The Luberon region in Provence is home to some exquisite dining experiences. In this article we highlight the best luxury restaurants in the Luberon, exploring what makes each one unique, the chefs behind the cuisine, and what you can expect during your visit.
La Table de Xavier Mathieu
What makes it unique
Situated on the heights from Gordes to Joucas, La Table de Xavier Mathieu is a restaurant known for its innovative approach to traditional Provençal cuisine. The restaurant combines the best of local ingredients cooked and served in a modern way. The setting of the restaurant is breathtaking, offering stunning views of The Luberon landscape.
The chef
Chef Xavier Mathiea's culinary creations are designed to surprise and delight guests, showcasing his exceptional skill and creativity. Chef Mathieu's dedication to quality and innovation has earned him widespread acclaim.
The food
Signature dishes at La Table de Xavier Mathieu include Royal Petrossian Caviar, paired with Crustacean Casper and piglets of Mont Ventoux smoked “à la minute". Another standout is the Provençal Snails, served with Jerusalem artichoke and pickled girolles, offering a unique take on a regional classic. The Lamb Cooked in Herbal Sand Crust, accompanied by white beans and thyme juice, highlights the earthy flavours of the region.
What to wear and when to book
The dress code at La Table de Xavier Mathieu is formal. Men should consider wearing jackets, and women should opt for elegant attire. Due to its popularity, reservations should be made well in advance, ideally several months ahead, to secure a table.
Le Champ des Lunes
What makes it unique
Le Champ des Lunes is a charming country-house restaurant that beautifully highlights the rich landscape and fruits of The Luberon. The modern dining area complements the cuisine, offering an updated flair to classic regional ingredients and flavours. Nestled in the picturesque village of Lauris, this restaurant provides an elegant yet relaxed dining experience that is deeply connected to the local terroir.
The chef
The culinary team at Le Champ des Lunes is dedicated to showcasing the best of the Luberon's produce. Their approach is modern yet respectful of traditional Provençal cuisine, creating a dining experience that is both innovative and rooted in the region's rich culinary heritage.
The food
Signature dishes at Le Champ des Lunes are crafted to highlight the finest local ingredients with a touch of modern flair. The Blue Lobster from Brittany is roasted in butter and served with scallions, green peas, verbena, and a rich lobster bisque. The Lamb from Luberon, prepared with eggplant miso, spinach, date, and rosemary, showcases the robust and earthy flavours of the region. The Duck from Les Dombes, roasted and smoked with garrigue herbs, girolles, almonds, and cherries, is a perfect blend of smoky and sweet.
What to wear and when to book
The dress code at Le Champ des Lunes is smart casual, fitting for the elegant yet relaxed atmosphere. It is advisable to book your table at least a few weeks in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.
La Petite Maison de Cucuron
What makes it unique
La Petite Maison de Cucuron is housed in a charming, yellow Provençal building that exudes bourgeois charm. Located in the heart of Cucuron, this restaurant is known for its fine classic cuisine that celebrates the best of local market produce. What makes La Petite Maison de Cucuron truly unique is its intimate and cosy setting, which provides diners with an authentic Provençal dining experience. The restaurant's seasonal themed menus, centred around truffles and game, perfectly complement the idyllic luxury travel experience in Provence.
The chef
The chefs at La Petite Maison de Cucuron are renowned for their skill in transforming seasonal ingredients into masterpieces. With a deep understanding of the region’s produce, the dishes turly reflect the bounty of Provence.
The food
Signature dishes at La Petite Maison de Cucuron include a thin, crispy button mushroom tart paired with cream cheese and truffle, a delicate balance of textures and earthy flavours. The Hare à la royale is a rich and hearty dish that showcases the chef's mastery of classic French cuisine. For dessert, the shortbread tart and meringue with wild blueberries, accompanied by cottage cheese ice cream, combines sweetness with a touch of tanginess.
What to wear and when to book
The dress code is smart casual. Reservations are recommended, particularly during the high season when the restaurant is at its busiest.
Auberge La Fenière
What makes it unique
Auberge La Fenière, set in a lush green park facing the Grand Luberon, offers an exceptional dining experience that focuses on fine cuisine crafted by Reine Sammut and her daughter Nadia. What sets this restaurant apart is its dedication to gluten-free cuisine. Using handpicked flours and Mediterranean olive oils, they create dishes that are both health-conscious and deeply flavorful, catering to a diverse range of dietary preferences without compromising on taste.
The chef
Reine Sammut and her daughter Nadia are the visionary chefs behind Auberge La Fenière. Reine, a pioneer in the culinary world, has been celebrated for her innovative and inclusive approach to cooking. Nadia, following in her mother's footsteps, brings her own flair and creativity to the kitchen. Together, they have garnered widespread acclaim for their dedication to gluten-free cuisine, attracting a loyal following of diners who appreciate their commitment to high-quality, delicious food that everyone can enjoy.
The food
Signature dishes at Auberge La Fenière include a chickpea sourdough pancake, topped with multicoloured candied tomatoes and garden herbs, which offers a vibrant and fresh start to your meal. The Pig Mangalica d'Oppède is served with stuffed vegetables and crispy rice chips from Camargue, combining rich, hearty flavours with a delightful crunch. To finish, the Paris-Lourmarin, the restaurant's specialty dessert, provides a perfect sweet ending, showcasing the culinary creativity and dedication to quality that define Auberge La Fenière.
What to wear and when to book
Smart casual attire is recommended. Given the restaurant's popularity, it is wise to book your table a few weeks in advance.
Whether you prefer the innovative dishes at Le Champ des Lunes, the sophisticated flavours at La Table de Xavier Mathieu, or the gluten-free creations at Auberge La Fenière, each restaurant offers a unique taste of the region’s gastronomic excellence. For more specific requests or additional recommendations, do not hesitate to get in touch with us at Provence Holidays. We are here to help you curate your perfect holiday.
À bientôt,
The Provence Holidays Team
