The Best Restaurants in Montpellier, France

Move the map to see the location of all of the restaurants mentioned in this article. The best-rated restaurants by TripAdvisor are in green. The Michelin star restaurants are in red.

Are you planning a trip to Montpellier, France? Looking forward to finally digging into a gourmet meal at a fancy restaurant with a white tablecloth and sommeliers that serve you bottles of wine you don’t know how to pronounce? We know the feeling. That’s why we’ve put together this list of all the best restaurants in Montpellier, France to help you out.

We’ll also let you in on what the food culture is like in general in the area. Read this article before going to Montpellier if you want to make sure you know what you’re talking about when the waiter takes your order.

What are some of the best restaurants in Montpellier, France?

There are several ways to define something as being « the best ». The best restaurant in Montpellier (or anywhere else, for that matter) will change depending on the qualities that you value it for. Here, we have brought together several restaurants in Montpellier, France that have the best reputations in the city.

First, we’ll share with you the top-rated restaurants in Montpellier according to users on TripAdvisor. These are the restaurants that the majority of the general public has agreed upon as being a cut above the rest. Then, since we are talking about dining in the South of France, after all, we’ll take a look at the eleven (that’s right, eleven) Michelin star restaurants in Montpellier. These are the restaurants with the highest recognition that a restaurant can receive – a Michelin star. Then, you’ll have the choice between the general public’s favorites as well as professional food critics’ favorites… and you can decide for yourself which restaurant you think is the best!

Tips About the Montpellier, France Food Culture

First of all, let’s set the stage with a little bit of French food culture for context. As with anywhere, Montpellier – and the South of France in general – is known for its specialities. Here are a few of the basics to help you get acquainted.

• Wine. Much like the rest of the country, the South of France has an appreciation for a good glass of wine. In the Montpellier area, rosé is a popular favorite.
• Olives. Any product made from olives is a big hit in the South of France: olive oil, tapenade, or even olives served alone as an appetizer during l’apéritif.
• Ratatouille. This is a tomato-based stew featuring green peppers and eggplant. It’s especially appreciated in the South during winter.
• Seafood. You’ll find all kinds of specialty dishes based on fish, shellfish, and seafood, especially in the South of France. For example, bouillabaisse is a stereotypical fish soup native to Marseille, France’s second-largest city, a few hours away from Montpellier.
• Cheese. The stereotype exists for a reason. Cheese is an integral part of the food culture in France. It even has its own place in the succession of everyday meals: apéritif, entrée, plat, fromage, dessert, café.

Incorporating these general French food culture tips into your eating habits during the time you’re in Montpellier (or in the South of France, in general) will help you better understand the local customs and take advantage of your time there, while you make your way through the restaurants on our list!

The Best Restaurants in Montpellier

Without further ado, let’s dive right into our list of the best restaurants in Montpellier, France, according to reviewers on TripAdvisor.

1. Le Pat’Daniel’s

Le Pat’Daniel’s is a local restaurant and bar that focuses on serving high quality, traditional French cuisine. It is located behind the central train station in downtown Montpellier.

Telephone: +33 06 58 63 73 01
Address: 31 Rue de la Méditerranée, 34000 Montpellier
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM. Closed Sunday and Monday.

2. Le Lab

Le Lab is a traditional French restaurant serving up a combination of bistro and gastronomic dishes in the heart of Montpellier.

Telephone: +33 04 34 11 83 45
Address: 47 Rue de l’Aiguillerie, 34000 Montpellier
Hours: Thursday – Sunday, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

3. Les t’OCqués

Les t’OCqués is a chic, stylish restaurant that puts their own unique spin on traditional French cuisine and focuses on using local ingredients.

Telephone: +33 04 67 63 42 86
Address: 15 Rue Roucher, 34000 Montpellier
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM. Closed Sunday and Monday.

4. Au Mazet de Grand Meme

Au Mazet de Grand Meme is an upscale Italian restaurant featuring wood-oven baked pizzas. Located slightly outside of the city center, you’ll need a car to get there.

Telephone: +33 04 67 41 08 42
Address: 260 Chemin des Mendrous, 34170 Castelnau-le-Lez
Hours: Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM. Friday & Saturday: 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

5. L’AureliA

L’AureliA is a pizzeria located in the Gambetta neighborhood of downtown Montpellier, serving homemade pizza and pasta.

Telephone: +33 04 11 19 15 87
Address: 23 Rue Chaptal, 34000 Montpellier
Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 6:00 – 9:30 PM. Saturday & Sunday, 6:00 – 10:00 PM. Closed Monday.

6. Sumac Falafel Bar and Mezze

Sumac Falafel Bar and Mezze is a Lebanese restaurant with a passion for falafel, mezze, and other Mediterranean classics.

Telephone: +33 04 67 22 44 75
Address: 20 Place du Nombre d’Or, 34000 Montpellier
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM and 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM. Closed Sunday.

7. Chez Delagare

Chez Delagare is a very modern French restaurant which prides itself on rethinking classic French favorites. It’s the kind of restaurant you want to go to just to take photos of your plate for Instagram. It’s almost too pretty to eat!

Telephone: +33 04 34 09 13 33
Address: 21 Rue Jules Ferry, 34000 Montpellier
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Closed Sunday and Monday.

8. Itoko

Itoko is a Japanese restaurant located in Castries, a 35-minute drive from Montpellier. Their menu consists mainly of sushi, miso, verrines, and various Japanese drinks.

Telephone: +33 04 99 24 00 68
Address: 7 Avenue de Sommières, 34160 Castries
Hours: Wednesday – Friday, 12:00 – 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Saturday & Tuesday: 7:00 PM -10:00 PM. Closed Sunday and Monday.

9. L’Escale Régale

L’Escale Régale is a restaurant located in Northern Montpellier that serves different world flavors.

Telephone: +33 06 59 38 43 71
Address: 36 Avenue du Professeur Grasset, 34090 Montpellier
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Closed Sunday.

10. L’Effet Jardin Restaurant

L’Effet Jardin Restaurant is located in Lattes, a municipality adjacent to Montpellier, accessible by tram. Their specialty is barbecue and grilled meat, which is served in their outdoor terrace setting.

Telephone: +33 04 67 22 40 17
Address: 330 Chemin de Soriech, 34970 Lattes
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 9:00 AM – 2:45 PM and 7:45 PM – 10:45 PM. Closed Sunday and Monday.

Michelin Star Restaurants in Montpellier

Now we’ll take a look at all the best restaurants in Montpellier, France that boast at least one Michelin star. These restaurants are ideal for those of you looking for an authentic experience with high-end French gastronomy.

Located in the Pedestrian Zone of Downtown

La Diligence offers traditional French cuisine and an extensive choice of whiskey in a stunning 13th-century building.

Telephone: +33 04 67 66 12 21
Address: 2 Place Pétrarque, 34000 Montpellier
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 12;00 PM – 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM. Closed Sunday and Monday.

L’Artichaut is a very affordable Michelin star restaurant. The cuisine is traditional with a flair.

Telephone: +33 04 67 67 91 86
Address: 15B Rue Saint-Firmin, 34000 Montpellier
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 12;00 PM – 1:30 PM and 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM. Closed Sunday and Monday.

Anga is an open-kitchen restaurant focusing on traditional French cuisine with a Mediteranean influence.

Telephone: +33 04 67 60 61 65
Address: 19 Rue du Palais des Guilhem, 34000 Montpellier
Hours: Wednesday – Friday, 12:00 PM – 1:45 PM and 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM. Tuesday : 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM. Closed Saturday – Monday.

Leclere is an unassuming restaurant with a terrace. They value fresh, local ingredients that change with the season.

Telephone: +33 04 67 56 90 23
Address: 41 Rue de la Valfere, 34000 Montpellier
Hours: Thursday – Saturday, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Tuesday and Wednesday: 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Closed Sunday and Monday.

Pastis is right around the corner from Leclere. You’ll find fresh, local ingredients (plus a large selection of wine pairings).

Telephone: +33 04 67 66 37 26
Address: 3 Rue Terral, 34000 Montpellier
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 12:00 PM – 1:20 PM and 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM. Closed Sunday and Monday.

Located on the Outskirts of Downtown

Le Petit Jardin is a large restaurant serving French cuisine. It is located within a hotel, and it offers a restaurant, a bistro, and a patio.

Telephone: +33 04 67 60 78 78
Address: 20 Rue Jean Jacques Rousseau, 34000 Montpellier
Hours: Open everyday, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM and 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM.

Reflet d’Obione is located just a few doors down from Le Petit Jardin. The restaurant’s philosophy revolves around responsible, sustainable sourcing, and using local products that reflect the South of France region.

Telephone: +33 04 99 61 09 17
Address: 29 Rue Jean Jacques Rousseau, 34000 Montpellier
Hours: Wednesday – Friday, 12:00 PM – 1:45 PM and 7:00 – 9:30 PM. Tuesday and Friday: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM. Closed Sunday and Monday.

Le Bistro Urbain is an original concept, combining traditional French gastronomy and the concept of a bistro with its affordable prices. This restaurant brings the two together with style, leading to a delicious meal enjoyed in an upscale environment, without breaking the bank.

Telephone: +33 09 83 22 42 61
Address: 15 Boulevard Ledru Rollin, 34000 Montpellier
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 8:00 PM – 11:30 PM. Closed Sunday and Monday.

Along the Lez River

La Réserve Rimbaud is located outside of the city center, near the chic Antigone neighborhood near the Lez River. In fact, the outdoor terrace behind the restaurant overlooks the river as diners enjoy their meal in a calm, natural environment.

Telephone: +33 04 67 72 52 53
Address: 820 Avenue de Saint-Maur, 34000 Montpellier
Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM and 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM. Saturday: 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM. Sunday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM. Closed Monday.

La Factory is a modern restaurant located in the Port Marianne neighborhood. It combines the open space, cantine atmosphere with high quality, full-sized dishes.They also boast a large wine list with many famous names on it. Of course, cheese plates are also available for the perfect pairing.

Telephone: +33 04 67 20 20 60
Address: 598 Avenue de la Mer-Raymond Dugrand, 34000 Montpellier
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM. Closed Sunday.

Terminal #1 is a modern « pop-up » restaurant with an open kitchen, located in the Marché du Lez on the bank of the Lez River. You’ll find tapas, wine, cheese, and beer in the bistro, as well as a full menu of traditional French cuisine available in the restaurant or on the terrace.

Telephone: +33 04 99 58 38 38
Address: 1408 Avenue de la Mer, 34000 Montpellier
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM and 7:00 – 11:00 PM. Closed Sunday and Monday.

Happy restaurant hunting, and as they say in Montpellier: bon appétit!