A few recommendations
Restaurants
Périgord Noir is famous for its gastronomy, but not all restaurants are created equal. Over the past four years, I’ve tried many of the restaurants around Saint-Amand-de-Coly and I’m sharing my favourites with you, across different price ranges. Advance booking is strongly recommended for all of these places.
Coly-Saint-Amand
The village restaurant in Saint-Amand, right opposite the abbey. A fixed menu with shared starters and a choice of two main courses. Greg showcases local cuisine with a few creative touches from elsewhere. Excellent Napolitain wood‑fired pizzas on Sunday and Thursday evenings, available to eat in or take away.
A charming setting along the Coly: outside, the large terrace faces the stone arches of an old watermill; inside, beautiful dining rooms protected by two‑meter‑thick stone walls. The chef previously ran a Michelin‑starred restaurant. An excellent table, and you’ll be warmly welcomed by Marie‑Jo.
A village inn in Coly, well‑known throughout the area. Delicious bistronomic cuisine and very good service — a reliable favourite. In fine weather, enjoy the large shaded terrace.
Montignac-Lascaux
A friendly little restaurant in old Montignac on the right bank, popular with both locals and visitors. Pleasant terrace in summer and a warm welcome from the owner. Open for lunch and dinner, though the schedule can be a bit unpredictable.
The only crêperie in Montignac — and the best in the area! It’s one of my favourite spots. In summer, enjoy the rooftop terrace overlooking the Vézère.
The best table in Montignac, located within the Hôtel de Bouilhac. Run by Nick Honeyman, the Michelin‑starred chef of Petit Léon in Saint‑Léon‑sur‑Vézère. Make sure to book well in advance.
A good spot for lunch (closed in the evening), with a small, very sunny terrace overlooking Rue du Quatre Septembre. Excellent daily specials and very generous à‑la‑carte dishes. Everything is homemade!
An open‑air snack bar just outside Montignac, little‑known to tourists. Simple dishes, well prepared. A nice spot for a drink too. If you have young children, you can keep an eye on them while they play in the nearby playground.
Thonac
A very good restaurant in Thonac, just past Montignac as you follow the Vézère downstream. In the evening, a three‑ or four‑course surprise menu. Creative, colourful cuisine — no duck breast, confit or sarladaises, yet the spirit of the Périgord is still very much on the plate. “Boïdicou” means “little basket” in Occitan.
Auriac du Périgord
Christophe is in the kitchen and Fatima takes care of the dining room — you’ll be warmly welcomed in a beautiful setting, whether indoors or on the terrace by the water. Excellent seasonal menus, all beautifully presented.
La Chapelle-Aubareil
A local institution! Proper traditional Périgord cooking for lunch (closed in the evening). A very large dining room, always full and popular with local tradespeople. Portions are generous — you may want to plan a little nap afterwards. Homemade products are also available to take away.
Saint-Geniès
Italy is on the menu at this café‑restaurant located in the heart of the château. The décor is beautiful, the dishes are tasty and well presented, and the fresh pasta is cooked to perfection — don’t hesitate! And above all, visit the wine cellar to choose your bottle; many Italian regions are represented across different price ranges.
Saint-Léon sur Vézère
Good traditional Périgord cooking served in this restaurant founded in 1948. The large shaded terrace at the back is particularly pleasant.
The region’s Michelin‑starred restaurant (1*). Ideal for special occasions. It’s always full in summer, so you’ll need to book well before your arrival in Saint‑Amand. If it’s fully booked, try ro.bo in Montignac — it’s run by the same chef.
Sarlat
Named after a small long‑barrelled artillery piece. A great address in Sarlat. A recent chapter intertwined with the history of Château de Lacypierre.
One of the few good restaurants in Sarlat. A bistro spirit with regional cuisine.