If you find yourself in need of some delicious food with a very upscale and elegant atmosphere, then you might want to consider dining at Jardin Mazarin.
With an unforgettable atmosphere Jardin Mazarin is the type of place you want to try at least once in your life. Impeccable and friendly staff, food that is some of the highest quality you will ever have the pleasure of tasting, “Mazarin” is where it’s at.
Best Restaurant in Aix-en-Provence Away from Tourist Crowds
While Jardin Mazarin isn’t right in the city center, this is a better aspect than you might think. No hoards of tourists to fight with, no low quality preparation for sky-high prices, “Mazarin” is everything you could want in a restaurant and more.
And though it is indeed a high-end establishment, the casual attitude of the owner who welcomes all of his customers with open arms, will leave you feeling very at ease throughout your entire dining experience. Joseph, who just happens to be an Italian chef and the owner of Mazarin, took some time out of his busy schedule to sit down with me and chat about the restaurant. The success of the gorgeous venue and hot-spot to many a local and tourist, has been doing well in its 5 year run.
Executive Chef with Monte-Carlo and St. Tropez Experience
After 29 years in Aix, the Italian native has quite a bit of restaurant experience under his belt. Having worked as a restaurant chef/owner in both Monte-Carlo and St. Tropez. Considering that these are already very elite locations, it’s really no wonder his milieu is in fine-dining.
“This is one of the nicest restaurants in Aix-en-Provence,” Joseph says with a humble smile. I in turn note that this is very apparent. Just look around the restaurant and you will find nothing out of place. Including the prices on the menu.
Affordable Gourmet Food in Aix-en-Provence
You may suspect that the cost of the elegant dishes might keep you at bay, but you’d be wrong. Joseph’s aim is to keep everything at a cost that not just the very wealthy can enjoy, but even the “bourgeoisie”. And no, you won’t find a hamburger for 5 Euro here, but their lobster with tagliatelle can be ordered for only 35 Euro. Joseph’s aim was to keep the prices at a level where conceivably everyone could come in and enjoy his gourmet food. And gourmet it is.
And yes, that lobster was fantastic. With the tagliatelle bathed in lobster bisque, the lobster itself is a full portion. So not only are you getting good quality, but also your money’s worth.
Signature Dishes: Truffle Ravioli and Beef Tenderloin
Their specialty dish is truffle ravioli, and it’s also their most popular meal on demand. But if you want my advice, definitely order their beef tenderloin. The sauce is not made of wine either, which was surprising. While the meat is beef, the sauce is made from a veal reduction and a specialty mushroom that they have added to the deluge that is the indescribably delicious sauce. Served on the side are a small portion of roasted potatoes and asparagus. Whatever the chef did to this entire dish is beyond good. The presentation, while fantastic, doesn’t compare in the slightest to the tastes that are born in your mouth when you first bite into that tenderloin. It’s tender too. I thought I would go ahead and add that. Pun intended/not intended.
And their dessert?
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It will make you cry, it’s that good. Both that I tried had me at “hello”. Though the traditionally French sweet they brought out was worth mentioning (and worth finishing in my case), the prize for the night in terms of food, goes to their Mille-Feuillet (literally translated: Thousand Layers). While there may not actually be a thousand layers, there are a thousand reasons to order this dessert.
First of all the smell and presentation before you even begin eating the masterpiece is extraordinary. Once the fork has gracefully punctured the pastry and its inner chocolate mousse you’re already hooked before you’ve begun. The flavors together are perfectly executed, and if it hadn’t have been for the wine that evening, I would say the “Mille-Feuillet” would have been my favorite thing.
Best Wine Selection in Aix-en-Provence
But I did have wine, and it was extraordinary. During my five day visit in Aix-en-Provence, the wine that I had at Jardin Mazarin was indeed the best of all the tasting that I did. In fact, this includes going to two separate chateaus while in the south of France.
The wine that I had the pleasure of enjoying with my dinner was a perfectly selected wine to go with both my seafood and meat entrees. Chateau Simone, a light-bodied red wine, which had the most flavor of any red wine I’ve ever tasted which was not rich in texture, was the best thing at dinner. Following this unbeatable beverage with my meal, came the dessert wine which was perhaps just as good, if not as sophisticated and versatile. And prior to even starting my food and beverage odyssey, I was offered champagne. Again, pretty much the best I’ve ever had.
Romantic Restaurant with Garden Terrace
So what else does Jardin Mazarin offer aside from their clearly amazing food? The atmosphere for one. Don’t think for one minute that Mazarin isn’t a romantic setting, because it is. Especially if you’re lucky enough to reserve a spot out on their garden terrace. With a tranquil vibe, fountain, plants and all, you will find it hard not to start holding hands with the person sitting across from you, only a candle between you both at the intimate table.
Wedding Venue and Luxury Accommodation
Getting married in Aix any time soon? How about having your pre-wedding brunch for family and friends at ‘Mazarin’? Something they do frequently is act as the perfect venue for just such an occasion.
And if you’re in town for a few days and need a nice place to stay, they offer luxury accommodation in an elegant apartment just upstairs from the restaurant. I’m thinking this is where I will be staying the next time I’m in town. What would be better than having a lovely dinner followed by a relaxing rest in the same building?
Perfect Location Near Cours Mirabeau
Location? You’ll love it. Just off the Cours Mirabeau, it sits quietly on a charming street not so far from the center of town, but just far enough away that you won’t hear the sound of cars, tourists or any other type of distracting noise. And let’s face it. You’re there to relax and have an elegant dinner to forget the noise and hustle of the city life. Even if that type of life is just a five minute walk to the restaurant.
Joseph finishes up our chat by telling me that Jardin Mazarin is a French restaurant with an Italian heart. The perfect place for me, as I respond by telling him that I’m an American with an Italian heart.
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