As we head towards the last meal of the year, and excitingly the first meal of 2025 I take a moment to reflect on my top 5 restaurants of 2024.
The criteria for best restaurant is totally subjective, taking into account the location, the service, quality of food and overall enjoyment from eating out. Whilst we have eaten at a number of Michelin Starred restaurants, none make the list simply because it’s not just about the food. For us sometimes, simpler is better, however a good Vegetarian option is crucial to make the list.
This was another busy year for eating out, with at least 75 restaurant visits chalked up this year. Many visits were brand new restaurants with a few old favourites we keep returning to.
In this year’s top 5 we have two restaurants in France, a French restaurant in London, an old favourite Indian Restaurant shaking up their menu, and a fantastic brasserie in Bruges. Let’s get stuck in!
Restaurant Les Remparts – La Chèvre d’Or, Eze South of France
We’ve been eating at Les Remparts for 30 odd years now, and it never fails to please. Located in the amazing 5 star hotel Château de la Chèvre, my second best hotel of 2024 , Les Remparts offers a mix of service, delicious local food and the most incredible views.
Unlike the fancier Gourmet restaurant upstairs, Les Remparts offers a simple 3 course menu combining local ingredients with world class wines and some of the most beautiful deserts I’ve ever seen. The food is delicate and fresh but still filling enough that you feel satisfied without stocking up on bread. This year we enjoyed dishes including raviole, an Eze take on the Nicoise salad, fresh burrata and a wonderful rice dish. I am not regretting not writing down the dish names!
Whilst you could enjoy similar dishes at any number of South of France restaurants it is the deserts and the location that give it top marks. Let’s talk about those deserts. Made on site these deserts are often ‘Trompe-l’œil’ tricks of the eye that make it look like you are eating a Lemon which is in fact the most delicate lemon flavoured desert you have tried.
The location, perched on the edge of the cliff means that there is not a single bad seat in the house. Sitting down to dinner just as the sun sets on the Cote D’Azur we love watching the sea and sky change colour. From bright blues, to pastel pinks then an inky black canvas punctuated by city lights in the distance and winking boats far below.
La Mère Germaine – Villefranche, South of France
La Mère Germaine Restaurant in Villefranche has been here since 1938 and for good reason. It makes the list of favourite restaurants for it’s mix of delicious French food, excellent service and charming location.
A classic South of France restaurant, as waiters dodge passing cars and pedestrians dodged optimistic buskers we dined on fresh fish dishes, soft rosé and wonderful desserts.
Seasonal dishes include roasted veal, lamb confit, linguini and risotto. Fish options include a wonderful rock fish soup, fresh crevettes and the latest catch of the day. I chose the wonderful curry dish that was both fresh and delicate.
And to finish, the Tarte Aux Pommes was delicious!
Just a short taxi ride back to our Beaulieu villa, or to Nice this was a great restaurant we will come back to, hopefully, in 2025.
The Blue Naan – Felixstowe, UK
In it’s heyday, the Suffolk coastal town of Felixstowe was compared favourably to Nice although a good few degrees cooler but with better record shops! In 2024/2025 the town is back on the way ‘up’. The Blue Naan Indian restaurant has been a popular fixture for over a fifteen years and continues to evolve.
It makes our favourite list for unique Indian dishes, constant innovation and great service.
Since lockdown the restaurant has not served alcohol which has ensured the focus remains on great tasting food. Whilst it serves the classics like Chicken Tikka Masala, the introduction of a new Street Food and Fusion menu has given it some truly unique and delicious dishes. The weekly specials board further adds to the fresh and ever changing menu. Last year the founder Johnny introduced ‘Reckless Noodles’ a mix of chips, noodles and chicken tikka which rapidly became my favourite dish. Whilst it’s not swimming in a sauce, it still delivers a juicy and spicy dish.
The street food menu also continues to evolve with dishes like Indian style Bao Buns and Pav Sliders that keep us going back to try new dishes. There are no shortage of vegetarian dishes including the Dhaba Style Egg Curry which I am told is delicious.
Friendly family service and mocktails further add to the reasons why we think this is the best Indian Restaurants in East Anglia and one of the best in the UK.
Brasserie Raymond, Bruges Belgium
We managed to fit in five different restaurants on our long weekend in Bruges, with Brasserie Raymond topping the list. Located moments from the main square, ‘Raymond is a contemporary luxury brasserie that offers a wide selection of European dishes including plenty of options for the veggie.
The restaurant was buzzing when we dined on a Thursday night, with a mixture of locals, European and American diners all made to fee welcome and relaxed. The service was quick and attentive, and patient with our translations and questions.
For my main course I chose a house speciality which was effectively a huge Vol au Vent with a chicken in sauce topping. The ceremony with which it was served is only matched by the quality of the dish!
Whilst the dishes are typically heavier than the South of France delicacies we loved the food, washed down with some fabulous Belgian Blond beer!
Brasserie Raymond was a great ‘first night’ dinner which set the benchmark for the rest of our weekend reservations. We’d happily go back here next time we land in Bruges.
Colbert Sloane Square, London UK
Like a slice of Paris on Sloane Square, Colbert has become our ‘go to’ London restaurant when seeking a comfortable dinner with french dishes, atmosphere and wine. The black and white tiled floor sets off the deep red leather banquettes and dark walls covered in French posters and photographs.
The menu is typically French – think Crevettes, French Onion Soup and Vinaigrettes with main courses including Veal and Steak.
Dinner at Colbert is a great place to relax, people watch and enjoy some authentic French food. The menu doesn’t change much, which is fine, and the service is always efficient and friendly.
There’s always a buzz in here and always a queue to get in, so make sure you book!
Do you have a favourite restaurant to recommend? Let me know in the comments below!
