La Chimere Cafe

Baroque-meets-disco bistro that has been a fixture of Aix dining for thirty years

Address 15 Rue Brueys, 13100 Aix-en-Provence

La Chimere Cafe is the long-running flagship of the local chef Frederic Sabbagh — a fancifully decorated room with gilded mirrors, chandeliers, and unexpected disco touches. Despite the theatricality, the cooking is grounded and seasonal: rabbit en croute, langoustine ravioli, a famously rich chocolate fondant.

It is the kind of place that locals take their parents and then come back for date night. The set menus are well-priced for the polish of the food, the wine list leans heavily Provencal, and the staff are warm. Closed Sundays and lunches outside of festival season.

eating out restaurant