The latest addition to Clermont-Ferrand’s volcanic bistro scene? Mouffu, a welcoming spot (hardwood floors, oak banquettes, vintage plates and chairs) where Léa Belle and Emmanuel Noguera (a former disciple of the great Saint-Eutrope) bring a little funk to their local, seasonal ingredients! Take the day we went for lunch as an example: delicate cream of mushroom with olive oil and peanuts; tender (ethically-raised) veal vitello tonnato with a tuna-rich cream, capers and crunchy pistachios; duck breast tonkatsu with a lovely celeriac purée whipped with butter, plus balsamic vinegar and a cabbage salad; or an experimental cod pot-au-feu with leeks, carrots, butternut squash and cabbage; before an excellent cherry-amaretto clafoutis topped with a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream. Our only disappointment? Not getting to taste the mouthwatering pâté au croûte made in-house with pork from the Cormiers farm! // Nadine Corsa

FEELING THIRSTY? Native wines! Nature Môl, a red from Patrick Bouju (€6 a glass), Mille-Pattes, a biodynamic Saint-Pourçais from the Domaine des Bérioles (€5) or gentian-infused tonic water from La Fourche du Diable (€3.50).
PRICE: Set menu €14-17, à la carte €28-46.