The story
Chez Francis calls itself a “restaurant littéraire” – a literary restaurant. Photographs on its website capture authors like Sylvain Tesson, Jean-Baptiste Andrea, and Harlan Coben at the table, while the gallery overflows with images from the Foire du Livre de Brive, the city’s major book fair. The dining room has hosted Jacques Audiard, Daniel Pennac, and François Busnel, making it a place where conversation and cuisine are equally serious.
The kitchen’s philosophy is rooted in the Corrèze region. A blog post proudly announces “notre emplette: un magnifique veau de lait de Julien Mournetas” – a milk-fed veal from a producer who won the Prix d’Excellence at the Badefols-d’Ans fair. Other images show cèpes from Basse Corrèze, a “carré de porc cul noir” from Limousin, and a “côte de bœuf limousin flambée au capucin.” The menu, though only partially visible, confirms this commitment: a “Menu touristique” at 42€ includes a raviole of squid with artichokes and fresh goat cheese, or a green asparagus risotto with Parmesan cream, followed by grilled Limousin beef rump steak with potato gratin and a shallot-tarragon jus. A “Menu fête des mères” at 58€ features wild shrimp tartare with candied citron, foie gras cooked on salt, sea bass with cockles and fava beans, or Corrèze veal grenadin with sweetbreads and artichoke.
The Michelin guide has given Chez Francis its “Recommended” distinction for 2026, a nod to the consistent quality and clear sourcing. The restaurant also appears in Gault&Millau and Le Fooding, but the atmosphere remains low-key – a place where a writer might stop by for lunch and stay until evening. Open Tuesday to Saturday, with both indoor and outdoor seating, Chez Francis is a rare hybrid: a serious restaurant that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and a cultural hub that happens to serve excellent food.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
Location
Instagram