Pollen

The story

Pollen: Michelin-Starred Modern Cuisine in Avignon | Chef Mathieu Desmarest

Pollen, Avignon

On a quiet street in Avignon, Pollen is a restaurant that lives by a simple conviction: each day is a chance to reinvent its cooking. Chef Mathieu Desmarest describes the approach as “restituer l'essentiel” – restoring the essential – and searching for emotion on the plate. The result is a modern cuisine that earned a Michelin star in 2026 for its high quality, precise cooking.

More than a dining room, Pollen is conceived as a living space where people gather for shared gastronomic moments. The kitchen works with meticulously chosen local producers, aiming to draw the best from nature and translate it faithfully into every dish. The menu evolves weekly, guaranteeing the finest seasonal products.

The carte blanche format leaves the chef free to compose the experience. At lunch, a single menu is offered at 60 euros, with a wine pairing at 30 euros. Dinner presents two options: the carte blanche at 120 euros (wine pairing 60 euros) or the grand menu at 150 euros (wine pairing 70 euros). Dietary accommodations are welcomed – the kitchen adapts to constraints and regimes.

The atmosphere is one of understated elegance, with outdoor seating in fine weather, air conditioning, and full wheelchair access. Pollen also offers private party options and table service that matches the precision of the kitchen.

Behind the scenes, Desmarest leads a tight-knit team driven by passion and a shared desire to progress. “Behind the rigour, there is a team that learns every day, evolves, shares, and moves forward with humility,” the restaurant notes. It is a house where exacting standards serve emotion – every detail matters, from the rhythm of service to the search for the right gesture.

Pollen is open Monday to Friday for lunch and dinner, closed on weekends. Gift cards are available for those who wish to offer an exceptional starred experience.