Where to Eat in Dijon: Best Restaurants for Every Budget — Expanded and Localized

Dijon is without any doubt a great place for food lovers. You will of course think of mustard and Burgundy wines. Besides these quite-stereotypical food (although yes, from Burgundy and, yes, really good), a full-on culinary scene is waiting to be devoured in Dijon.

From lively lunch spots where locals escape, to affordable bistronomy and gastronomic treats at lunch-friendly prices, the city delivers joy at your table. And, I must say, without exploding your wallet! Now that I have lived in Dijon for almost 15 years, when I visit another French city, I am very often disappointed about the quality-price rate... as Dijon is really unbeatable for that! But enough for the small talk: let me share both my favorites and the lesser-known gems worth exploring. And point out to you a few French words to remember!

Local Lunch Favorites: Where the Everyday French Go

When looking for a nice place for lunch in Dijon, you will probably chose somewhere where you can have a cheap (or at least, affordable) and quick lunch. Even best, a place where local people - les Dijonnais - eat as well.

Bouillon Notre Dame

A casual delight just across from the Notre-Dame cathedral—Bouillon Notre Dame serves classic French comfort at very friendly prices. Expect a queue— arrive early or book in advance.

Brasserie des Loges

"Ici, on cuisine maison", it says if you check their website. If you've done your homework after your French lessons with me, you know that "cuisiner maison" means "to homemake". In this place, you will have a taste of local food... but without the risk of falling for a tourist scam! Fresh homemade food in a very Brasserie atmosphere, on one of the nicest squares of Dijon, "la place du Théâtre".

La Menuiserie

As many French restaurants targeting locals during their lunch break, this cozy spot near the market doesn’t have printed menus—they write the day’s dishes on the board. That is because they cook depending on fresh market produce. Perfect for seasonal, simple and delightful meals—and totally vegan or gluten-friendly if needed.

Le Jacquemart

"Le Jacquemart" is the nickname of the statue striking the bell of Notre Dame, just up there, on the bell tower. Just accross the church, it is also the name of a very local café-restaurant that I strongly advice you for a real French life experience. A short menu (la carte), lunch specials (menus du jour), a noisy and friendly atmosphere. And really affordable prices, as the lunch special (a main dish, a desert and a coffee), fresh and homemade, is only at 12 euros. A small place yet, so I advice you to book in advance.

Value & Flavor: Bistronomic Gems Without the High Ticket

Le Pré aux Clercs
Set on Place de la Libération, this historic brasserie spans centuries of tradition and flavor. Expect classic French fare with finesse—around €39 for three courses, plus a spot that feels alive with local energy (many déjeuners or diners d'affaires* take place here!). Just be ready to book your table in advance.

*business lunches or business dinners

L’Évidence
Tucked away from the busiest streets, this modern bistro lives up to its name: “the obvious.” Freshly sourced products, creative yet approachable dishes, and prices that won’t leave you stunned. Perfect for a dinner where you want both finesse and a relaxed vibe. It is actually a "Bib gourmand": meaning it has been spotted by the "Guide Michelin".

La Villa Vauban
Located just after the Place de la Lib' (shortname for Place de la Libération), this restaurant is a little more refined but still in the bistronomy category. Here, you get a taste of traditional Burgundy revisited with modern and creative touches. Elegant without being intimidating.

DZ’envies
Run by the same chef as a Michelin-starred restaurant, but with a more casual bistro spirit, DZ’envies is one of my top picks. The lunch menu in particular is a real bargain: creative, market-fresh, and full of flavors.

Brasserie des Halles
Right by Dijon’s famous covered market (les Halles), this brasserie offers honest French cuisine with a Burgundian twist. Again, the restaurant is run by Michelin-starred chefs (from the "Auberge de la Charme"), but this is their bistro place and the lunch menu is affordable, generous, and still really creative.

When You Want to Splurge a Bit (But Still Smart)

CIBO
For a dining experience with flair, delivery, and maybe a touch of ceremony—CIBO is a modern-gastronomy standout. Expect bold reinterpretations of Burgundian classics in a sleek setting. Here, all ingredients are locally sourced: a policy that I really appreciate.

L’Aspérule
Japanese precision meets French terroir. This Michelin-starred (1 star) spot is ideal if you want a refined, elegant experience without unnecessary frills. Reservations are essential. The restaurant also have a more affordable offer at lunch, as many gastronomic places in Dijon.

Le Parapluie
A very small restaurant that deserves a Michelin star in my opinion! Think minimalism, sharp flavors, and a chef with a clear artistic vision. No menus here, and no choices: let yourself be carried away by the chef's creative choices, from appetizer to dessert. Book in advance very early, as there are only 20 couverts (seats).

L’Auberge de la Charme
Technically just outside Dijon (Prenois), but absolutely worth mentioning. A countryside inn turned gastronomic temple, where you can enjoy Burgundy’s best seasonal produce elevated to a high level of creativity.

Useful French words for your culinary trip

Since I am still a French teacher, I can’t help but see the learning opportunities hidden in every situation! In this article, I used several French words related to meals and restaurants. Here they are. I recommend you practice pronouncing them — they’ll be very useful during your gastronomic trip to Dijon!

• la carte → the menu (à la carte, itemized)

• le menu → a fixed-price meal with several courses (appetizer, main dish, desert).

• un bistro → a casual and usually affordable restaurant

• un restaurant bistronomique → a modern mix between “bistro” and gastronomy – refined cuisine in a relaxed setting.

• fait-maison / cuisiné-maison → homemade

• le menu du jour / le plat du jour → the daily menu / the dish of the day – usually seasonal and fresh.

• un déjeuner d'affaires / un dîner d'affaires → a business lunch / a business dinner

• un couvert → a seat – for example, “20 couverts” means 20 customers can be served. The word "couvert" also means "cutlery" in other contexts.

Conclusion – Savor Dijon Your Way

Whether you're craving a quick tasty lunch or planning a gastronomic splurge, Dijon delivers. And if you’d like to practice French along the way—or want recommendations tailored to your family’s tastes—I'm here to help! Just drop me a line at contact@clemenceparis.fr or book a lesson and let's make your meals learning moments, too.