situated directly on Cours Mirabeau, the trattoria is in a prime central location and is easily reachable on foot from anywhere in the city center.