There are so many great places to eat in and around Bergerac but also a few duds, so it’s worth choosing wisely. Check out my post on Restaurant French: 10 key phrases you need to dine like a français to make sure you’ve got the language down before you head into the Frenchest of spaces, the restaurant.

Where to drink

Le Plus Que Parfait

Colloquially known amongst the locals as PQP (pay-kuh-pay), this bar, along with the restaurant next to it called L’Imparfait (see below) are testament to the French love of grammar.

PQP is THE place to find all the locals. This bar is independent and it has a large selection of interesting beers, including lots of excellent Belgian ones, as well as cocktails and many other drinks that your heart may desire. Having grown up in a small village in Somerset, PQP gives me proper “only pub in the village” vibes, and that’s why it’s so great.

Quai Cyrano

Head to the tourist office just off the river, and find a beautiful little cloister off the back of it. Then head upstairs to a wine space where you can do some wine tasting inside or outside on the balcony, which looks over the river.

Bellevue

A belle vue indeed from Bellevue! This is a lovely spot for early evening pre-dinner drinks.

Simple lunch or dinner

Le Tortoni €

Le Tortoni is about as local as it gets. The dishes are simple and tasty and the price is very reasonable. The confit de canard is top.

Le Saint James €

Le Saint James is right in the centre of town, around 300 metres from PQP. The menu is constantly changing and the food is simple and tasty.

Au P’tit Corentin €

This place is THE best for crêpes and it’s right in the centre of the hustle and bustle of Bergerac. The owner is really friendly and if you bust your French out she’ll chat to you no matter how many errors you make!

Fancy lunch or dinner in town

Bistro d’en Face €€

The Bistro d’en Face has closed but watch this space for someone buying it up and getting it up and running again!

If you book a table outside at the Bistro d’en Face, you’ll get an amazing view of Bergerac port from the other side of the river. The food is consistently really good; I’d just say that they don’t change their menu very often.

La Confluence €€

La Confluence produces some really tasty stuff; the chef is a massive fan of a trompe-l’œil, so expect to eat plenty of things that look like other things, like the below pine cone that’s actually a chocolate mousse!

La Table du Marché €€€

La Table du Marché is family run and it makes for a spectacle of an evening. Don’t be surprised if you’re served a tiny piece of brownie on a giant block of wood for the drama of it.

L’Imparfait €€€

L’Imparfait had a much-needed makeover last year; they have a roaring fire when it’s cold and the mezzanine layout gives the place a grand feel and a buzzing atmosphere.

Aux Tabliers Noirs €€

Aux Tabliers Noirs is a little place with a small menu, which changes often. You can see through to the kitchen from the dining area!

La Villa Lætitia €€

This place has a really cosy atmosphere and the menu is full of foie gras, so vegetarians and vegans stay away.

Out of town:

La Tour des Vents, Monbazillac €€€

This place has a Michelin star; the food is fabulous and the view glorious.

Le Bistrot du Presbytère, Queyssac €

Le Bistrot du Presbytère is really good quality home cooking. You’ll want to book far in advance for this place. Combine it with a walk in the countryside around Queyssac. It’s beautiful round there.

La Guinguette de Pombonne €

Pronounced [gang-get], this place is open from Easter until October, and is the perfect place to get a bite to eat post-swim in Pombonne lake. They often have live music too!

Have you tried any of these places? I’d love to know what you thought of them; comment below!