Le Vivier  

This contemporary establishment on the banks of the Sorgue, with updated decor, is in good form. Welcome is friendly, service quick, and cuisine sophisticated. Patrick Fischnaller has updated his Vivier by going fishing for a new chef - and landing the promising Lucovic Dziewulski, veteran of Dutourier and Senderens and second to Reine Sammut at Lourmarin. Arriving in 2011 he quickly took the reins of the house cooking and its inventive, light, and refined dishes. Pressed foie gras and smoked sausage; steamed halibut filet, turnip jus with grapefruit; vegetable oysters and bok choy; and to finish a lemon tarte with gin-fizz. Another new arrival, sommelier Antoine Santini, advises on a cellar of 200 references with 20 available by the glass. Seated on the terrace overlooking the crystal waters of the stream, we adore this place.