Première édition

Things are changing in the medieval city of Avignon! Aurélie and Jonathan Thomassin have converted a local institution (L’Ami Voyage, a former bookstore/restaurant that was also the first printing press for Actes Sud editions) into an intriguing restaurant : a waxed concrete bar, Japanese-inspired lighting, skateboards hung on the walls… Once night falls, make way for tantalizing small plates: light zucchini blossom beignets stuffed with brousse cheese and sumac, plus green gazpacho (Green Zebra tomatoes, melon, zucchini) with just the right amount of vinegar; lovely chicken thigh cooked in a press, with tender meat and crispy skin, drizzled in a tarragon, marigold and mandarin orange jus, with smashed potatoes; and a comforting s’more dessert made with homemade barbecued marshmallow in between two tuile cookies, all sprinkled with shaved dark chocolate and toasted buckwheat. // Raoul Taburin

FEELING THIRSTY? An unfussy selection with a few local wines (a Cairanne white from the Domaine Brusset at €6 a glass, a biodynamic red from the Domaine des Maravilhas for €27 a bottle) and Leamo sodas (€4).
PRICE: menu €21-25 (lunch), à la carte €37-42 (dinner).