Auberge du Prunelli

The story

Auberge du Prunelli in Ajaccio: 150 Years of Authentic Corsican Cuisine

A History Rooted in the Land

Just outside Ajaccio, at the stone bridge over the Prunelli river, the Auberge du Prunelli has been a fixture since 1860. What began as a coaching inn—a place for travellers to rest their horses and share a simple meal of charcuterie, fruit, and cheese around a communal table—has evolved over five generations into a restaurant that embodies the soul of Corsican country cooking.

The building itself, a river-stone structure at the Pont de Pisciatello, has witnessed the passage of time. Yet the spirit of hospitality remains unchanged. The kitchen garden still supplies the fruits and vegetables that appear on the plates. The culinary tradition, passed down through the women and men who have led the house, revolves around recipes that have been refined since the mid-20th century, when the table d'hôte became a full-fledged restaurant.

The Flavours of the Maquis

The food at Auberge du Prunelli is deeply tied to the Corsican terroir. For decades, the late René, a passionate forager, would walk the maquis each morning, gathering wild herbs and plants like nepeta, romiccia, borage, and white goosefoot. He passed on the secret locations to his sons, who continue the practice today. These wild, often overlooked ingredients punctuate the dishes, adding a layer of complexity that is both ancient and surprising.

The menu is a celebration of this authentic style. Expect dishes such as beignets de courgettes et ses fleurs (zucchini flower fritters), a planche de charcuterie sourced from local producers, and a creamy fondue de poireaux with scallops. The chef’s terrine aux trois viandes and the carpaccio of veal fillet are classics that speak to the kitchen’s confidence. A children’s menu offers a simple, honest selection of mountain sausage, grilled veal escalope, and artisan ice cream.

A Michelin-Recommended Destination

It is this unwavering commitment to tradition and quality that has earned the Auberge du Prunelli a place in the Michelin guide. The recognition is not for flashy innovation, but for the preservation of a genuine culinary heritage. The restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner, and the setting—with outdoor seating available—invites guests to linger over a meal that tastes of the island itself. The wine list is carefully chosen, making it an ideal spot for those seeking an interesting pairing with their meal.