Skab

This gourmet bolthole located behind the Arènes, just opposite the Musée de la Romanité, is run by chef Damien Sanchez, a local boy with stints at the Cabro d'Or, La Réserve de Beaulieu, Christopher Coutanceau in La Rochelle and, finally, in his hometown alongside Jérôme Nutile. Damien’s cooking hits the spot every time, thanks to a strong focus on vegetables and crisp, vibrant flavours that showcase regional ingredients: shrimps from Grau-du-Roi cooked in stock, bavaroise of broccoli and a spring roll of green cabbage stuffed with shrimps; lightly seared John Dory, grilled squash and a honey sauce. As soon as the sun starts to shine, make a beeline for the patio shaded by maple trees.

Behind the Arènes, built on regional produce

A small dining room in central Nîmes, opposite the Musée de la Romanité, with a menu that leans hard on vegetables and local seafood and meat.

Damien Sanchez’s hometown table

The chef, born in Nîmes, returned after spells in Provence, Beaulieu, La Rochelle and alongside Jérôme Nutile, and runs a tight, modern kitchen with crisp flavours.

Patio dining in season

When the weather turns, the shaded patio becomes part of the draw.

Signature Ingredients

• Trout from Les Fumades: paired with Buddha’s hand citrus, butternut, yuzu.
• Gillardeau oysters: served warm with cauliflower, milk foam and Osciètre caviar.
• Mediterranean fish and shellfish: sea bream cooked on the skin, plus Mediterranean squid, built around bright, vegetable-led sauces.
• Duck from Ferme Gubernat: worked in multiple textures, roasted breast, confit leg, foie gras royale.
• Black truffle (seasonal): the winter menu runs through potato, poultry, turbot, Aubrac beef and dessert.

Menus

• Menu Instant Gourmand (lunch, Wed-Sat):
  • 2 courses: €53
  • 3 courses: €58
  • 3 courses + cheese: €63
• Menu Plaisir (6 services): €98
• Menu Dégustation (8 services): €133
• Menu Inspiration (10 services, whole table): €168
• Menu Truffe (7 services, seasonal): €175

Wine pairings (optional)

• Menu Plaisir (3 glasses): €143
• Menu Dégustation (4 glasses): €193
• Menu Inspiration (5 glasses): €238
• Menu Truffe (4 glasses): €70

Dishes on the published menu (examples)

• Warm Gillardeau oysters, cauliflower, milk foam, Osciètre caviar
• Sea bream on the skin, violet artichoke, confit onion, Mediterranean squid, saffron barigoule
• Duck from Ferme Gubernat, roasted breast, confit leg, foie gras royale, salsify