TRADITIONAL RESTAURANTS

Auberge Beauville in Espedalliac

Auberge de la Fontaine is located in the heart of Autoire, a medieval town  overlooked by ancient cliffside ramparts and classified as one of France's most beautiful villages. The Auberge (9 rooms and the restaurant) serves somewhat more refined dishes than most traditional restaurants in the area, offering recipes such as a cèpe and escargot casserole (which is excellent). Prices are reasonable with menus stating at 29.50 EURO. Reservations should be made several days in advance, especially for large parties.    

Lou Cantou is located in the heart of the village of Loubressac, designated as one of France's most beautiful towns. The restaurant is known for its affordable menu of regional recipes and an outside terrace with a panoramic view of the Dordogne valley. Menu prices start at EURO 15.50 during the week and 25.50 for a multi-course meal on the weekends and holidays.

Featured Restaurants

Although not quite as upscale as the Michelin Starred restaurants in the area, there are a number of excellent traditional restaurants in the area that serve arguably purer reflections of the region's gastronomical traditions. National and European regulations are resulting in the closing of many of the traditional homestyle restaurants once found in every town.  The days of workmen breaking for prix fixe lunches and wine in village restaurants that could be confused for homes are almost over. However,  The abundance of local products (e.g. fresh produce; pate and foie gras; charcuterie; duck magret; and duck confit) permits a number of rustic restaurants and "pop-up" entrepreneurs to survive. 

La Gabare in Julien de Lampon

live le lot

Lou Cantou in Loubressac

Regional Cuisine

Le Lot is also home to numerous traditional inns and restaurants for Patrons seeking more affordable fare. These restaurants generally offer a prix fix menu with multicourse options or a plat du jour. Expect a traditional bread soup, melon or charcuterie plate as an entrée; lamb or duck for the main; and a choice of local cheese or dessert. Other restaurants simply serve a pre-planned menu Reservations are generally not needed for lunch, although popular restaurants fill up quick. Reservations are customary for dinners, especially for larger groups.  

Dine on one of three terraces overlooking of the Dordogne river at the effervescent La Gabare restaurant. Run by a young couple (Valentine and Ludovic), the restaurant is known for its use of fresh ingredients and offers a menu that changes daily based on the best local products. La Gabare is equal parts rustic and haute cuisine, bringing a modern flair to traditional dishes. Menus start at 22 EURO for an entrée and main dish (or main dish and dessert). A special "Desire of the Moment" menu is also available for 53 EURO given an advance 48 hour notice to the chef.

Tucked away in the sleepy village of Espedalliac, the Auberge Beauville serves traditional recipes at a very reasonable price. Dine either inside the old farmhouse or outside on the terrace underneath the chestnut treet. The pre-planned menus feature bread soup; charcuterie; Quercynoise salads (goose gizzards); roast beef, leg of lamb (cooked in the fireplace) or cop-au-vin; cheese and dessert. The lunch menu is 13.50 EURO. The dinner menu is 22 EURO. 

Auberge de la Fontaine in Autoire