Restaurants: Aix en Provence & Environs (cont'd)
Ethnic Treasures (cont'd)
Yamato Zen pure in a garden with lotus flowers, bamboos and murmuring fountains. Japanese cuisine with French sophistication. Chef Someya finesses traditional Japanese dishes. Service is attentive and discret. Prices are on the high side, but it's worth it. Prices: €45-98. 21 Avenue des Belges, 13100 Aix en Provence. Tel: +33 (0)4 42 38 00 20
Yoji A well regarded Japanese in Aix serving great cuisine. Try their sushis and sashimis. We like the place, especially eating on the shady terrace during the warmer season. But the tables are too close together, one feels a bit constricted. They also own a Yoji in Marseille, so make sure to make a reservation in the right city. Prices: €30-50. 7 Avenue Victor Hugo, 13100 Aix en Provence. Tel: +33 (0)4 42 38 48 76
The Bistro & Café Universe:
There are many good bistros and cafés in Aix - impossible to list them all. We no longer include Brasserie Deux Garcons, the grand old daddy of bistros in Aix on Cours Mirabeau. Nowadays mostly frequented by out of towners suffering from a severe bout of "Cézanne" nostalgia (this used to his hangout). This place confirms an old stereotype of French bistros: indifferent service from grumpy waiters. The interior decor however is noteworthy.
Café Bastide du Cours , a trendy brasserie, our top choice on Cours Mirabeau. Well prepared bistro type meals at reasonable prices for this prime piece of real estate. You will love the food, the friendly service and can watch the lively scene on Cours Mirabeau. Prices: €20-45. 43-47 Cours Mirabeau, 13100 Aix en Provence, Tel: +33 (0)4 42 26 10 06.
Brasserie Léopold, of the Hotel Saint-Christophe close to the Rotonde. A trendy brasserie with 30s decor, many young people, excellent, innovative bistro food and reasonable prices. Prices: €25-35. 2 Avenue Victor Hugo, 13100 Aix en Provence, Tel: +33 (0)4 42 26 01 24.
Happy Days Café, on Place Richelme, nice outdoor seating with a mostly gay clientele. Prices: €10-15. Place Richelme, 13100 Aix en Provence, Tel: +33 (0)4 42 21 02 35.
Moroccan Tea Houses
Tea houses have become very fashionable here. Good places to relax with a cup of tea in a tranquil oriental setting.
L'Orienthe, a small, beautifully decorated little tea house. No chairs, just cushions. 5 Rue Félibre Gaut, 13100 Aix en Provence, Tel: +33 (0)6 62 16 48 25 (near Rue de la Verrerie)
La Théière d'Orient, nicely decorated, a good place to rest and have a tea after walking the streets of Aix. 30 Rue Lieutaud, 13100 Aix en Provence, Tel: +33 (0)6 17 30 18 71.
