Based near Aix-en-Provence, chef-patron Nicolas Bottero (previously in Grenoble) cooks up exciting, delicious and aromatic cuisine. As a child, he spent time in the region visiting his grandmother, and has retained an affection for the colours of the South of France and an affinity for the terroir. You can tell as much from the tasty Mediterranean meagre with a shellfish minestrone and rouille stock or the stuffed saddle of Provence lamb with asparagus and morel mushrooms. Local farmers are among his suppliers; aromatic herbs are picked from the small kitchen garden. The terrace behind the house overlooks a small garden. Discreet, humble and enthusiastic, Nicolas Bottero gets our vote.