Must-see restaurants in Corsica

  • Le 20123

    Ajaccio

    This fabulous, one-of-a-kind restaurant originated in the village of Pila Canale (postcode 20123). When the owner moved to Ajaccio, the village came too –…

  • U Casanu

    Calvi

    For an unforgettable lunch, grab a booth at this cosy hole-in-the-wall, cheerily decorated in yellow and green, and hung with watercolours by…

  • Le Matahari

    Corsica

    White-clothed tables, strung along the sand and topped with straw parasols, evoke a tropical paradise at this special hideaway. The stylish interior is…

  • La Rivière des Vins

    Corte

    Diners flock to this fab bistro, on a staircase climbing from Corte's main street, for its relaxed atmosphere, unbeatable value and sumptuous food. The…

  • Kissing Pigs

    Bonifacio

    At water’s edge beneath the citadel, and festooned with swinging sausages, this seductively cosy and friendly restaurant-cum-wine bar serves wonderfully…

  • Pasquale Paoli

    Corsica

    Whether you choose to dine in the whitewashed, vaulted dining room, or al fresco on the wood-decked terrace on the main square, this Michelin-starred…

  • Raugi

    Bastia

    A Bastia institution, still going strong after more than 80 years, this glorious ice-cream parlour tempts with Corsican flavours including chestnut,…

  • A Casa Corsa

    Corsica

    With a prime location – and outdoor tables – on gorgeous place Paoli, this wine bar does a brisk trade in salads, cheese and charcuterie platters and…

  • La Bodega

    Bonifacio

    At this cute wood-beamed hole-in-the-wall, just up from the tourist office, gregarious owner Jean-Marie whips up no-nonsense Corsican classics, from veal…

  • A Nepita

    Ajaccio

    With its modern French cuisine and elegant setting, it’s no wonder A Nepita keeps winning plaudits and loyal followers. While it makes a nice change from…

  • Col Tempo

    Bastia

    The scrumptious market-fresh cuisine served here, beside Bastia's Vieux Port, has rightly earned kudos from locals. Watch the boats bobbing in the harbour…

  • Sorba

    Bonifacio

    Before a boat trip, drop in at this artisanal patisserie-gelateria down by the water, run by the same family since 1921, and splash out on a bag of lemon-…

  • Petit Vincent

    Bastia

    The fishier, fine-dining little brother of Chez Vincent stands lower down the citadel slope, with tables on a lovely garden terrace overlooking the port…

  • L’Escale

    Corsica

    You’d never guess from its crisp modern appearance, with huge sea-facing windows and outdoor terrace, but this family-run restaurant has been open since…

  • Les Quatres Vents

    Bonifacio

    Surveying the harbour through giant windows, the ‘Four Winds’ has an appropriately nautical theme, with lots of yachting photos, plus a spiral ship’s…

  • A Scudella

    Bastia

    Tucked down a back alley near the Vieux Port, this is a superb spot to sample traditional mountain cuisine, from appetisers of fine Corsican charcuterie…

  • L'An Faim

    Bonifacio

    Near the foot of the steps from the port up to the citadel, this fusion-flavoured modern restaurant prepares seasonally changing specials using exquisite…

  • Chez Huguette

    Bastia

    When only fresh seafood will do, inspect the outdoor display then bag a waterfront table at Chez Huguette. Set slightly apart from the main restaurant row…

  • Le 24

    Corte

    Unless you exude the same hip youthful vibe as the staff and other customers, you may feel a little unwelcome in this cooler-than-thou hangout. Stick with…

  • A Candella

    Calvi

    Of the few eating options within the citadel, A Candella stands out for the stupendous views from its romantic, golden-hued stone terrace, strewn with…

  • A Casarella

    Corsica

    The prize for Pigna’s best lunch spot can only go to this gorgeous informal cafe, with its tiered terraces and superb views. The menu features tapas-sized…

  • Le Cabanon

    Ajaccio

    Loïc fishes, Nadine cooks – a winning combination if there ever was one. Nestled across from the citadel in the old town, ‘The Shed’ offers a sunny…

  • La Table de Nathalie

    Southern Corsica

    Locals and tourists alike flock to the front terrace of this chic little bistro, just south of the tourist office. The menu abounds in seasonally inspired…

  • Le Padula

    Corsica

    Spectacular views and tasty, unpretentious food bring the crowds flocking to this informal beach terrace restaurant, 1km east of the centre. The menu…

  • La Table du Marché

    Bastia

    Classic, deeply traditional French restaurant, with indoor and outdoor tables surveying the old-town market square. Beautifully presented meat and seafood…

  • Chez Vincent

    Bastia

    The great selling point of this long-standing local favourite is its location, with a terrace perched at the edge of the citadel and glorious views of the…

  • Mar A Beach

    Calvi

    Tucked into a pretty, turquoise-water cove 3km west of Calvi, this Robinson Crusoe–style beach hut makes a dreamy spot for lunching on grilled fish or…

  • Le Jardin de l'Echauguette

    Southern Corsica

    This cheerful restaurant, downstairs from Sartène's main square, centres on a dreamy walled garden terrace, overhung by trees. Linger over rich Corsican…

  • Eternisula

    Southern Corsica

    The brainchild of an Anglo-Corsican couple, this gorgeous, central cafe-cum-gourmet deli offers charcuterie and cheese platters, espresso, sandwiches,…

  • Don Quichotte

    Ajaccio

    Tucked in an alleyway behind the fish market, with a terrace that’s glassed-in in winter, this inconspicuous brasserie is something of a hidden gem,…

  • Auberge du Col de Bavella

    Southern Corsica

    Rustic roadside inn, near the summit, where you can feast on roasted baby goat, wild boar stew and other hearty Corsican favourites. The central fireplace…

  • A Cantina di l’Orriu

    Southern Corsica

    The atmospheric old-stone interior of this wine-bar-turned-restaurant is packed to the rafters with sausages and cold meats hung up to dry, cheeses, jars…

  • Le Roi de Rome

    Ajaccio

    This buzzy venue on the old town’s busiest dining street is half wine bar, half convivial neighbourhood restaurant. Stop in for an early-evening aperitif,…

  • Tamaricciu

    Southern Corsica

    Oh-so-chic beach restaurant, on the Palombaggia sands 10km southeast of Porto-Vecchio. The setting is unsurpassable, with first-class views of the…

  • Café Le Bip’s

    Corte

    Famed for its gargantuan servings of traditional Corsican country food, this ancient, candlelit stone cellar is a favourite refuge for students from the…

  • La Voglia Di

    Calvi

    This friendly little old-town restaurant, just up from the port, has a handful of outdoor tables set below the sharpest angle in the citadel walls. The…

  • A Stadda

    Southern Corsica

    With its twin oak-fired ovens always blazing, this roadside joint near Zonza's southern limits specialises in pizzas, grilled meat and Corsican classics…

  • A Scudella

    Corte

    The tables from this friendly Corsican/Italian restaurant stretch into Corte’s main square from a small bright-white dining room in its top corner. As…

  • Le Tire-Bouchon

    Calvi

    As much wine bar as restaurant, with a balcony overlooking the milling crowds on rue Clemenceau, the buzzy ‘Corkscrew’ offers the chance to indulge your…

  • L’Osteria

    Corsica

    With its young, funky vibe and excellent €21 three-course menu, L’Osteria is a year-round local favourite. Rich in regional produce – seafood, veal, etc –…