Annette

This pair – she is from Ile de Ré, he hails from Bristol – met in a restaurant in Amsterdam and went on to open this modern bistro in La Rochelle. The space comprises pale wood tables and furniture, a glassed-in kitchen at the back, a zellige-tiled wall and a small terrace overlooking a pedestrian street. They propose French cuisine that is packed with freshness and flavour! The chef shows he has technique and talent, eg with his wild sea bass, white wine sauce, cockles, broccoli purée and lightly grilled green cabbage. As for dessert, Audrey delights diners with her "gâteau au chocolat d'Annette" (her grandmother's recipe), served with chestnut cream ice cream – potent and delicious.