The story
In 2020, Chef Martin and his team turned a long-held dream into reality: a restaurant that feels both convivial and timeless, set in the heart of Burgundy. La Cuisine de la Fontaignotte sits on a quiet street in Semur-en-Auxois, with a large terrace offering a peaceful view over the valley. The atmosphere is warm and unpretentious, built around the idea of sharing a genuine, seasonal meal.
The kitchen is driven by a simple philosophy: work directly with local farmers who practice reasoned agriculture, and let the seasons dictate the menu. Chef Martin, trained in several starred French houses, brings a spontaneous and creative approach to modern cuisine. The result is a “bistronomic” style – refined yet approachable, changing every fortnight as new produce arrives.
The restaurant’s vision is clear: “Favoriser la culture de proximité et soutenir les agriculteurs de Bourgogne.” Martin and his team drove the roads around Semur-en-Auxois to find partners who share their respect for the land. You won’t find out-of-season tomatoes or industrial poultry here. Instead, the menu highlights what Burgundy offers at its best: fresh, healthy ingredients that tell the story of the region.
The lunch menu (midweek) offers a choice of entrée, plat du jour, and dessert for €38, with simpler two-course options. For a fuller experience, the discovery menu in four or six sequences (€69 or €89) lets you taste multiple creations – always evolving with the chef’s inspiration and the market’s rhythm.
La Cuisine de la Fontaignotte has earned a Michelin Recommended distinction for 2026, a nod to its consistent quality and thoughtful sourcing. It’s the kind of place where you can linger over lunch on the terrace or enjoy a relaxed dinner with live entertainment on select evenings. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible and welcomes guests for both lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Sunday.
Note: The restaurant will close permanently on June 1st, with the last service on the evening of May 31st. A final celebration – “LA DER!” – is planned on May 29th from 5pm, with food and music on the terrace.
Recognition
Ambience
Location