Sitting down to a long, unhurried meal is one of the true pleasures of visiting Arles. While this ancient Provençal city is famous for its Roman ruins and Van Gogh’s vivid landscapes, its culinary soul lies in the rustic, sun-drenched dishes passed down through generations. From the Camargue’s wild bulls to the briny freshness of Mediterranean fish, the local terroir is rich, distinct, and deeply tied to the land.
Traditional dining in Arles is more than just eating; it is a cultural ritual that celebrates seasonal ingredients and regional identity. In the narrow, stone-paved lanes of the old town, family-run establishments have been perfecting their craft for decades, often using recipes that have remained unchanged for a century. These restaurants offer an authentic taste of Provence, far removed from the fleeting trends of modern gastronomy.
You can expect to find hearty daubes, brandade de morue, and the iconic gardianne de taureau, a slow-cooked bull stew that tells the story of the Camargue cowboys. Alongside these robust mains, vegetables drenched in olive oil, fragrant herbs like thyme and rosemary, and the unmistakable salinity of the region’s sea salt bring every plate to life. Dining here connects you directly to the landscape, whether you are seated in a vaulted medieval cellar or on a sunlit terrace overlooking a quiet square.
For travelers seeking authenticity, choosing the right table is essential. The best traditional restaurants in Arles balance warm hospitality with a respect for culinary heritage, often sourcing their meat from local Camargue ranches and their produce from the morning market on Boulevard des Lices. These are places where the owner greets you at the door, the wine list champions local appellations, and the pace of the meal encourages conversation and lingering.
Because Arles remains a working town rather than a tourist-only destination, the quality of its classic bistros remains remarkably high. Locals are discerning diners, and a restaurant cannot survive here on a pretty facade alone. This means that when you book a table at one of the city’s revered traditional spots, you are stepping into an institution that has earned the loyalty of its neighborhood through consistency and flavor.
To help you navigate the city’s vibrant dining scene, we have curated a selection of the most respected addresses where tradition reigns supreme. Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner in a historic setting or a lively family lunch featuring the best of the Camargue, these establishments represent the pinnacle of classic Arlesian cuisine.
L’essentiel bistrot
| Address | 2 Pl. Antonelle, 13200 Arles |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 88 65 23 90 |
Very friendly staff and the food is just amazing! I had the Toreau and it was delicious, you could taste the red wine in the sauce and the meat was incredibly tender! My wife had the Ravioles gratinee aux truffes and enjoyed the savoury taste thoroughly. We highly recommend this Gault Millaud Restaurant!
Excellent dishes, well presented. Menu changes daily for freshness
Everything was good, and the service was excellent. It looked only two staff were working as I visited on Sunday, and the tables were almost full. So the serving took a bit time but it was absolutely fine as they were kind and the foods were nice.
The food was good but we had to sit for half an hour just to get a glass of wine. An hour to get the food another half an hour to dessert.
The starter was good.
For dessert, I chose the one with peach and mascarpone.
After a few bites, I couldn’t taste any mascarpone, so I asked the staff in case I had received the wrong dessert.
They told me that the mascarpone was at the bottom, but even after finishing it, I still couldn’t taste it.
The restaurant seemed quite busy but understaffed, so it took some time to get the staff’s attention.
I was seated on the terrace, and because the waiting time was long, it felt quite cold by the end of the meal.
Bistrot populaire
| Address | 1 Rue Girard le Bleu, 13200 Arles |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 09 52 52 34 13 |
Stopped at Bistro Populaire for a quick bite before wrapping up a short passage at Arles. With it’s shinning staff, limited but inspired menu, and overlooking the Arles Amphitheater, it is a very strong choice amidst several restaurants around it. Mediterranean inspired take on the French bistro model at a reasonable price. Glad I discovered it and I’ll likely come again.
Since moving to Arles two years ago, Le Bistrot Populaire has become one of the restaurants that I keep going back to and never fails to deliver on delicious, authentic dishes that exude the spirit of Provence. The unbeatable view of the amphitheatre is matched by carefully conceived seasonal dishes that are lovingly presented and big on flavour, and always served with a smile. Every time anyone visits me I always bring them here as a first port of call, and my various guests and their eclectic tastes have been unanimously delighted with both the food and the setting. The menu changes regularly with the seasons, but the pistachio fondant is a perennial classic that remains the single best dessert I have tried in Arles - definitely a must-try for any pudding lovers!
Excellent cuisine, especially the superb mussels. Locals have said this restaurant has had some of the best mussels in the city for years. We can confirm they are the most delicious. And a very pleasant place, right overlooking the arenas.
Great little bistro. The food was superb and the service too right next to the colosseum.
Super love the food & hospitality! Very good value for money. Everything is just perfect
Do note that the menu changes (around once a month or so). Just come and use google translate for the latest menu.
You won’t regret coming in
Le Cochon Qui Fume Arles
| Address | Angle de la rue Amédée Pichot, et, Rue Léon Blum, 13200 Arles |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:30 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:30 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:30 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:30 – 11:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:30 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:30 – 11:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 84 84 96 38 |
What a brilliant spot in Arles. We had such a wonderful evening here, and every single dish was genuinely delicious.
The food was spot on, from the tasty croquettes and rillettes to start, right through to the mains. The pork served under the smoking glass dome was not just fun theatre, it tasted incredible, and the creamy polenta on the side was pure comfort food. The baked cheese topped with roasted tomatoes and crunchy crumbs was another standout favourite.
Paired with an ice cold bottle of Deutz Rosé champagne and really warm, friendly service, it made for a relaxed, memorable dinner on the terrace. Just be sure to book well in advance, as it gets very popular and tables fill up fast! Highly recommend giving this place a visit if you are anywhere near Arles.
The staff give the impression that they really enjoy their work. They’re proud of the food, but not arrogant about it. They certainly have every reason to be proud of the food and the atmosphere. The lively, cheerful atmosphere in the restaurant showed just that. And our own mood was great right from the start. When the people at the next table enthusiastically recommend and praise the wine, dishes and everything else to you, you know that others are also enjoying the evening, the food and the service! Thanks to the whole team for the great experience.
Dropped in without reservation at 7. Got the last unreserved table. 5 minutes later the place was completely packed on a Monday evening. The eponymous smoked pork belly dish is a must try. Outstanding! Rigatoni with meatballs are also very good. Tuna appetizer as well as the main dish were different but both very good. The dessert is also excellent. Surprised how good everything is. We were lucky to be able to drop in and get a table
I brought a group of 12 travelers to Cochon Qui Fume in Arles for our farewell dinner, and it could not have been a more fitting choice. We ordered à la carte, and everything—from start to finish—was excellent.
The service was warm, attentive, and seamless, making our group feel truly welcomed. The food was absolutely delicious across the board.
The highlight, of course, was their signature dish, Cochon Qui Fume. Its theatrical presentation added a memorable and playful touch—perfectly à propos for a farewell evening. It gave the dinner a sense of occasion and delight that we will all remember.
A wonderful way to end our tour. Highly recommended.
Excellent food, excellent service. The dessert could have been better—we had the choux and found it a bit stale. The food, however, was amazing!
La Petite Table
| Address | 11 Rue de la Cavalerie, 13200 Arles |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 6:00 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM |
| Phone | 06 19 73 29 84 |
What a lovely little restaurant! The service was excellent, and we appreciated having an English menu—perfect for non-French speakers like us. The portions were generous, and while the food overall was decent, we especially loved the soup of the day and the lasagne. The highlight, though, was the tiramisu—absolutely excellent! A great spot for a quick bite or simply to enjoy dessert and coffee. Would definitely recommend!
Absolutely delicious food at great prices. Arguably the best dinners we had in our nearly 3 weeks travelling throughout France. We ended up eating here two nights in a row.
The two owners were a genuine pleasure to chat with throughout our two nights dining here.
Highly recommend eating here if you plan to travel in and around Arles!
Beautiful and fresh! Crisp, luscious salads and lovely patio seating is a gorgeous first at a friendly place if you’re new to Arles!
Cute place. Nicely decorated. The chef is a humble person. Service was prompt and good.
The place is worth the visit. Unlike many touristic resto, I'm sure one will enjoy their time and food here.
Such a charming little restaurant! The service was friendly, and having an English menu was a big plus for those of us who don’t speak French. The portions were generous, and while the food was good overall, the soup of the day and the lasagne stood out. The real star, though, was the tiramisu—absolutely delicious! It’s also conveniently located, with parking close by and not too far from the highway. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or just a coffee and dessert, this place is worth a visit.
Le Criquet
| Address | 21 Rue Prte de Laure, 13200 Arles |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 90 96 80 51 |
Fresh ingredients, delicious seafood, and the lamb was especially amazing. The owner is very warm and welcoming, and the whole restaurant has a great atmosphere. We stayed in Arles for two days and ended up having dinner here both nights.
This was easily the best restaurant meal of my life. I was blown away by every bite; the flavors were so rich and complex, yet derived from such simple ingredients that the experience was nothing short of exhilarating. To top it off, the service was so genuine and warm that I didn't want to leave. I would travel to Arles just for this place-an absolute gem!
Amazing little cafe in Arles near the arena. We walked here from our river cruise ship and it was 1 km, so it's an easy walk. Highly recommend!
I had the bourride which was easily the most delicious thing I ate during a month in France. The only downside was that it was more than I could comfortably eat, so I had to pass on dessert.
Lovely restaurant with a real traditional province cuisine. The Good side is that there are not many options but the ones they are serving (depending on the season) are really authentic and good quality. I suggest the bulls meat (traditional to Arles). Reservation necessary before going.
La Bohême
| Address | 6 Rue Balze, 13200 Arles |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:30 – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:30 – 9:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:30 – 9:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:30 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:30 – 9:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 90 18 58 92 |
There is no shortage of people praising the virtues of this restaurant but I want to add my experience as a humble Canadian with poor French language skills. We came very late in the evening (8 PM) with no resos and we fully expected to be turned away. Yet, the server took it upon himself to clear a disused table for us. Then, both him and the owner provided warm attentive service which left a great impression on us.
The food itself was amazing (as per the reviews) and we consider the prices a bargain for what we got. White asparagus with creative pairings of sweet fruits, perfectly seared lamb that might make a lamb-skeptic believe, black pig that had us questioning if it was actually steak, too many hits to recount.
This should be a definite on the list to visit in Arles, but make sure you make a reso a few days in advance unlike us.
Absolutely fab place for excellent quality food, really good value, and lovely team who were so friendly. Definitely highly recommended.
The menu for 30 euro is what we ordered. I like my choices of entrada & lamb dinner which seems to be a specialty of this place. Nice ambience & friendly service. Waiter spoke good English as well. Desert of chocolate cake was fresh & tasty. We also had the steak, which was ordinary & nothing special. Go for the lamb.
Eat here! The food was fantastic.
I dined solo and was immediately seated.
The menu is in French but the server will explain all the options. It seems that the menu is rotating based on local, in season foods. I got a set meal with seared tuna and salad as a starter, a local pork dish thas was seared and served with a delicious assortment of broiled vegetables as my main, and a cheese desert. Everything was delectable and I ate every bite.
The service is prompt and friendly too.
It’s hard to review. I think the food was overall good, although the portions are inconsistent (a main with less substance than an entree, for example), and generally on the smallish side. It is cheaper than average, which is a pro since it breaks the impression that you cannot eat at a decent restaurant for less than 40 per person. Still, I didn’t find it too disappointing (although my girlfriend disagrees — rightly so, she asked for a well cooked stake, and she got it RARE, almost blue, not even medium).
Restaurant L'Oriel
| Address | 6 Rue du Forum, 13200 Arles |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 7:00 – 9:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 7:00 – 9:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 90 49 49 21 |
I had the 8 course chef's selection and it was really fantastic.
Excellent flavorful dishes that were still real food and not a chef's science experiment. 😉
I was stuffed and satisfied by the end of the evening.
The waiter was 'casual professional' and spoke excellent English. The overall atmosphere was very relaxed and comfortable, not at all stuffy or overly formal. Very pleasant outside dining terrace.
Can't recommend it highly enough! 😀
Absolutely exquisite! Exquisitely delicious multiple Michelin Star quality food with gorgeous plating and unusual ingredients combined in an amazing, photo worthy and delicious way. Terrific, attentive, bilingual service and lovely atmosphere. If you are looking for a truly great meal and experience in Arles, this is your choice.
The following has nothing to do with the restaurant's food review, but is relevant to the exceptional service.
I'm American from San Francisco Bay Area California, and unfortunately, while it was entertaining and laughable for a minute like an old-school comedy sketch 😉, there was a family from somewhere else in America (I say that because the parents were discussing retiring to California or other locations with their very loud young adult son), who came in after me and who you could hear all over the restaurant that didn't know an Entrée was a starter in France (as the word says) and said that an entrée is a main in the US but the two men ordered Entrées alone, anyway. When they first sat down, the woman pulled out her phone and rested it against a glass on the table, pointed at herself and adjusted her face, hair and scarf, meanwhile had put her brand new (I say that because her husband commented that a tag was still on it) Dior handbag on top of the table on the tablecloth and taking off her newly purchased jacket while seated so the inside neck was hanging out over the back of the chair so that you could see the brand new store tag hanging off of it and commented about it still having the tag on it. She proceeded to tell the waiter of this exquisite restaurant that she didn't like an ingredient in the sauce in the main that she wanted to order and had the chef give her a sauce from another dish instead etc. Meanwhile, the son is dominating the room with his discussion about what happens when a friend of his gets drunk.
All of that's why I said, laughable for a minute… classic comedy sketch.
Very embarrassing for the rest of us Americans and I felt bad for the server who was very gracious and attentive to them, despite it all. I do wish when people come abroad, that they would at least look things up on their phones and use the translate app before they decide on a restaurant and order.
This little story is to illustrate the exceptional service at L'Oriel.
10/10 would highly recommend. The chef and the staff were incredibly nice and understanding. My friends and I only had an hour left before we had to drive back to Montpellier to catch our flight, and the staff were so accommodating. A friend of the chef who spoke English helped us through our experience, and we all managed to get in two courses within the hour. The food is immaculate. One of the best steaks I have ever had, and the clementine dessert was so light and refreshing. Amazing!
We dined at L'Oriel on a Saturday evening in mid-May. Surprisingly the restaurant never filled, which is a shame since we had one of our best meals of our three week France vacation. Both plats were excellent as were the entrees. Service was discreet. This is a wonderful restaurant in the old city in Arles.
Absolutely lovely experience! We adored the fresh, creatively arranged, and high-quality food. The limited selection of dishes was actually appreciated. The prices were fair. The open wines could be a bit more impressive to perfectly match the food, but overall, it was a fabulous dinner experience. We can only recommend it!
le Seize
| Address | 15 Rue des Porcelets, 13200 Arles |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:15 – 2:30 PM Tuesday: 12:15 – 2:30 PM Wednesday: 12:15 – 2:30 PM Thursday: 12:15 – 1:30 PM, 7:15 – 8:30 PM Friday: 12:15 – 1:30 PM, 7:15 – 8:30 PM Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 09 82 50 65 69 |
Amazing!!! Absolutely fantastic.
Every mouthful was a delight — the food was not just delicious, but an experience in itself. We came to celebrate my mother’s 70th birthday and could not have been more pleased. Each course was flawless.
We sat outside on the street, soaking up the local atmosphere while blissfully shaded. Away from the main tourist traps, motorbikes occasionally zoomed past, but we were surrounded by locals, which only added to the charm.
We began with local olive oil and homemade bread, accompanied by a delicate bite of fish-egg mousse that melted away and hinted at more wonderful things to come. Our waitress, who spoke excellent English, recommended a superb local white wine. It paired beautifully with every dish — light yet full of flavor.
I chose the pork with figs, despite the sweltering day. The plating was stunning, a work of art. The dish was light and beautifully balanced, the pork tender and melt-in-the-mouth. Alongside it came the smokiest aubergine I’ve ever tasted — earthy, fragrant, and unforgettable.
My mother ordered the sea bass, served with a fragrant sauce and delicate little gyoza that paired perfectly with the fish.
For dessert, I had the aniseed cloud with honey ice cream made from their own hives — wow, wow, wow! It arrived like a piece of edible art, resembling white coral dotted with starfish, wobbling delightfully on the plate. Our waitress laughed at my unrestrained joy, which only grew as the “cloud” melted away. I’d love to say I savored it, but truthfully, it was all I could do not to devour it in one go and order another.
My partner in crime had the chocolate torte. We had feared it might be overly rich, but it was instead a masterpiece of balance, the deep chocolate perfectly complemented by pear and walnut.
Just when we thought the meal had ended, tiny lemon cubes of Italian meringue arrived as a palate cleanser. Bright, zesty, and delicious in their simplicity, they were the perfect finish.
The service was wonderful. Our waitress was attentive without hovering, always friendly and helpful, and at the end she even came out to give my mother a birthday hug.
It was a perfect lunch — relaxed, joyous, and delicious from start to finish. I would highly recommend Le Seize to anyone visiting the Camargue. Truly one of the best meals I’ve had in years.
Very cute, unpretentious restaurant. We were warmly welcomed by both the owner and waitress. We had a few amusing moments of communication confusion, when my French failed me! As a non-drinker, they have a fabulous selection of homemade soft drinks- truly spectacularly good.
The menu was small, which befits the size of restaurant, and allowed for each dish to shine in its own glory.
We had the 3-course option, and at €54/person, it was very reasonable for the quality. Elegant, simple flavours (which truly excellent cooking makes seemingly simple) enhanced the quality of the food. Beautifully presented. A true gem of a place.
Highly recommended.
We found this place recommended on a website and it was certainly worth it. The service was excellent; they paid close attention to our requests and the food was simply perfect. Each dish was presented with great care and, from a technical point of view, the execution was flawless. For my starter, I had crab with citrus fruits, and for my main course, pigeon with demi-glace sauce and eggplant. I’d been looking for this sort of dining experience in France, and it certainly lived up to my expectations. The price was fair given the quality of the ingredients and the execution. I highly recommend this place!
We specifically chose Le Seize because we wanted to enjoy a fine dining experience. It was recommended by the Michelin Guide.
And we were not disappointed. Le Seize in Arles is a feast for the senses.
The food is superb, beautifully presented, and tastes wonderful.
The service leaves nothing to be desired and is very personal.
It’s the complete feel-good package.
For anyone who wants to enjoy superb food and outstanding service, Le Seize is the perfect place!
The food is yummy and the chef is excellent presenting the food. The lady is nice and helpful in introducing each dish … Will definitely recommend others
Le Constantin
| Address | 6 Rue du Sauvage, 13200 Arles |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM |
| Phone | 06 09 09 80 52 |
Everything is perfect, the atmosphere, the foods, and the owner's kindness. I visited to have a meal with my mother for Parents' Day and had the fish and octopus dishes. It was the best octopus I have ever had in my life, and the fish was delicious as well. Not only the main dishes, but also the various types of grilled vegetables had excellent flavors. The bread was also tosted very well. Thank you for giving me such a wonderful memory🙏💫
We had a wonderful experience, both the Pork and Fish were delicious. The chef certainly gave the impression he loved what he did, not only with the presentation and taste, there was a subtle happy whistle coming from the kitchen.
I normally don’t have dessert, but the nectarines on the menu read so well, and tasted even better.
Would certainly come back if we are in the area.
Le Constantin! Very… French! Traditional French food, rich and succulent. Treat yourself to an authentic local experience. Pedro, the host, is warm and welcoming. Bon appetit!
Our experience at Le Constantin in Arles was truly exceptional. From the moment we arrived, Pedro—both owner and chef—gave us his full attention, making us feel not just like guests, but genuinely welcomed.
His hospitality went far beyond anything we expected. In a memorable gesture, he even brought out a TV so we could catch the end of a soccer game—an act of thoughtfulness that perfectly captures his kind spirit.
The food was equally outstanding: beautifully presented, creative, and absolutely delicious. Each dish reflected both care and artistry.
Le Constantin is not just a restaurant—it’s an experience shaped by generosity, warmth, and passion. We can’t wait to return.
This was a unique and perfect dinner experience. The ambience was lovely, with soft music that our host whistled perfectly. My wife and I could chat easily, and our host was attentive. The food was amazing
The way the presentation enhanced the eating was enlightening. The food tasted as good as it looked. Following the bread, which was delicious, I had the lamb, and it was melting beautifully as it was pulled apart. A delight. Deserts were exquisite. Last night our host worked alone, and this made the experience for the diners even more amazing. A truely skilled chef delivering one of the best meals I have ever eaten.
Du début à la Faim
| Address | 10 Rue du Président Wilson, 13200 Arles |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 2:45 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 2:45 PM Thursday: Closed Friday: 7:00 – 9:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:45 PM, 7:00 – 9:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 88 65 25 37 |
Delicious coffee, friendly staff and vegan options! Very beautiful charming spot with a hidden garden ☕️🌿
Very good food and perfect atmosphere. We enjoyed the time in the garden at the backyard.
First night in France and we loved the food! The owners are absolutely amazing! On a quiet street and just so lovely! Thank you for starting our vacation great!
Great experience, seasonal and local products revisited with Chef’s twist. Highly recommended if you are looking for a modern , local and tasty French cuisine!
The food was amazingly good. We had the local specialty of taureau and also the salade with smoked trout. A beautiful patio in the back had a welcome breeze. It was quiet and tucked away from the business of the street. Cafe gourmand filled in the corners with a delightful lemon custard and chocolate mousse. Our waiter even brought bubbles for our two year old. Highly Recommend. Merci Beaucoup!
Brasserie Les Ateliers - Restaurant Arles
| Address | 31 Av. Victor Hugo, 13200 Arles |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 90 96 38 79 |
Had the salade de terroire and was blown away - simple dish but so refined and tasty with a mustard vinaigrette. Home-made desserts also good. Place is a bit outside the main touristy paths in Arles, at a rather busy street.
Good stop if you’re going to Luma Arles. Full of locals. Our burgers were great. Good value and fast service
This place is nice, very close to Luma. We liked the food and the host is very nice.
Very good value, tasty plat du jour. Good service, comfortable air conditioned indoor space, and nice terrace outside. Convenient location for La Luma!
Wendy and I visited this restaurant on the 8th and the 11th of September during out stay in Arles.
On both occasions the food and service were excellent.
We sat outside in comfortable seating and were provided with a pleasant lemon mosquito repellent.
Not the cheapest restaurant but the quality of the food and wine meant it was good value for money.
We were well looked after by Mona who was very friendly and provided good recommendations.
We would definitely visit again if in Arles.
Le Galoubet
| Address | 18 Rue du Dr Fanton, 13200 Arles |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM |
| Phone | 04 90 93 18 11 |
The best desert I’ve tried in Europe. Best expression of the southern France experience! The staff are so ffriendly the steak is tender with the umami mushroom sauce 💕 our starter with the fried wonton skin is just right on spot!
We were told about this restaurant by a local and it led up to all expectations! A little off the main track, but worth finding. We sat on the terrace, covered by wisteria. At lunch time the restaurant was full of locals. We ordered the special gambas with spinach and rocket salad. The gambas had a slight curry flavour and were perfectly cooked, melting in the mouth. The other main course was beautifully cooked chicken, served with homemade fries, fresh vegetables and a delicious sauce. The dishes took a while to arrive, but everything is cooked fresh to order. This is definitely a restaurant to visit if you enjoy excellent local cuisine.
Had dinner at Le Galoubet. Probably our best meal during our stay in Arles. We sat outside under a canopy of leaves, really magical. I had escargot ravioli followed by the onglet de boeuf. Both cooked to perfection, really delicious.
I would recommend Le Galoubet to anyone who wants to eat out in Arles. Parfait.
Le Galoubet has a warm, homely charm, made even cozier by its beautiful open fire. The service was friendly and attentive, and every dish impressed — from the silky butternut velouté and prawn ravioli to the perfectly cooked duck breast and tender onglet. Exceptional food, lovely atmosphere, and a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Had a wonderful meal here wish we had come earlier on our stay in Arles .
Wonderful food and presentation and nice small plates. We chose a main dish and desert, easily could have had an appetizer but not knowing the size of the portions opted for less food. Must call out our wonderful waitress/sommelier who is friendly, knowledgeable and a great smile.
Well worth a visit inside is romantic and cool but outside on the patio surrounded by by plants is also lovely.
Tips for Choosing a Traditional Restaurant in Arles
To ensure your meal is as memorable as the city’s ancient amphitheater, a little preparation goes a long way. The dining culture in Arles is relaxed but deeply principled, and knowing a few local customs will help you secure a table at the right spot. Here are some practical tips to enhance your traditional dining experience in this Provençal gem.
Book ahead, especially in summer. Arles is a major stop on the Provençal tourist trail, and the best traditional kitchens often have limited seating. Reserving a day or two in advance is essential during the high season and during events like the Rencontres d’Arles photography festival.
Look for Camargue AOC products. Authentic restaurants will proudly display certifications or mention "AOC Camargue" on their menus. This label guarantees that the bull meat or rice comes from the immediate region, ensuring you are tasting a true local specialty rather than a generic substitute.
Embrace the fixed-price menu. The "menu du jour" or "formule" often offers the best value and the most traditional cooking. Chefs prepare these set menus based on what was fresh at the market that morning, giving you a genuine snapshot of the season.
Check the pace of the meal. A traditional French restaurant is not a place for a quick bite. Service is intentionally unhurried, allowing you to savor each course. Do not expect the check to arrive immediately after your plate is cleared; you will need to ask for it when you are ready.
Ask for a local wine pairing. Skip the international labels and ask for a wine from the Alpilles or the Bouches-du-Rhône. The staff at traditional establishments are usually passionate about local vineyards and can recommend a red or rosé that perfectly complements the earthy flavors of Provençal cuisine.
Stepping out of the bright Arlesian sun into a cool, stone-walled dining room is a sensory experience that lingers long after the last bite. The clink of glasses, the aroma of garlic and olive oil, and the murmur of French conversation create an atmosphere that no modern restaurant can replicate. These traditional tables are guardians of a way of life that values patience, quality, and the simple joy of sharing a meal.
When you visit Arles, make time to sit down properly. Leave the sightseeing map in your pocket for a few hours, order a glass of local rosé, and let the flavors of the Camargue tell you their story. It is, without a doubt, the most delicious way to understand this extraordinary corner of France.
