21 Boulevard — Restaurant in Beaune

Fine dining with heart—and some of the best service I’ve encountered in France this year.

I walked in unannounced at noon on a Wednesday just to ask about a reservation. Before I could ask for the cellar which was recommended at another venue, they had booked me in that room. When I returned that evening, dressed differently and hours later, they remembered me and treated me like an old friend.

From the kir royal aperitif I ordered on arrival to the amuse-bouche that kicked things off, the experience was thoughtful from start to finish. I ended up with perfectly cooked crunchy asparagus, tender chicken, and a cheese plate to close. Each course was paired patiently with wine suggestions that were spot-on.

What really sets 21 Boulevard apart is the staff. They appeared at exactly the moments I needed them and never more. It was Michelin-level attention to detail and an uncanny spatial awareness—everyone was attuned, responsive, and deeply professional without being stiff. There’s clearly a strong work ethic and a real teamwork going on behind the scenes, yet the mood was calm.

This is the kind of place you take people you want to impress....

Watch them pour your cocktail. I suspect it’s a common practice to adulterate or change your cocktail orders in Beaune as this was the first bar in the town that served us a cocktail containing something watered down or less expensive than we requested. During our stay in Beaune my girlfriend and I each ordered two cocktails. A Monkey 47 gin martini and a Monkey 47 gin and tonic. We like gin and really like Monkey 47. At 21 Boulevard, the martini was heavily watered down - unfortunately we just didn’t have the heart to be rude and send the drinks back. I’d recommend watching the bar tenders pour your drink and don’t be afraid to send it back if they don’t pour the correct spirit or it tastes watered down. We plan to head back to this bar and do a matched pair study, watch them make our drink, and see how different it tastes next time! More than anything, I’m incredibly disappointed that Beaune, a city that receives so much tourist foot traffic, would have proprietors that feel comfortable...

We booked this restaurant at fairly short notice for a mid week dinner. The restaurant has a number of separate dinning areas. The one that were in had maybe seven tables and featured a vaulted ceiling. On the evening that we visited everyone in this section spoke English as a first language.

The food featured classical Burgundy dishes such as escargot, Oeufs en meurette, Boeuf Bourguignon etc. The food was fine not amazing but nothing to complain about. We live part of the year in Burgundy and have done so for nearly 20 years. Maybe if you are new to the area or a first time visitor you would be more impressed. To us it felt a little like an upscale tourist restaurant.

Total cost €250 for four course and one bottle of wine...