Auberge des Maures

Description:

• One of our favorite cost-conscious restaurants in an otherwise very expensive town lies close to one end of the all-pedestrian rue Allard. In a stone-sided building, the seating capacity doubles when the roof is rolled away in good weather and tables are set up in the garden with views of the moon, stars, splashing fountains and ornamental shrubbery. Murals highlight the stone walls and include such Provence-specific frescoes as fields of lavender, artfully rendered in oil colors. Adding to the drama and atmosphere is the view of the hardworking kitchen, where the staff wears black and churns out tempting platters completely based on seasonal, all-fresh ingredients. Menu items include grilled versions of many kinds of fresh fish and meat, and often taste best when preceded with starters such as panache Provençal, with piled deep-fried zucchini blossoms; hearts of artichoke barigoule; and a medley of petits farcis (stuffed vegetables).

• © Frommer's 2013