This superb bistro is located in the heart of downtown Perpignan and specializes in local southwest cuisine. The wine list is small, but offers solid wines at reasonable prices. Bordeaux, Loire, Burgundy and Rhône are all represented, with a great selection from the Roussillon. The ambiance is first rate, as is the food.

As for the wine, I ordered a bottle of Hervé Bizeul's 2007 Clos des Fees, which was straight up gorgeous. Showing terrific purity and finesse in its cassis, sweet black cherries, crushed flowers and spice, it was full-bodied, rich and beautifully textured. It continued to open up throughout the evening, was always light on its feet, and the decanter was empty (I shared glasses with a few other tables) at the end of the evening. I'd happily drink it anytime over the coming decade.

If you have a spare night in Perpignan, this is well worth a visit.