Épithèque

Rating: 16
Author: Gault&Millau

32 Grande Rue, 26000 Valence, France

16/20
Remarkable Restaurant

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3 PHOTOS

Location: Valence
Chef: Baptiste Poinot
Cooking: French | Signature cuisine
Services: Access for people with disabilities
Style: Romantic

Budget (€)

Indicative price per person (excl. drinks)

60 to 110

Gault&Millau's review 2026

16/20

Remarkable Restaurant

Baptiste Poinot has redesigned the space, and the restaurant—formerly known as Flaveurs—is now called L’Épithèque. This cozy spot right in the heart of downtown retains all its charm, and guests benefit from the chef’s presence during service. He has kept the concept of the tasting menu, which allows him to stay as closely aligned as possible with seasonal ingredients. Both local food connoisseurs and visitors have returned to enjoy this subtle, colorful, and delicately spiced cuisine. Special mention goes to the Archiane trout cooked under a lamp, served with a creamy celeriac purée, smooth cabbage, and fennel, all complemented by a tangy broth infused with herb oil. This cooking method yields a texture of infinite tenderness; the delicacy of the flesh, combined with the subtlety of the herbs, makes the dish sublime. The pairings are creative—such as the poached pear with turmeric and lavender honey—and the seasoning is always spot-on. The wine list is of excellent quality, featuring a classic and well-curated selection focused on the Rhône Valley. Service is simple yet efficient.