The story
Perched on a gentle hill above Porticcio, Le Charlie is the gastronomic restaurant of the Bella Vista Hôtel Spa & Gastronomie. The dining room looks out over the Gulf of Ajaccio, where the light shifts from morning to dusk. The setting is intimate and refined, designed to let the view and the plate share the stage.
Chef Richard Toix arrived at Le Charlie after a career that includes training at the Frères Roux in London, a three-starred house. A native of Perpignan, he describes himself as largely self-taught. In 2007 he opened his second restaurant, Passion et Gourmandise, in Saint Benoit, earning its first Michelin star within nine months. At Le Charlie, he creates a cuisine that the hotel describes as “audacieuse et sincère” — bold and sincere.
The menu changes with the season and the market, drawing on Corsican and Mediterranean ingredients while incorporating influences from Asia. The kitchen’s approach is vibrant and precise. Tasting menus are offered in five or eight courses, each built as a sensory journey “between sea, maquis and inspirations of the moment.” A glass of champagne and canapés open the meal; wines are paired to match the rhythm of each dish. The 8-course discovery menu, for example, unfolds a subtle and expressive score, accompanied by five glasses of wine.
Le Charlie was awarded one Michelin star for its high-quality cooking. The guide’s recognition reflects the synergy between the kitchen and the dining room, led by Frédéric Salini, owner of the Bella Vista, and Stéphanie Ottavi. The restaurant is open for dinner from 20:00 to 22:00, offering a tasting menu with wine pairing as the primary experience.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
Location
