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Nord Pas de Calais Restaurants  One of the great pleasures of heading to France, whether for a day trip, a short break or a longer holiday, is the opportunity to eat out in a French restaurant. So, while in terms of distance travelled it is but a hop from England, in gastronomic terms it is a whole new experience and usually much lighter on your pocket as well! There are a wealth of places to eat in the Pas de Calais ranging from small Fermes Auberges to Michelin rated restaurants.
Which restaurant?  Below you will find a few we have enjoyed. Try to find a restaurant that is targeted at French diners (French menus are a good clue!).
Which time?  Sunday lunch is always busy and it pays to book ahead.  In the evenings, don’t arrive too early - 7.30PM is often the earliest you can get served.
Which menu?  Don’t go for à la carte options.  Usually they have the same options as the menu prix fixe and they cost a lot more!  Avoid Menu Touristique like the plague!
Which wine?  Wine can be quite expensive if you go for named bottles.  But carafes of house white or red wine have usually been exquisitely selected by the restauranteur and are excellent value.  Refer to our wine section for more advice on wines in France.

Our favourite restaurants in the Nord Pas de Calais:

   -
Ambassade de Montmartre
   - Buffalo Grill
   - Hôtel du Centre
   -
Le Cygne
   - Restaurant l'Epicure
   - La Ferme Gourmande
   - Le Fontainebleau
   - Le Fournil
   - Auberge d'Inxent
   - Restaurant Paul et Virginie
   - Au Vivier

   - Restaurant du Cap

Le Cygne

8 rue Caventou

62500

Saint-Omer

Tel No: 0(3) 21 98 20 52

This is a long established restaurant that has recently seen the arrival of a new chef and a very chic refurb. The food is first class and beautifully presented. We ate an evening meal here out of season - yet it was still busy, so booking ahead is essential.  There are 4 menus, starting at €18, a weekday special at €14 as well as ‘a la carte’. The restaurant is closed on Sunday evenings and all day Monday (except public holidays).

Location: In the centre of St Omer near to the main Church. Parking is available in public car-parks.

External websites offering information on Nord Pas de Calais restaurants (not all visited by us):

- Loisirs Gourmets
- Toques d'Opale
A splendid set of books on eating out in France is written by Richard Binns.  French Leave Encore has travel advice with details of hotels and restaurant recommendations.  French Leave Finesse contains purely restaurant recommendations.