08 August 2008
Treat yourself to the pleasures of Corsican cuisine and its unique tastes in one of Bonifacio's restaurants, while sipping some of the island's best AOC wines and enjoying the relaxing pace of the town by day and its vibes at night.
Bonifacio is Corsica's southernmost town, located only a few kilometres away from its sister island Sardinia and offering commanding views over giant cliffs and soothing expanses of blue sea and scented maquis.
Eating in the town centre:
Almost every restaurant in Bonifacio will serve traditional Corsican dishes, as dining is indeed as much part of a holiday in Corsica as sightseeing or simply lying on the beach.
Try the "U Castille" in Rue Simon Varsi or the "Stella d'Oro", also known as "Chez Jules", in 7 Rue Doria, with its Bonifacian aubergines, stuffed mussels, ravioli with Brocciu, which is a type of cheese, and the famous bouillabaisse.
For something special, head for restaurant "Le Royal" in 8 Rue Fred Scamaroni.
People go to "Le Royal" for its home made foie gras, the French delicacy par excellence.
For something a bit more rhythmic and entertaining, get a table at restaurant "Au Son Des Guitares" at least once during your holiday to Corsica to feel the passion of the Corsican guitars. The restaurant is located in Avenue Sylvere Bohn.
Seaside restaurants:
Fans of Corsican cuisine will be delighted by the "U Capu Biancu" which specialises uniquely in south Corsican dishes.
The restaurant is just outside the main town on the Route de Canetto, the N198. The place is called "Domaine de Pozzoniello".
Dining at the "U Capu Biancu" is a truly enjoyable experience with views over the sea and the gentle breeze from the terrace.
The restaurant is closed during the low season from January to March.
Willing to take your culinary experiences one step further? Head for the "Marina di Cavu" in Calalonga beach.
This gastronomic restaurant is listed in the "Bonne Table d'Alain Ducasse".
Views over the Lavezzi and Cavallo islands are outstanding.
The "Bonifacio" and the "Albatros", both located in Quai Comparetti in the Marina, offer delicious fish and seafood dishes, including lobster and bouillabaisse.
Finally, if you are looking for a romantic dining experience, choose the "Chez Marco" restaurant on Tonnara beach on the Route de Sartene, the N196.
Beyond its lobster and bouillabaisse, the views it offers over the creek when the sun is ready to set are totally stunning.
Sunsets in August take place around 8.30pm.
Le "Goeland Beach" restaurant in Tonnara beach has a pleasant private stretch of sand and offers pizzas, snacks and crepes, as well as main restaurant dishes.
For snacks and crepes, you can alternatively head for the "La Portigliola" in 11 Quai Bando del Ferro.
Restaurants outside of Bonifacio:
If you are going on a day trip to either Sartene or Figari, "La Baraka" restaurant is a good place to stop for lunch. Located on the N196 road, in Pianottoli-Caldarello, near Figari airport, the restaurant serves pizzas, salads and many grilled meat dishes.
If however you decide to take the N198 road to the eastern coast, restaurant "Le Cosy" is located just outside Porto-Vecchio at the Bocca d'Oro crossroads, also serving grill dishes and pizzas.
