Clos des Sens

13 Rue Jean Mermoz, Annecy-le-Vieux, France

Overlooking the beautifully serene Lake Annecy, just outside of the town’s main thrall, Clos des Sens is set on a narrow, high-walled road that leads to the mountains. Head chef and owner Laurent Petit has been at the pass here since 1992 and while there are a number of chic guest rooms available for out-of-towners, the two- Michelin-starred restaurant is always choc-full of regulars, who greet waiters by name and provide the place with a familial vibe.

On warm days, floor-to-ceiling windows pull back to extend the dining room onto a raised veranda, where lush greenery envelops leading the eye across the herb garden and beyond towards an infinity pool and the lake. It’s the perfect backdrop to a knockout meal.

Well-balanced dishes are punctuated with hits of green from the start with parmesan-crusted asparagus tart and seared foie gras with a potent tarragon sauce leading the appetisers. Tender veal cheeks sit in verdant swirls of crushed peas and morels.

For dessert, a crisp sugar ‘snowball’ of passion fruit and coffee mousse confirms just how special this restaurant really is. BG. 00 33 4 50 23 07 90, closdessens.com