L’Ile Rousse is one of my favourite coastal towns in Corsica and the sea there is a crystal clear aquamarine by day and equally beautiful by night, with the lights from the beach-side restaurants reflected in the water. You’ll find a fantastic range of eateries to choose from here, whether for breakfast by the beach, lunch in a quiet cobbled backstreet or dinner as the sunsets, lighting up the promontory with a rusty glow (from where the town gets its name – the red isle).
The many restaurants vary in style, price and quality so with that in mind here’s a heads-up on some of our favourites. We couldn’t weedle it down to just ten, so here’s our top eleven!
1. A Casa Corsa, Place Pascal Paoli
Simple, authentic Corsican food and wine in a friendly atmosphere. Their Corsican cheese and charcuterie platters coming highly recommended as does the local produce that you’ll find for sale in their shop next door.
Place Pascal Paoli
2. Bistrot de la Place 3, Place Pascal Paoli
With an excellent choice of meat and fish dishes this restaurant is reputedly one of the best in Corsica so it is no surprise that the prices are higher than some other restaurants. Rather than being offered a wine list, the friendly owners will happily recommend a wine to compliment your chosen menu. Popular with locals, booking in advance is recommended.
Chez Paco
3. Chez Paco Rue Napoleon 18
Popular and reasonably priced seafood restaurant, tucked away in a cobbled back street. Known for it’s excellent paella, friendly service and pleasant atmosphere.
4. L’Abri des Flots Le Port
A delightful fish restaurant, offering a genuinely warm welcome, that is easily overlooked due to its location by the port, however, it is well worth the short walk out of town or if you prefer to drive there is plenty of parking. Excellent food and extremely friendly service.
La Bodega
5. La Bodega Rue Napoleon 7
Atmospheric tapas and fish restaurant. Booking recommended.
La Cave
6. La Cave Place Pascal Paoli
Traditional Corsican cuisine at a reasonable price. This lovely restaurant is situated on the corner of the main square, with the kitchen on one side of the road and the majority of seating on a raised terrace on the square itself.
7. L’Eden Café Place Pascal Paoli
On the opposite corner of the square from La Cave, L’Eden Café is a great choice for piazzas, salads, snacks and desserts when on a budget (or in a hurry!)
8. Le Marinella Promenade de la Marinella
In a fantastic location right on the beach with the crystal clear water just a couple of metres away. Dine with your toes in the sand!
9. Pasquale Paoli Place Pascal Paoli 2
An unpretentious, Michelin star restaurant, serving traditional Corsican cuisine using fresh local produce.
10. Terra e Mare Rue Napoleon
A simple, welcoming, small restaurant offering good, traditional home-cooked food using local produce all at a reasonable price. Good for families.
U Spuntinu
11. U Spuntinu 1, Rue Napoleon
Hearty home-cooked Corsican food in a friendly family run restaurant. Their tasting plate is great choice if you’d like to try traditional Corsican cuisine.
The post Our ‘Top Ten’ restaurants in L’Ile Rousse appeared first on The Corsica Blog.