La Table du Centenaire

The story

La Table du Centenaire, Le Bugue – Michelin-Recommended Modern Cuisine

A Modern Cuisine with Roots in the Périgord Noir

In the heart of the Dordogne, at the foot of the prehistoric cliffs of Les Eyzies-de-Tayac, La Table du Centenaire is the gastronomic restaurant of the Hôtel du Centenaire. The establishment, once a former coaching inn, was renamed in 1968 to mark the centenary of the discovery of Cro-Magnon man. Today, it is a family-run hotel and restaurant that blends a warm, relaxed atmosphere with refined dining.

Chef Mathieu Métifet and a Philosophy of “Everything Homemade”

Chef Mathieu Métifet, a native of Bergerac raised in a farming family, brings a deep connection to the land to his cooking. After working as an oyster farmer and later discovering the exotic cuisines of Réunion Island, he returned to the mainland with his partner Chloé. In 2017, they took over the Centenaire, and after a full renovation completed in 2021, the restaurant reopened with a clear vision: every dish, from the bread to the pastries, the butter to the sauces, is made in-house. The kitchen team, led by Métifet, uses local, seasonal produce – much of it from the restaurant’s own garden or foraged from the surrounding countryside.

The Experience: Craft, Spices, and Local Ingredients

The menu at La Table du Centenaire changes with the seasons, showcasing the chef’s creativity and commitment to sustainability. Métifet has developed his own line of spice blends – six varieties including Indian curry, tandoori, and lobster bisque – ground from whole seeds. He also prepares three types of salt and pepper, a house-made vegetable soup mix, and a selection of artisanal breads baked by the restaurant’s baker. Even the bar cocktails feature syrups made by the pastry chef, and the homemade rums are crafted by the team. The result is a dining experience that feels both personal and deeply rooted in the Périgord.

Recognition from the Michelin Guide

The quality of the cooking has earned La Table du Centenaire a recommendation in the Michelin Guide France for 2026, a testament to the consistency and care that define Métifet’s modern cuisine. Guests can also choose to dine at the more casual Le Bistro du Centenaire, but for a full immersion in the chef’s art, the gastronomic table offers a tasting menu that highlights the best of the region, season by season.