Auberge du Côteau in Villars-Fontaine

27/08/25

Welcome to the Auberge du Coteau

Burgundy has always had a reputation for fine food to accompany its great wines. The restaurants have always been low key, reliable, meat and quality orientated. The world doesn’t stop going round and nor does the restaurant scene. Burgundy’s offer has changed so much.

Whilst there are still many well run restaurants available, many individuals have seen huge opportunities in opening up restaurants to take advantage of the huge interest in Burgundy wines throughout the world.

There is now more choice than ever. Some, much better than others. Indeed, there are probably too many places to choose from. Mass tourism has led to very high wine list prices, indifferent staff and mediocre food…it’s a real shame, but there are always a few people that buck the trend, like the nice lady whose always in the coffee shop whose happy to serve you a coffee and laughs it off when your child has a melt down.

A friend of mine recently suggested that we have an early dinner together as he was at a tasting up in the hills and I was in Nuits St Georges, so we wanted somewhere near to both of us and not too pretentious as we just like to relax after visiting three wineries and tasting many wines. He suggested the Auberge the Hautes Cote de Nuits in Magny, I had never heard of it.

I drove through the beautiful countryside through the hills which was exceptional and found this little gem. In glorious sunshine, I parked in their own parking area in front of the restaurant to the left and was just knocked out by the stunning view as I closed my car door. Green gorgeous pastures and blue skies enveloped the view.

The restaurant is very simple and the greeting very warm. We took a table in their outside courtyard and enjoyed a delicious meal. The starter was a terrine and we shared a cote de beouf, which was cooked on open charcoal, it was just great. I was also surprised to see some really well know producers and up and coming growers on the wine list at very sensible prices. Indeed, some bottles were half what we would pay for in Nuit’s St George, just a few minutes away.

I told one of the young waiters that their meat is delicious. He told me that acquiring high quality meat in Burgundy is very difficult as the top hotels and famous Michelin starred restaurants have first refusal.

However, as the Auberge has been in the same ownership for so many years and has catered for the locals with local pricing and care, it was a pleasure for the best suppliers to look after this place.

It was interesting that quite a few famous names in Burgundy were dining here with friends. Indeed, a local place. Everyone chilled out. It’s definitely not a hot spot for business deals. You really do feel that the Routes des Grands Cru and it’s swanky prices are a world away.

It’s obvious that the young team here really enjoy and are proud of what they do. The service is unhurried and the food delicious and authentic. Pricing is very sensible and if you are with a group of friends, the choice and price of the wine list is great.