Exploring Ajaccio: Local Cuisine, Restaurants, and Traditional Recipes

Introduction

Welcome to Ajaccio, a beautiful city located on the western coast of the French island of Corsica. Known for its stunning beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture, Ajaccio is also a paradise for food lovers. The local cuisine is a delightful combination of French, Italian, and Mediterranean influences, making it a unique culinary experience. In this guide, we will explore the local cuisine, recommend some fantastic restaurants, and even share a few traditional recipes.

Ajaccian Specialties

Ajaccian cuisine is heavily influenced by the island's surrounding Mediterranean waters, resulting in a focus on fresh seafood. Some of the must-try specialties include:

• Brocciu: A delicious Corsican cheese made from sheep or goat milk.
• Prisuttu: Cured Corsican ham, typically air-dried for several months.
• Fiadone: A delicate cheesecake-like dessert made with Brocciu cheese, eggs, and sugar.
• Figatellu: A traditional Corsican sausage made from ground pork liver and flavored with various spices.
• Bouillabaisse: A popular fish stew, often made with Mediterranean fish and shellfish.

Top Restaurants in Ajaccio

Ajaccio is home to numerous highly-regarded restaurants, offering a wide range of culinary experiences. Here are some of the top restaurants to consider during your visit:

Le Caribou Grill

A popular steakhouse known for its excellent grilled meats and cozy ambience. Be sure to try their succulent ribeye steak paired with a local Corsican red wine.

Le Bilboquet

This charming bistro specializes in traditional Corsican dishes, with a focus on local ingredients and flavors. Don't miss their signature dish - wild boar stew served with polenta.

La Merenda

A rustic restaurant offering a selection of fresh seafood dishes prepared with a unique flair. Try their grilled sea bass drizzled with olive oil and accompanied by roasted vegetables.

A Nepita

Located in the heart of Ajaccio's historic center, A Nepita offers a modern twist on Corsican cuisine. Sample their innovative dishes such as stuffed zucchini flowers with Brocciu cheese and honey.

La Table du Cardinal

For a fine dining experience, head to La Table du Cardinal. This Michelin-starred restaurant showcases the best of Corsican gastronomy, with dishes like lobster ravioli and truffle risotto.

Traditional Recipes

To bring a taste of Ajaccio into your own kitchen, here are a couple of traditional recipes that you can try:

Corsican Fish Soup

This hearty soup is packed with the flavors of the Mediterranean and is perfect for seafood lovers.

Ingredients:

• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 leek, sliced
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 500ml fish stock
• 500ml white wine
• 500g mixed Mediterranean fish (e.g., cod, sea bass, mussels)
• Handful of fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, and bay leaves)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until fragrant.
2. Add the fennel, carrot, and leek, and cook for another 5 minutes. Stir in the diced tomatoes.
3. Pour in the fish stock and white wine, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
4. Add the mixed Mediterranean fish and cook until they are tender, approximately 8-10 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh herbs.

Brocciu Cheesecake

This delightful dessert showcases the unique flavor of Brocciu cheese, a Corsican specialty.

Ingredients:

• 500g Brocciu cheese, crumbled
• 4 eggs
• 200g granulated sugar
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 100g flour
• Butter for greasing

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F), and grease a round baking dish with butter.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Brocciu cheese, eggs, sugar, and lemon zest until well combined.
3. Sift in the flour, and gently fold it into the mixture until just incorporated.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, and smooth the top with a spatula.
5. Bake for approximately 40 minutes or until the cheesecake is golden brown and set in the center.
6. Allow the cheesecake to cool before serving. It can be served warm or chilled.

Enjoy Ajaccian Cuisine!

Ajaccio offers a mouthwatering culinary experience for all food lovers. Whether you indulge in local specialties at one of the top restaurants in the city or attempt to recreate traditional recipes in your own kitchen, you are bound to savor the flavors of this beautiful Mediterranean gem. Bon appétit!