Relais Bernard Loiseau, Burgundy: The Best Restaurants in France

In the heart of Burgundy, surrounded by some of the world's finest vineyards, discover a culinary sensation. In a land celebrated for its gastronomy, this could be one of the best restaurants in the entire pays. Indeed, the Relais Bernard Loiseau has built a reputation as one of France's finest gourmet restaurants. Begin your meal by perusing the menu over drinks in one of the property's fireside seating areas. Be sure to try one of Bernard Loiseau's legendary creations: frog's legs with garlic puree and parsley juice, Pikeperch grilled skin-side down with sautéed shallots and red wine sauce, and steamed fattened free-range Bresse chicken "Alexandre Dumaine" with truffled rice. Executive Chef Patrick Bertron follows in the footsteps of his life-long mentor with his new menu offerings. (He hails from Brittany, so there's lots of tasty shellfish on offer.) There are prix-fixe menus, if you so choose, starting with the two-course "Délice" at EUR 120. The restaurant boasts one of Burgundy's most extensive wine cellars with 45,000 bottles.

And the best part of all? You can sleep off your food coma at one of the exquisite 32 guest rooms and suites! After all, this restaurant/hotel is part of the prestigious Relais and Chateaux luxury properties, and the rooms-- decked out with Burgundy stones and red-clay tiles, period woodworks, and antique furnishings-- won't disappoint. Other premium services include library, billiards room, spa, and swimming pool... all surrounded by beautiful wooded grounds and landscaped gardens.