Archives: Restaurants

After creating the local bakery shop Marguerite Boulangerie du Coin, François-Xavier Lot decided to take over the premises across the street to expand into the eatery and coffee shop business. In this annex, the team creates seasonal, locally sourced and sophisticated bakery-shop cuisine. So what can you expect? Sandwiches, bao buns, grilled cheese, waffles and other savoury brioche buns with fantastic flavour, texture and colour. Make sure you don’t miss the pastries for a deliciously sweet finale.

A former rice warehouse, redeveloped in the Brutalist style, is the venue for this trendy café with its Berlin-inspired vibe. It tantalises the taste buds with four mouthwatering, original and in-season veggie, seafood or meat dishes. Breakfast at this tucked-away gem comes highly recommended, too, not least for the seaweed butter and the fresh bread supplied by Maison Arlot Cheng. Arts and culinary events are also regularly hosted here.

This restaurant is an institution on the banks of the Loire and in La Divatte. Founded in 1890, it is named after the cook Clémence Lefeuvre, who invented beurre blanc. Today’s chef and owner Philippe Maizières, who has had an extensive career in Michelin-starred restaurants, pays a lovely tribute to this iconic sauce and, more broadly, to the French gastronomic tradition. Naturally, fish from the Loire hold a very special place here, as do the local wines. Cuisine blending tradition and modernity, with a breathtaking view of the Loire.

For a completely off-the-wall lunch break, head to this cafeteria-style eatery located within the former Post Office offices, which have been transformed into an incubator for the social and solidarity economy. In a friendly atmosphere, and beneath a ceiling covered in postcards, you’ll find a self-service format with an almost 100% vegetarian menu, prepared using vegetables from the Landes Fertiles farm. Great value for money at lunchtime, and a relaxed café atmosphere in the morning and afternoon.

Ludovic Pouzelgues, head chef at the Michelin-starred LuluRouget, had always dreamt of opening a second restaurant paying tribute to traditional French cuisine – and that’s what he’s done here! In a setting that blends the atmosphere of grand Parisian brasseries with contemporary touches (very high ceilings, a mix of untreated wood, gold, red and waxed concrete), this restaurant serves a cuisine that is part traditional French home-style cooking, part high-end bistro fare. Dishes are as copious as they are meticulously prepared, including sweetbreads and an already legendary pepper steak. Superb wine list, with efficient yet friendly service.

Located in the Chantiers Navals district, this pizzeria puts a playful spin on the classic Italian favourite. Its menu features an impressive range of inventive flavour combinations, complemented by cleverly crafted pizza names that add to the fun. The aptly named Deep Purple combines Vitelotte potatoes with sausage meat, whilst the Clockwork Orange features pumpkin, Gorgonzola and pumpkin seeds. It’s not just the names and the toppings that are great through – the dough is left to rest for three days to ensure it is easily digestible and develops the best possible flavour. Seasonal and locally sourced produce are used wherever possible. Great selection of drinks, including alcohol and alcohol-free.

Head to the Ile de Nantes to enjoy a meal in a chic yet relaxed brasserie atmosphere. When it comes to the food here, the entirely home-made menu proposes cuisine with exotic inspirations that is as colourful as the venue’s various spaces. Every week, a new, well-thought-out set menu is available at lunchtime. As evening falls, the venue gradually transforms into a cocktail and tapas bar, offering a choice between a seasonal menu and some great finger food options. In fine weather, a lovely terrace furnished with sun loungers opens up, just a stone’s throw from the Loire.

After 11 years at the helm of L’U.Ni, Lætitia Marquer and Nicolas Guiet are now based in Saint-Sébastien-sur-Loire, where they continue to delight their loyal clientele. It’s a warm and relaxed dining experience infused with the couple’s culinary influences However, the dishes are now more accessible while still combining technical skill, subtlety and meticulous sourcing in perfect harmony. Their cuisine skilfully blends plant-based dishes, seafood and local cuts of meat, creating an experience that is perfectly in keeping with the local terroir and their responsible approach.

Behind its white façade adorned with its “arty-choke” logo, this place stands out for its arty philosophy and its particularly comforting cuisine at lunchtime, evolving into more daring yet still just as appetising flavour combinations in the evening. In this part cafeteria, part art gallery and part coffee shop, delicious speciality coffee flows non-stop all day long. Every two months, works by a new artist adorn the walls. Very kind staff.

Having cut her teeth in the kitchen at Le Brocéliande, Tessy Baddy’s sunny cuisine can now be enjoyed at her very own place in the Zola neighbourhood. In her bistro and wine and tapas bar – which has quickly become a lively hub on Place Saint-Clair – the chef creates superbly presented dishes with a distinct Mediterranean and Levantine flavour. Bistro-style set menu at lunchtime and dishes to share in the evening, accompanied by an excellent wine list and a regular programme of events (workshops, artist residencies, musical performances, etc.)

There’s now a Clin d’Oeil 2! Following the first venue near the Gare Sud, the team behind the eponymous restaurant (now led by Gaëlle Le Bras and Lucille Blier) is now also delighting diners on the charming Rue Fouré. Same name, same culinary concept – in other words, a top-quality self-service lunchtime eatery, offering a concise, gourmet menu that changes with the seasons and the chefs’ inspiration. Veggie options available. Take-away meals available, in returnable containers.

For their second venue, the Broussaille team has set up shop on Rue des Olivettes with this cafeteria-style eatery where you feel right at home – and it’s kid-friendly too! Every lunchtime, a new menu goes up on the board, always with the fresh, creative spirit that sets this place apart and a choice of three set menus (meat, vegetarian or salad). In the afternoon, the place switches to coffee-shop mode, serving a nice range of organic and artisan drinks and other tempting cakes. Great service and an awesome terrace.

Although fika means “coffee break” in Swedish, this café on Place Viarme is about much more than that. Open from breakfast through to afternoon tea, the team here puts together a well-thought-out and affordable lunch menu every day, featuring dishes that are both tasty and filling (quiche, salad, soups, stews, etc.). A whole array of exquisitely crafted and meticulously prepared pastries, Viennese pastries and hard-to-resist cakes await to round off your meal in style. Booking recommended.

Claire, Vincent and Antoine – who are just as keen on cycling as they are on fine dining – have joined forces to transform this former pizzeria into a charming neighbourhood bistro. At lunchtime, a well-curated menu combines bistro classics with contemporary touches; come the evening, sharing dishes (both savoury and sweet) are the thing here. The trio have kept the old pizza oven, which they now use to bake bread and roast veg. Top-quality sourcing from small local producers. Very nice selection of wines.

À deux pas de la cathédrale, cet ancien hôtel particulier du XIXe siècle transformé en hôtel 5 étoiles et restaurants fort élégants fait l’effet d’une machine à remonter le temps. Au rez-de-chaussée, Chez Albert nous transporte dans le Paris des Années Folles, autour d’une cuisine de saison pleine de justesse à midi, et de cocktails et planches le soir venu. Époustouflante cave à vins pouvant accueillir jusqu’à 10 000 flacons ! Au sous-sol, Chez Félicie célèbre au dîner les grands classiques d’autrefois dans une atmosphère feutrée plus intimiste.

In a beautiful setting overlooking the Loire, this former coaching inn in Le Pellerin has been given a new lease of life since it was converted into a hotel and restaurant. Behind a pale pink, retro-looking façade, chef Yoann Lopes-Féré has created a cuisine inspired by French culinary tradition, to which she likes to bring a twist using good local produce and a seasonal touch. Friendly, attentive service. Weekend brunch and wine to takeaway.

After a rich career in some fine establishments (Les Caudalies, Le Manoir de la Régate), Maxime Marteau opened his restaurant in Carquefou in 2021. Decorated in and out with shades of blue, it’s like an ode to the nearby Loire. In a chic, plush atmosphere, the young chef offers skilful, bistronomic cuisine that drifts between land and sea, often with touches from afar. Great wine list that goes off the beaten track, with mostly organic and biodynamic listings. Pleasant little sunny terrace on the church square.

After Balthazar and Bibou, the “food family” is back on the Ile de Nantes with this neighbourhood bistro and wine bar. With a “no-fuss” approach, this new lifestyle place concocts classic French cuisine and a variety of daily specials at lunchtime. In the evening, the atmosphere’s festive and you’ll hear glasses clinking over a juicy roast chicken or a plate of fries – eating with your fingers is readily encouraged! Large tables for groups. Wines available in magnum format. Open non-stop.

Part izakaya, part natural wine bar, this new stronghold of flavours from the Land of the Rising Sun – but not only – is set to shake up taste buds in Place François-II. Marc Bigotte and Malika Trubert are at the helm, serving up colourful, tasty French-Asian fusion cuisine at lunchtime, and cheerful Japanese street food dishes to share in the evening. The pair’s friendly attitude and passion for Japan really bring this place to life. On the beverage side, you’ll find natural wine, beer and saké, not forgetting a few well-known local names.

Part grocery shop, part creamery, part greengrocer’s and part cellar, this local shop, created by Martin Sauvestre, is bursting with carefully selected, home-grown, artisanal goodies. At lunchtime, this hybrid place serves up tasty dishes in a healthy, high-quality everyday style, using home-grown produce. While the daily specials vary (sandwiches, soups, salads), the home-made burger, approved by regulars, is a firm fixture on the menu.

Here’s a restaurant come cafeteria come café that’s making mouths water in the Saint-Jacques Pirmil district. With pzazz, colour and flavour, Laurène Corre and Camille Nozières feed their customers every lunchtime, with buns, tarts, salads and other healthy, copious dishes from behind their white-tiled counter. There’s plenty for sweet lovers, too, thanks to a good menu of desserts and cakes. Small seating area – booking or takeaway recommended.

Discover the Guého family’s latest address. Noémie and Julien had set up shop in a former PMU bar that has been brilliantly transformed into a friendly, authentic restaurant. On the menu: superb and masterfully executed classics of the bistro genre. With this? A fine wine list, including their own Muscadet, named after the restaurant. The décor is by architect Laurence Bottin, who also designed L’Atlantide 1874, 150 metres away.

After their first gourmet restaurant Roza, named after their first two daughters, Jean-François and Margaux Pantaleon have done it again with this second restaurant named after their youngest daughter. In true neighbourhood bistro fashion, the chef concocts simple, traditional cuisine that is terrifically well-executed. There’s a lunch menu at noon, and cooked dishes in the evening, but the house’s classics, like egg mayo, marrow bone and rice pudding, are always there. A guaranteed culinary treat.

Maximilien Degroise and Léo Huet are back with another sensational place to eat and drink on Rue Léon-Jamin, as well as a new sidekick, Jérémy Landrein. On the lunch menu: irresistible meat, seafood or veggie sandwiches, accompanied by a side and/or a dip, and some classic desserts with a spicy twist. In the evening, you’ll find well-presented nibbles to go with the selection of awesome drinks. Relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

The Tampopo team have done it again with this concept in Nantes that plunges you into the yokocho atmosphere of Tokyo. From the sounds to the décor and the menu, it’s impossible to resist the charm of the various counters where you can slurp and munch on tasty dishes prepared by chef Anthony Nguyen (tonkatsu, ramen, tan-tan, gyoza, bao). Everything is home-made, using carefully selected local produce. Open 7 days a week non-stop. No booking. An immersive experience that’s worth the wait, if necessary.

This coffee shop, which has taken the place of the former Café Bécot, is the place to go for all things sweet. Behind their green shop front, Anaïs Cougnaud (front of house) and Hélène Lefrère (in the kitchen) have created a cosy atmosphere in which you can enjoy home-made, locavore dishes, including soups, cakes, quiches, samosas and salads. And don’t miss the myriad of mouth-watering sweet treats, from breakfast to afternoon tea! Lovely terrace and Sunday brunch once a month.

Frédéric Bonnefont has chosen the Olivettes district for his restaurant which he’s attractively named Myrtil as a tribute to the myrtle plant. Behind its large glass façade, you’ll find a chic, authentic interior (marbled tables, bistro chairs, whitewashed stone walls) where you can enjoy good seasonal produce (locally sourced via the Kiosque Paysan) transformed into skilful dishes. Organic and natural wine selection.

Former chef at Rouge Ardoise, Quentin Lab has now landed in the Gare Maritime district where he’s opened his neighbourhood bistro with his own name. Behind a deep blue front, a warm, chic, wooded décor comes to life around an imposing counter. In terms of food, you’ll enjoy delicious, generous French cuisine, cooked and seasoned to perfection. Pleasant mini terrace in fine weather.

Since 2022, friends Antoine Lehot and Jimmy Calloc’h have been delighting diners on the Rue de la Bastille with their neighbourhood eatery. For lunch, there’s a choice of one of two dishes or the ‘dwich’ (sandwich) concocted in the kitchen. In the evening, you can enjoy a laidback meal with great pizzas from Jacta (the duo’s other venture) to some cool music from their definitely not-random playlist. A fine menu of soft drinks, biodynamic and natural wines, local beers and house cocktails awaits to wash it all down.

Just a stone’s throw from the Musée d’Arts, here’s a delicious address that’s here to stay. The brainchild of a trio of partners (Océane Godfroid, Kevin Ternus and Arthur Deflandre), L’Éphémère produces bistronomic cuisine with a committed and inventive approach. The style is resolutely creative, using flowers and wild plants to tickle your curiosity and your taste buds. Plant-inspired décor, friendly feel and bold flavours. Good value for money in the evening.

Wine and great grub is what this lively restaurant is all about. The place is run by Pierre Brunelli (former head sommelier at Heston Blumenthal). Here, the team behind the stoves prepares ultra-fresh, seasonal and creative bistro-style cuisine, but resolutely local in approach. To wash everything down, there’s a fine selection of organic small-production wines and unique drinks.

Claire Habchi makes no secret of her excitement about opening her first restaurant in her home town of Saint-Sébastien-sur-Loire (its name comes from the Latin fervor meaning “to cook or to boil”). In an olive-green setting, this richly experienced chef with a Michelin-star past offers a highly esteemed gourmet cuisine, where lacto-fermentation is king. 3-course or 4-course menu at lunchtime and “trust the chef” menu (4 or 5 courses) in the evening. Ultra-local sourcing.

Guindaille (a Belgian term meaning “joyful gathering”), is one of those neo-bistros with a great atmosphere, where it’s nice to get together around a table full of good food and well-picked drinks. At lunchtime, you’ll find bistro-style cuisine with a slightly exotic twist. In the evening, this is the place to come with friends for a drink accompanied by nicely made tapas. The desserts deserve a mention, too, with their unique combinations of flavours. DJ sets, exhibitions and tastings held from time to time.

Following on from their Auberge de la Madeleine in Gétigné, Gwenn Davoine and Jean-René Pelletier have opened their second eatery in a former pizzeria in Clisson. Today the place has been nicely scrubbed up and transformed into a wine, tapas and pizza bar, where you can eat or nibble while slurping on a fine selection of organic and biodynamic wines from local vineyards and further afield. Laidback atmosphere.

This bar-restaurant created by Karim Tulli and Pauline Delaunay stands in the place of the former Les Pendules à l’Heure restaurant in Clisson. Amid a décor of natural hues of green and brown, the chef blends French, Moroccan, Italian influences to create deliciously balanced dishes with a careful, contemporary-style presentation.

Maël Hemmer (who also runs Ichi-go Ichi-e) has done it again with his second iconic Japanese-style eatery, on the corner of Rue Fouré and Rue de Saverne. So what’s the concept this time? At lunchtime, you’ll find donburi (a bowl of rice topped with fish, meat or vegetables). In the evening, the atmosphere changes, and so does the menu, switching to izakaya mode, with Japanese tapas, and the option of sake, cocktails or other beers from the Land of the Rising Sun.

Aristide, in Place Aristide-Briand is a gourmet’s delight. Whether sat in the brasserie, bistro or bar area of this multi-faceted venue, you can savour the chef’s elegant seasonal menu, featuring a beautiful combination of local produce and flavours from elsewhere. The quick and very affordable set menu at lunch-time (“formule rapide”), including a starter, main and dessert, deserves a special mention. Attentive, smiley service and lovely terrace.

Ruddy Maisonneuve’s cuisine is a gourmet tribute to his childhood memories of his grandparents’ farm (p’tite pomme or “little apple” was his nickname as a child). As former second chef of LuluRouget, his market-fresh, seasonal and local dishes demonstrate a high-level of expertise, be it in the cooking methods, presentation or seasonings. Juliette Jovelin, the chef’s business partner and other half, is all sweetness and kindness in the dining room. Well-hidden on the Champ de Mars, but highly recommended.

Fancy some unusual crêpes and galettes? Head for the bustling Bouffay quarter, where Arnaud Jaffredo and Ophélie Heck’s crêperie manages to brilliantly break the codes of the genre while still offering all the classics at their best. So what do you get here? Superbly executed galettes and crêpes, with copious toppings that are both original and very well prepared. If you haven’t booked, just turn up early! And if you’re out of luck, take a few steps and try for a table at the house’s second address on Rue de la Baclerie.

Conceived as a natural retreat in the heart of a bustling urban environment, Sarah Mainguy’s restaurant draws its inspiration from local produce and the inspiring garden that adorns the roof terrace here. In a large, light-filled greenhouse offering a wonderful view of Nantes, the chef creates a top-class Michelin-starred dining experience with creative, poetic cuisine that is both firmly up-to-date and proudly regional.

Here’s a great neighbourhood place that never ceases to delight, in the gourmet Place Canclaux. This friendly bar and restaurant with its cosy, boudoir feel, offers a short menu of daily specials at lunchtime, alongside the house classics (seasonal salad, burger or bagel). The terrace, with its Parisian brasserie look, is a definite plus on sunny days. Open non-stop from morning to evening on weekdays. Booking recommended at lunchtime.

Sushi bar of note Edo, in Bas-Chantenay, makes delicate sushi and maki to order, according to the strictest rules of the art. Edo stands out for its quality seafood supply and choice of two menus, with the option of either “classic” fish (NAMI) or more “noble” fish (JYÔ), like scallops or horse mackerel. Seats 18 guests only – booking essential.

Looking for a cosy, family-friendly place for lunch? Head to the Ile de Nantes and this charming restaurant run by sisters Judith André-Valentin and Camille Valentin. Both of them cook and serve guests, who can enjoy delicious seasonal cuisine featuring the great classics, (a vegetarian starter and main are always on offer) sometimes with an exotic twist inspired by their travels. Attractive terrace. Available for private hire in the evening for after-work drinks, with a good selection of Loire wines.

After a long career at the Restaurant de la Vallée in Clisson, Anaïs Vignaud (front of house) and Dylan Lebossé (in the kitchen) have taken over this small, long restaurant set in the heart of the vineyards in the market town of Vallet. This discreet yet friendly and passionate young couple offer a short, well-mastered, semi-gastronomic menu and attentive service. On the wine front, the focus is on local producers, in particular the wines of neighbouring winegrower Stéphane Orieux.

This late opening concept will win you over with its festive vibe and stylish look. From after-work to late at night, Maxime Delalande and Julien Moniz send out attractively presented, well-prepared sharing plates from behind their super-cool wood-panelled counter, paired with the natural wines unearthed by their partner and wine guy François Rouillé. Two words of advice – it’s best to arrive early or come later to be sure to get a table, and don’t miss their divine home-made crisps!

Behind their shop window, where pasta machines and sacks of flour take pride of place, Guillaume Masao Dallas and Victorien Gicquel bring a gastronomic twist to the legendary ramen dishes of the land of the Rising Sun. With their unique broths and just the right amount of chilli, the two childhood friends do an incredible take on the ramen classics, delivering recipes that are as creative as they are complex and delicious. As in Japan, there are no desserts on the menu – just a Mugen Ramen and off you go! No bookings taken, so it’s best to arrive early.

For a taste of Taiwanese cuisine, there’s nothing like a trip to Panier d’Or, where you’ll find the famous xiao long bao (among other specialities). These lovely little steamed ravioli, served straight from the basket, can be enjoyed in both meat and veggie versions. The starters and desserts are great, too (the “tea-ramisu” apparently has many fans). There’s also a selection of quality teas, which also come highly recommended as an accompaniment. Great service and a warm welcome in immaculate surroundings.

You’ll find Gasparelli at the heart of an original and eco-responsible hybrid concept known as the Lieu Dit. Set within the post-industrial surroundings of a former garage, this colourful and very popular venue housing a hotel, restaurant, bar and market, is designed as a village square. So what’s on the menu? Puffy Neapolitan pizzas (the dough is fermented for 48 hours) and a brilliantly well-thought-out dish of the day. Buzzing atmosphere. Brunch highly recommended.

Bibou, the Balthazar family’s second address, is a neighbourhood bistro like no other that has undoubtedly helped to revive this corner of the Ile de Nantes! Open from dawn to dusk, it’s the perfect place for a cool breakfast, lunch on the terrace overlooking the Loire, or a festive after-work drink with cocktails and local wines. On the menu: seasonal bistro-style dishes and incredible pâté en croute (vegan version possible) which are a legacy of the chef’s former career as a pork butcher.

At this café within Nantes’ social economy incubator the Solilab, you can enjoy the cuisine of chef Manon Texier, who is extremely active in the local small-scale farming network. With its cosmopolitan, vegetarian offering that changes every day, this laidback cafeteria-style eatery has built up a loyal following with its single set menu and outstanding value for money. Nice atmosphere with a bric-a-brac feel. Great menu of local beverages (with or without alcohol). Open until evening for after-work drinks.

Parents looking for a family-friendly dining experience, look no further – Les Gamines is just the place! Constance Desmants and Gaëlle Neri have opened this unique café and day-time eatery designed for both hungry little and big people. The menu includes bruschetta and two dishes (one of which is vegetarian). Dishes change daily, and are also available in smaller portions. Play area and super-nice service. Monthly programme of workshops for all the family.

Both a restaurant (on weekdays at lunchtime) and a wine cellar and bar (on Friday evenings and Sunday mornings), this nice little place guarantees you some fun and good food in Indre, on the banks of the Loire. In her no-frills café, Sabrina Clochard cooks up family-style dishes, which you can enjoy in the dining room, at the counter, or on the terrace in summer, served by the friendly Bertrand Balbusquier. Our ultimate tip? Pull up a seat and enjoy a drink at the Café du Port after shopping at the Sunday morning market.

Just the sight of this vast mansion dating from 1904 is enough to draw you into this charming restaurant in the suburbs. Denis Janneau and his team offer a warm and professional welcome in this elegant olde-worlde setting with its large fireplace and white tablecloths. At the stove, the chef prepares traditional and inventive, fine French cuisine that respects the seasons and nature. Superb wine list, featuring a rich wine selection from the local area and elsewhere in France. Terrace in fine weather.

This inn opposite the church has been attracting a crowd of regulars for the last 20 years. Keeping things traditional is the philosophy here! Starting with the Muscadet that you can enjoy while leaning against the counter when you arrive, before making your way into the dining room, where the buffet of starters (salads, seasonal crudités) and the display case of simple and comforting desserts take pride of place. Daily menu with a choice of three dishes (couscous on Wednesdays and beurre blanc on Fridays), home-made fries and a warm welcome.

Maison Paganelli is named after the co-founder’s family home in the Corsican village of Zicavo. With meticulously sourced products straight from Corsica, the restaurant showcases the gastronomy of the “Isle of Beauty” at its best. You’ll find a host of signature dishes, charcuterie and cheeses, as well as a fine selection of wines of all colours. They’ve even had the great idea of adding in local produce and they change the menu on a seasonal basis.

Pilgrim is the second restaurant of the Bonbourg team and is just like its globe-trotter owners with its diverse culinary culture, and endearingly cosy British feel (the chef’s origins oblige). The resulting cuisine blends French techniques with world food, to bring you creative dishes in an ambiance that’s part chic, part English country cottage. Great drinks menu and perfect people watching terrace right on the famous Place Graslin.

Japanese-Micronesian chef Kenji has turned this former bistro into a ramen bar. With passion and talent, he prepares delicious ramen served in generous helpings. From the noodles and broths to the gyoza and tempura, everything here is home-made (with the exception of the desserts made by the Saki patisserie). Ramen available in vegan and vegetarian versions. PS: there’s no point looking for Louise (she works behind the scenes).

Charline, Alcide and Benoît, the three friends at the helm of Calma, created this place to bring you a taste of Argentina, with their skilfully whipped up empanadas. Available in meat, seafood or veggie versions, there’s one of these delicious little stuffed pastries for everyone. What’s more, their dough is 100% vegan! The team also offers three bistro dishes for even more choice. Colourful food and décor. Located between the old wholesale market and the new university hospital.

Tucked away just a stone’s throw from the yellow crane, Flore Bastard and Hugo Perrault’s restaurant offers a mouth-watering experience for those seeking freshness and well-executed simplicity. Hugo’s in charge at the stove, concocting a bistronomic cuisine that’s always local and often plant-based, with a nice creative touch. Flore’s in charge out front, bringing a cheery spirit to this luminous address. Open kitchen, short menu, warm contemporary décor.

Aptly named for its fair and active approach, this charity-run community eatery strives to bring different cultures and generations together and give them vocations. On this part of the rapidly changing Ile de Nantes, a cheerful team is training refugees in the restaurant trade, while honouring these people’s home culture. Afghan, Chechen or Colombian cuisine… every lunchtime, the chefs take you on a culinary journey to a different country. Superb welcome, very good value for money and a socially responsible approach.

Clapton Café et Ateliers is a sleek, Scandinavian-style coffee shop that welcomes food lovers and healthy eaters for lunch, and remote workers during the day in its co-working space. In terms of food, you’ll find a short, varied and well-thought-out vegetable-focused menu of salads, toasts, quiches and soups. And to finish on a high note, there are always some delicious desserts. The bonus? The grocery shop at the entrance, and the arts and crafts workshops hosted here.

Estelle Méheust and Jérôme Berdelou, partners both in life and in the kitchen, cook up extraordinary gourmet dishes in their restaurant Bairoz with its emerald green and scraped stone features. This talented pair complement one another – she’s in charge on the savoury side, he’s in charge of sweets, and they alternate front of house – delivering high-calibre sequences of dishes representing great value for money. The presentation and seasonings are exquisite, and the sourcing superb. Short, local wine list, and home-made bread.

Just off the bustling Rue Joffre, this natural wine institution is definitely worth a visit, both for what you get on your plate and in your glass, and for its eternal coolness (you order at the counter here and there’s a wide choice of wines by the bottle). While the décor is reminiscent of a bistro of yesteryear, the cuisine is contemporary and creative, with some deliciously explosive combinations of flavours. Small grazing plates available in the evening. Nothing but seasonal, local and organic produce here.

This blue and white themed bistro, run by Valérie and Stéphanie Ferrand, treats the Chalâtres district to fresh, tasty dishes at lunchtime. The place is also open mornings and evenings, and is just as popular for coffee as it is for tapas in the evening. Laidback, smiley welcome. Pleasant terrace on Place Victor-Richard. There’s also a small grocery corner, so you can take a little of the place home with you!

Elena Solorzano and Maxime Robinet form an ultra-complementary duo in their “intimate and gourmet” restaurant (tucked away at the back of a courtyard). Maxime, who comes from nearby Rezé, cooks up a French-style bistronomic cuisine, sprinkled with flavours from around the world. Elena, who is of Mexican origin, manages the drinks side of things brilliantly, with a very precise wine list as well as great quality mezcal. Cute ground-floor dining room with view of the kitchen and several tables upstairs.

After 13 years at the helm of Le Clémence in Saint-Julien-de-Concelles, Aurélie and Jean-Charles Batard have reopened a restaurant in this impressive green-shuttered house facing the very pretty Port Domino on the river Sèvre. In this lovely riverside setting, there’s a traditional feel thanks to the beautifully decorated dining room and the terroir cuisine made with well-chosen seasonal produce. Aurélie, who is particularly smiley, presents the menu off the board. Homely atmosphere. Excellent list of local wines.

Half-bistro, half-wine cellar, this little neighbourhood address brings a whiff of authenticity and flavour to the already highly gourmet Rue des Hauts-Pavés. Behind the stove, Rémi Cueille cooks up his generous and sincere bistronomic recipes, in a resolutely unpretentious style. In the dining room, Barbara Coulon offers some lovely bottles with a penchant for organic and biodynamic wine. Warm, smiley welcome. Regular wine-tasting evenings and wine workshops.

Behind this vivid aqua-green façade lies a former pharmacy with beautifully preserved woodwork. Today, it’s the setting for a restaurant come coffee shop blending retro touches and a tea room feel. Marine Coëspel, who runs the place, teases a host of local produce into beautifully crafted, mainly vegetable-based dishes that are as original as they are healthy. On Sundays, foodies flock here for brunch so it’s wise to book.

Around the world in 80 dishes – that’s the concept of Carolina and Margot Schioppa-Thievet, whose restaurant is inspired by the epic adventures of Nantes’ Jules Verne whom they admire so much. In their blue and gold wonder room with its old gramophone and sea creatures, the two chefs prepare a cuisine of “taste and meaning”, from A to Z, with influences from all over the world (Italy, Japan, Thailand) and a strong commitment to sustainable food.

Jaleo translates to “racket” or “chaos”, which sets the tone of this Iberian-style gastrobar in Chantenay where fun and fiesta are the order of the day! At lunchtime, Barcelona-born chef Albert Riera (former second-in-command to Éric Guérin) brings a new twist to bistro cuisine. Evenings, however, are very much a Spanish affair with tapas and amazing paella. In the dining room, Émilie Gosselin proposes some great bottles and a fine selection of vermouth to accompany all these delights. Olé!

On the banks of the Loire, opposite Trentemoult, this former oil mill has been transformed into a craft brewery, producing high-quality beers. This large wood and stone space is not just a brewpub, though. Chef Diego Cortes concocts creative bistro dishes at lunchtime and devilishly good tapas and finger food in the evening. For the full experience, you can arrive by Navibus from the western tip of the Ile de Nantes or Trentemoult.

In the idyllic green and tranquil setting of the Parc de Procé with its English-style gardens, you’ll find this 18th century manor house, now a café-restaurant. With its bright, contemporary feel, it’s an ideal spot for lunch or even breakfast, a coffee or an aperitif. In the kitchen, the team prepares fresh, creative and well-executed suggestions. You’ll also find a very good list of organic, biodynamic and natural wines at reasonable prices. Privatisation of rooms possible for functions.

Within the 4-star hotel L’Abbaye de Villeneuve, you’ll find Brasserie Constance, in a vast, light-bathed conservatory with a bucolic view over the swimming pool and grounds. In the kitchen, chef Yannick Chan Yue Nang offers traditional French brasserie dishes or more contemporary fare, with a strong regional flavour. Elegant atmosphere and beautiful interior design with soft velvet touches and emerald green carpeting.

On the Nantes wine route, connected to the Kyriad Hotel in Bouaye, is this smart and comfortable restaurant where heavy table linen brings a touch of chic. On your plate, you’ll find the excellent French cuisine of chef Sylvain Philippe. His gourmet bistro-style dishes are made from top-quality, ultra-local produce – which you can enjoy with a popular choice of wines. Service is smooth and swift thanks to the maître d’ and his team, and you’ll find a lovely lakeside terrace for fine weather.

L’Abbaye de Villeneuve’s Michelin-starred restaurant 1201 – named after the year that this landmark in Les Sorinières was built – welcomes guests for a gourmet dining experience in a plush, sophisticated, historic setting, with alcove rooms, white tablecloths, and views of the cloister and pool. The menus, concocted by chef Achour Belayel, are a showcase of high-level gastronomy, with a minimalist approach and ultra-precise presentation. There’s a genuine focus on the southern Loire area, with its rich network of local producers and traditional skills.

Neighbourhood bistro Personnes in the heart of the Dalby district is designed to be a real gathering spot with its heart-warming atmosphere and good grub. Off the board at lunch, you can enjoy modern market-fresh cuisine that’s well prepared, seasonal and full of flavour, created by head chef Juliette Rouillé-
Patrier. For dinner, Popolo’s pizzas from next door are a guaranteed treat. A fine selection of wines (many of which natural) lines the shelves of this vintage-style bistro. Terrace and boules pitch.

For a fast and affordable lunch (to eat in or take away), there’s nothing like this friendly, eco-responsible cafeteria, serving delicious-tasting, healthy food, on Boulevard Albert-Einstein. On the menu: daily specials with inspirations from around the world, seasonal dishes (tarts, soups, crudités), and an array of desserts. Everything’s made with fresh, seasonal produce from short supply chains. Be aware: there’s no booking here, so it’s wise to arrive early.

Fancy lunching on some quality street food-like fare? Aude and Antoine’s little focaccia shop is just the place! Their delicious Italian bread rolls are kneaded in-house every day, using local organic flour, good olive oil and levain, and then filled on the spot. There are four choices of focaccia, or you can opt for a salad with the same toppings. Great take away option, otherwise there’s a small patio with seating.

Although they are now four rather than three, the team at this responsible coffee shop, led by Nina Thenon and Laurianne Condette, continues to delight food lovers, from early in the morning to late afternoon. The light cafeteria-style lunch offering and brunch at weekends are very popular to say the least. One word of advice: save room for one of their insanely good desserts. Bright venue with a nice large terrace.

Tori Ya in Place du Pilori is Anthony Nguyen’s second venue (after Ramen Ya and before Ikimasho) specialising in Japanese-style chicken dishes (all made with farm-raised chicken). Behind the large counter of this long, minimalistic restaurant, the chef and entrepreneur never ceases to delight lovers of Japanese cuisine, with his ramen, gyoza and top-class karaage. Local sourcing and home-made dishes are standard policy. Small terrace, speedy service.

In the Atlantis district, you’ll find a restaurant with a refreshing Scandinavian feel. Danish-born chef Camilla Michel-Paludan has created this place tucked away in a former warehouse amidst the storage depots and offices. Here, of course, you can sample the famous smørrebrød and other Nordic delicacies. But the cuisine of this unique eatery is also characterised by deliciously refined inspirations from around the world (this goes for the vegan options too). Not forgetting the characterful AERoFAB beer to go with your food.

Behind the red facade of an old butcher’s shop, an incredible pasta machine churns out locally sourced noodles in every form. Like its bigger sister, La Cantine Fermière, excellent organic and local ingredients are key: flour from Giraudineau, pork from Cochons d’Antan, vegetables from Orvault… Fresh pasta or ravioli delight the palates of the most demanding foodies! There’s also a vegetarian option, the most charming service, and prices that are easy on the wallet.

Both a restaurant and a wine cellar, OBBO combines the talents of chef Antoine Gaudin and Guillaume Claireau, an expert in food and beverage pairings. When it comes to making good food, OBBO’s fatal weapon is its amazingly subtle and super-creative, low-sugar desserts. Everything here is paired brilliantly with wine, cider, sake or kombucha. Not forgetting the savoury dishes, which always have a special pastry chef twist that makes all the difference.

Fancy tucking into a soft, succulent sandwich with that sunny taste of the South? Head for Morfal, at the back of Place Royale, which serves up shockingly good Mediterranean-style pitas. As well as its well-stuffed signature breads, you’ll also find tempting and incredibly addictive sides and desserts, like crispy falafels, roasted vegetables with spices and malabi. Comforting food with an explosion of flavours guaranteed!

At Ichi-go Ichi-e (meaning “one time, one meeting” in Japanese), Maël Hemmer and Léo Jabale invite their guests for a moment of carpe diem, in their ultramarine blue, white and light wood ramen shop. On the menu: eight succulent ramen dishes, all 100% home-made (including the noodles and the broths) and prepared exactly as they should be, before your very eyes. Seating is limited, so it’s best to arrive early to be sure to grab one of these steaming Japanese bowls.

This contemporary French-style diner and pioneer of Nantes’ high-quality burger scene, has been going for over 10 years now. The Dubrown recipe? “No bullshit, just burgers”, with home-made fries and potato buns (baked in their workshop just across the road), French-raised meat and local ingredients. Beverages, including craft beers and natural wines, and American-style desserts complete the experience.

This English coffee shop, located not far from the Great Elephant of the Machines de l’île, is the ideal place to enjoy a good brunch and other British-style treats. Both the cuisine and the décor give Billie’s a strong identity with a real British touch. Booking highly recommended. Very pleasant terrace and views over the Loire.

Fancy a taste of Taiwanese cuisine without going halfway round the world? Head for Bao Dao, a micro-eatery with a street-food feel, tucked away at the back of the Cours des 50 Otages. It’s a feast of noodles and guabao galore, washed down with home-made bubble tea. The ideal place for a quick, refreshing and exotic-feeling lunch break. Pleasant little terrace in fine weather.

Following an unconventional career, the talented chef Simon Gourdon is writing his story near the village of Saint-Sébastien. At his restaurant L’Uchronie, you’ll find a smart, understated décor (wallpaper marbled with ochre, touches of gold, lobster print), and dishes that are top-notch both in terms of flavour and presentation. And despite its very discreet and modest approach, this little gem is proving to be one to watch. Every month, there’s a single-product menu to discover.

What better place than Clisson, the beautiful Italianesque town in the Nantes vineyards, for some gourmet, gluten-free food combining French and Italian cuisine? In their micro-bistro, Marta Belli (who brings the oil) and David Gaudou (who brings the butter) cook a four-handed cuisine that is very Italian and sometimes French in style, but always deliciously prepared. Adorable place, products and wines (the wines come from biodynamic or natural producers, half in the Loire Valley, and half from Italy). Terrace in the shade of a beautiful olive tree for relaxing al-fresco meals.

Chef Yann Oillic (formerly of L’Orée du Bois and Au Retour du Marché) has set up his restaurant in the village of Orvault. Behind a discreet front, a soft interior of scraped stone, light wood and touches of blue awaits, not forgetting the glass-panelled kitchen corner where you can see the team at work. The chef’s colourful, lively and well-executed dishes have everything to please, oscillating between a classic base and just the right amount of creativity.

After 10 years at the helm of their restaurant L’Ardoise in Nantes, Alexandra and Patrick Hervy, who have hospitality in their blood, have created BRUT in the heart of the vineyards. This new restaurant brings them closer to the winegrowers and producers of the region they love to talk about at their tables. In keeping with the restaurant’s hybrid restaurant/café-bar/rotisserie/smokehouse/cellar/delicatessen concept, the chef’s delicious bistro-style cuisine offers a generous dose of conviviality. In short, you get good, natural food that is strictly delicious!

The two Benjamins (aka Benji and Benjoux) that run this place are an energetic, fun and friendly pair which explains the atmosphere here! In the kitchen, they prepare some great bistro-style dishes, perfectly in keeping with the spirit of the house. On the wine side, there’s a very nice selection, with bottles to suit all tastes and prices. In the evening, friends and regulars come here for sharing boards and seafood. Nice little terrace.

This bistro is “act two” for wine experts Cécile Annet and Émeric Chambon. Following their first ex-address, a wine bar called La Comédie des Vins, the show goes on for food and wine lovers at their second place not far from Place Mellinet. In the dining room, the pair continue to delight with their inimitable wit and highly reputed wine list. The chic, bistro-style fare inspired by traditional French cuisine tops the whole experience off well. The sauces in particular deserve a special mention. Lovely, mini terrace on the first floor.

Far from newcomers to the restaurant trade, the two Barnabé brothers offer an understated and meticulous Michelin-star experience at their minimalist restaurant with its Scandinavian, fifties-style look and terracotta colours. At the stove, Charles (former second chef to two-Michelin-star chef Christophe Hay) and Tristan brilliantly bring out the best of the seasons and the local produce, with bold, technically masterful dishes that do away with all fuss. In the dining room, the team, offers a perfect and charming service and a well-put-together wine list.

Bonbourg, between Place Viarme and Place Bretagne, is Louise Pacaud and Benjamin Guiffant’s first restaurant (they also run Pilgrim), which they opened upon returning from a 78-day round-the-world backpacking trip. This cosmopolitan eatery and bar is the quintessential meeting place for friends, with dishes fusioning the many influences that this globetrotting couple have come across on their way. Large tables, great cocktails and attentive service.

Gladys Battault (formerly of Yannick Alléno, Yoric Tièche and La Chèvre d’Or) delights diners with her semi-gastro cuisine with old-fashioned bistro influences, a pinch of creativity and just the right dose of spices. What’s more, all of this is made with the finest local produce. Organic and natural wines, well-chosen soft drinks and a small terrace at the back.

You have to venture to the end of the Rue des Hauts-Pavés to come across this charming micro bistro. It’s run by Nicolas Chabot, who you’ll find behind the stove, and his partner Audrey, who provides warm, friendly service front of house. As for the food, the experienced chef offers vibrant, punchy market-fresh cuisine, which changes every day according to his desires and the local produce he sources. Drinks are taken seriously here, too, as you can see from the counter made from wine cases. Small shaded courtyard at the rear. Booking recommended.

Agape means feast in English and the feast on offer here is a virtuous one thanks to the 100% local philosophy of this original pizza place catering for vegans, veggies and meat eaters. Pierre-Yves Combradet is a committed and passionate pizza chef, who takes an unconventional approach with his sourdough bases, topped with amazing local produce that varies with the seasons (cream of broccoli, cream of carrot, Muscadet sausage, gwell). Delicious and sustainable!

Fans of crispy lace-like buckwheat pancakes flock to this classic olde-worlde crêperie, just steps from Rue Crébillon. Émilie and Julien Claussen welcome us into their retro-chic world for a magical meal with a Breton twist. At the billig, the master crêpier fills his galettes and crêpes with great quality seasonal produce. Everything is oozing with salted butter, of course, and there’s a drinks menu that’s just as original as the place itself.

Whether it’s the setting, the cuisine, or the atmosphere, Le Canclaux has all the hallmarks of a neighbourhood bistro. It’s a popular place to come for a coffee, a drink or one of Louis-David Hatte’s dishes, from morning till night. In keeping with the style of the place, you can enjoy traditional old-fashioned, in-season dishes at lunchtime, alongside its many regulars. In the evening, it’s all about sharing plates, that is, if you can bear to share them! There’s a good wine selection to wash everything down and a great, lively atmosphere.

This bistro come wine cellar with its deli corner is a favourite with bon vivants, offering a generous and friendly welcome to those in search of good food and wine. In a delightfully retro décor (wood, red walls, scraped stone, family photos), you can enjoy a cheerful and satisfying bistro menu. Muscadet lovers take note – Balthazar has the world’s largest list of Muscadet, with no fewer than 150 references to date (not to mention a broader selection of organic and biodynamic wines).

This restaurant belonging to the famiglia Caruso is named after the grandfather of its owner Jérémy Dechoux. Located in the Place du Pilori, it welcomes all the pizza-loving guests. From its wood-fired oven come delectable hand-kneaded pizzas that are plump, soft and crispy all at once. Bonus: a bar and cocktail menu in addition to the choice of house pizzas and antipasti.

Behind the marbled shop front of this place, the Huitric brothers spread their good humour in their restaurant come wine cellar come grocery shop! Although their surname makes us think of seafood (huitre is French for oyster), it’s the family’s market garden produce from Guérande that is behind the concept and that goes into the super-fresh, beautifully presented dishes that Josselin creates. Samuel, for his part, is the expert when it comes to wine and drinks. Terrace in fine weather.

Fancy a Neapolitan-style meal beneath twinkling strings of lemons? Then head to Graziella, Jérémy Dechoux’s second pizzeria, named this time after his nonna italiana. To eat, you’ll find pizzas in the purest Neapolitan tradition (wood-fired oven, sourdough dough, local produce), with fluffy edges and well thought-out toppings. There are just eight pizzas on the menu, along with molto good antipasti and sweet treats to die for. Nice large terrace.

Once you’ve found Emporietto at the end of its tucked-away cul-de-sac, you’ll discover an intimate and unusual osteria-like restaurant in a vaulted stone cellar. Its Franco-Italian owner Jonas Le Fillastre brings you contemporary Italian cuisine with a local twist, with carefully prepared dishes from responsibly sourced produce. And as if that weren’t enough, you’ll also find an excellent deli featuring products and organic, biodynamic and natural wines that come straight from the Boot.

Oscar Becerril is a passionate chef with a long and varied career behind him. His restaurant offers a colourful blend of French and Mexican cuisine. With the lunch-time menu or more sophisticated evening menu, you’ll discover fusion cuisine with a strong personality. Oscar also cooks 100% Mexican dishes, always paying particular attention to their presentation. And as one would expect from the name of the restaurant, there’s a fine selection of tequila and other Mexican spirits on the menu.

Behind his all-blue shop front, Jérémy Guivarch humbly rows his own boat, with brilliant success. This chef and advocate of ethical fishing, from Audierne, cooks seafood with passion and eco-mindedness, which means sustainable fishing methods, seasonal cuisine, a minimum size of fish, and the promotion of little-known species. Gwaien’s locavore dishes are a highly original blend of produce from the land and sea. Short supply chain, immaculate presentation and a warm welcome.

A real treat for the taste buds awaits behind this Klein blue façade covered in climbing plants. Maximilien Degroise and Léo Huet (who also run Kombu) have developed a sustainable, laidback bistronomy concept with Breton, Asian and Scandinavian influences. At the heart of their originally named dishes is good local produce cooked by a young, energetic team, resulting in food that both looks and tastes perfect.

At the stoves of this restaurant, with its contemporary and warm décor (and charming patio!), are two talented friends: Nicolas Trinquet (trained at Têtedoie, Bocuse, Pickles…) and Tristan Hausser, pastry chef. And, it’s working! Their perfectly crafted, dynamic, and colourful bistronomique cuisine is inspired by traditional dishes and boosted by their judicious associations and plays on texture. Service is attentive.

On the Ile de Nantes, this hybrid eco-conscious café-bakery concept also offers delicious food and a creative space. The cosmopolitan team kneads divine sourdough breads, makes magnificent pastries and viennoiseries, and concocts amazing plates of food and sandwiches. They use local produce with influences from around the world and take the environment very seriously.

In the charming Butte Sainte-Anne district, the Boncœur team makes molto mouth-watering Neapolitan pizzas. The dough is made with local flour and leavened for at least 48 hours, while the seasonal toppings feature fresh, carefully chosen – and in some cases even hand-foraged – local and Italian produce, so nothing is left to chance. Small terrace for al-fresco meals in fine weather. And if you’ve any room left, make sure you try the cioccolata pizza!

Here’s a self-service lunchtime eatery that proves that healthy food can be tasty and copious too! You’ll find salads, soups, pies, burgers, and home-cooked dishes (vegetarian or meat), that make for a quality lunch, whether you’re ravenous or just looking for a light bite. Everything’s fresh and tasty, with a varied menu that changes daily. Gluten-free and lactose-free options available. Takeaway service for those in a rush.

In the Bellevue area of Sainte-Luce, Jean-Charles Cauquil has turned a former workers’ restaurant into the smart and delicious eatery Jano. Having worked in some very fine establishments, like the Bristol, the George V and L’Alchimiste in Nantes, the chef offers well-executed French cuisine, made with market-fresh produce. Combining top service, savoir-faire and good value for money, this place has everything you need for a great time. Don’t miss the terrace with views over the Loire in summer.

This cosy, healthy lunchtime restaurant is in a prime spot, overlooking Clisson Castle. The discreet couple in charge are strongly committed to good food and extremely eco-conscious. In the kitchen, Marc concocts sophisticated dishes that are tasty, colourful and well thought-out. As for the service, its courteous and friendly, thanks to the smiling and professional Fanny, who offers a menu of local, natural and ethical beverages. Delightful terrace at the foot of the fortress. Play corner and books available for toddlers.

In her welcoming neo-bistro, 2022 Top Chef candidate Lucie Berthier Gembara delivers a colourful, eco-conscious cuisine, with Mediterranean influences. With vegetarian or animal “sequences” that really hit home, Sépia boasts creativity, reworking gastronomic codes. There’s a strong emphasis on beautifully presented plates, which is a legacy of this chef’s time with Gérald Passedat and Alexandre Mazzia. Efficient, cheerful service. Terrace in fine weather.

Named after Jules Verne’s hero Michel Strogoff, as if to link Russia and Nantes, Davit Amasyan and Gayane Melkonyan’s restaurant is a plunge into the delights of Slavic countries. Oscillating between Russian, Armenian, Ukrainian and Georgian cuisine, the tasty plates reveal a host of traditional recipes, some with a twist. You can also get to grips with the house culture in liquid form, with a wide range of vodkas and Georgian wines. Welcoming atmosphere and cosmopolitan team.

In her colourful and eclectic den (with its floral paper, mismatched crockery, string lights and works of art on the walls), Morgane Jobelin cooks up delicious vegetarian (as well as vegan, lactose-free and gluten-free) recipes for those seeking lip-smacking lunch-time comfort food. In a cosy tea room atmosphere, you can also enjoy delicious sweet treats, accompanied by a wide choice of drinks. Small terrace with cathedral view.

This family-friendly eatery and multi-purpose venue within the former military barracks, in the Mellinet district, is run by Jeanne, Elsa, Benoît and Quentin. At lunchtime, you can enjoy fresh cuisine with perfectly picked market produce. In the evening, it’s all about sharing plates. As well as a restaurant and bar open from early in the morning until late at night, there’s a lively and popular cultural programme, including concerts, debates, workshops and films for young and old alike.

Having named his restaurant after the Korean omija (known as the berry of five flavours), Romain Bonnet strives to find an astute balance of flavours in each of his dishes. The result is a wildly creative blend of French and Asian gourmet cuisine, employing unique combinations of locally sourced products (the restaurant has the Ecotable label) and a sprinkle of ingredients foraged in the wild. The Michelin-star experience continues out front with Ronan Bricaud’s harmonious wine pairings.

Thierry Lébé’s restaurant is a veritable ode to his origins in the Gers region and very much about meat. The focus is on fine rotisserie cuisine and generous traditional fare, inspired by the local produce of this passionate chef’s native region. Incredibly well-executed spit-roasted meats, along with nicely presented bistro cuisine. Guests will also get to meet the master roaster who comes out to the dining room to greet them in a simple, friendly manner.

This coffee shop, which is the younger sister of Dînette (only much bigger), concocts a savoury lunchtime menu to die for, served until 3.30pm. With its salads, pies, soups, and more, Chop Chop offers totally original, delicious-tasting healthy lunches, in veggie or non-veggie mode. Sweet tooths also flock here from breakfast till afternoon snack time. You can get hooked on this place, which is clear from the busy crowd, but ordering at the counter is a breeze. Great takeaway option.

Located in the Biocoop Les Hameaux shop, this all-good, all-organic restaurant offers a short, temptingly delicious menu. In the kitchen, chef Raphaël Cacheux concocts light no-fuss lunchtime bites like meat or veggie daily specials and Breton galettes that are healthy, tasty and good value for money. Product sourcing is obviously top-notch. Charming cafeteria-style set up with counter service and natural, brick features with touches of black and yellow.

This little gem of a restaurant in Saint-Sébastien-sur-Loire is expertly run by Caradec Boscher. Behind the red and black frontage, you’ll find a welcoming bistro with old beams, exposed stonework and a local, home-like feel. In the kitchen, the chef takes the quality and sourcing of his produce extremely seriously, concocting dishes that are easy to read, full of freshness and very well executed. Mini terrace and much appreciated shaded area beneath the banana trees. Very professional and attentive welcome and service.

Valentin Maillet and Alexandre Pichard (both of whom have worked at La Baule’s Castel Marie-Louise 5-star hotel) continue to delight their tables of gourmets, in their restaurant on Rue Léon-Blum. Chef Alexandre imagines an ephemeral cuisine, producing inventive, delicious-tasting menus. Sommelier Valentin pairs the dishes with suggestions from his short list of owner-grower wines.

Famous for its Sunday brunches, Aurélie Demogue’s colourful café-restaurant (glaz is the Breton word for a colour between green, grey and blue) is open from breakfast through to afternoon tea. This cosy everyday eatery serves delicious, healthy market-fresh cuisine. On the menu: original savoury tarts, well thought-out dishes, delicious desserts and a selection of home-made juices. Double aspect dining room, pleasant sunny terrace, attentive welcome.

The Auberge de la Madeleine – so named in reference to the famous little cake of Jean-René Pelletier’s home region, and to La Bonne Auberge where he worked for many years – is the promise of a gustatory journey through the history of this chef, now based in the heart of the vineyards. He creates refined and generous classics of French gastronomy, perfectly complemented by a top-quality wine selection. The icing on the cake? A steaming madeleine cake for dessert.

Nestling in the heart of the Musée d’Arts, this café-restaurant overseen by Éric Guérin (of La Mare aux Oiseaux) offers gourmet, creative and seasonal bistro cuisine at lunchtime. More than just an open-all-day eatery, this well-hidden Scandinavian-style gem is also a great meeting place, with a participatory library, games available, and after-work nights on Thursdays to boot. Choice of savoury and sweet snacks served all afternoon. Sunday brunch not to be missed.

Following a fire, the restaurant is closed until further notice.

Looking for a delicious stop-off on the Route de la Divatte? Then grab a table at La Pierre Percée, in the locality of the same name. Victor Guillamet (chef) and Élodie Fontaine (sommelier) offer a semi-gastro menu featuring French and resolutely local cuisine (pike-perch with beurre blanc, Breton pork, eels), with a well-brought Asian touch. Across the road, there’s a pretty meadow on the banks of the Loire with a play area to keep the youngest guests happy.

Situated at the gateway to the vineyards, near a bridge along the Goulaine, this large building hides a bright, contemporary interior. Behind the stove, chef Mathieu Corbineau showcases the work of local producers in his gastronomic dishes, combining tradition and modernity. In the dining room, Karine Moinet adds to the experience with a very nice wine list and attentive, friendly, professional service.

Behind the Natural History Museum, in what was once an antiques shop, you’ll find a cosy yet elegant restaurant with brick and marble features and velvet banquettes. Chef Jean-François Pantaleon is a great lover of good food, and offers gourmet neo-Burgundian cuisine (his speciality is veal sweetbreads) that is magnificently well executed, with top-quality local sourcing. Great value for money at lunchtime. View from the terrace onto the tree-lined museum grounds.

Le Reflet, in the Decré quarter of Nantes, is an inclusive restaurant concept with a spontaneous spirit. At this modern bistro-style restaurant, part of the team has Down Syndrome. Flore Lelièvre imitated the concept to “make the extraordinary ordinary”, making clever adaptations in the dining room and kitchen to facilitate things for the staff and guests. On the menu, you’ll find tasty, up-to-the-minute market-fresh dishes, with local sourcing (Ecotable label). Pleasant terrace under the trees.

It’s tough choosing between the many house ramen recipes prepared by Japanese-trained chef Anthony Nguyen. Everything here is fresh and home-made, from the noodles (made with organic flour from Boussay) to the crunchy gyoza, not forgetting, of course, the brimming bowls of delicious broths (flax-fed Breton pork, Label Rouge chicken from Janzé or leek-kombu). Long wooden counter and a sleek, minimalist setting where you can slurp away to your heart’s content!

This magnificent building next to the Pont de la Ville in Clisson is a sight to behold, both inside and out. The pitch? Three rooms, three atmospheres: the tower, the arcades or the glass-roofed conservatory with its stunning panorama of Clisson Castle and the Sèvre Nantaise river. It’s a tough choice to make! The dishes, with their gastronomic and world-cuisine influences, are just as delicious as the setting, and made with the finest local produce. Very fine selection of wines. Youthful, smiley front-of-house team.

Lovers of fine foods flock to Geneston to enjoy Olivier Guenoun’s refined and flavourful gourmet cuisine. In his modern and minimalist setting, the chef and his team masterfully craft impeccable dishes that are skilfully prepared and use only the finest ingredients. Everything is made in-house, from the bread to the sorbets. As for the what to drink, the vast wine list allows everyone to find something to suit their thirsts. Warm service awaits you.

In their elegant blue and gold restaurant, David and Noella Guérin prepare a delightful fusion cuisine, influenced by the chef’s extensive travels and Noélia’s Peruvian roots. There’s colour, flavour and pizzazz galore, with exotic touches and hints of Central America here and there. The locals of La Chapelle sur Erdre are certainly lucky to have Le Bouquet Garni in their corner of the world! Friendly welcome and pretty back patio in fine weather.

Here’s a local bistro on the Chantenay side of town, like you’d like to find everywhere! Karine Roujanski was born for the hospitality trade, welcoming everyone with an infectious energy, in the warm and lively atmosphere of this place. Amid a décor featuring flea-market finds, and touches of yellow and scraped stone, it serves consistently well-executed, market-fresh cuisine. Karine also advises some fantastic bottles to wash everything down. Small terrace in summer. Booking recommended.

In his cool gastro den in the heart of the city, Guillaume Maccotta and his team make it a point of honour to source the finest produce for the creation of Lamaccotte’s divine dishes. The interior also reflects the commitment to fine dining, with a soft, luminous décor, designed by architects Les Rapporteuses. Every day, the chef creates an elegant and minimalist cuisine, without forgetting the generosity that characterises the duo at the helm. Excellent list of small production wines.

After working in some of Europe’s finest kitchens and aboard the Orient Express, Frédéric Chiron returned to his home port of Nantes in 2015. Just like the delicious tasting little grey shrimp whose name the restaurant bears, you’ll quickly become fond of this intimate address, tucked away in a little alleyway near Place Graslin. With gastronomic cooking and presentation, value for money and attentive service, it has everything you need for a great time. Well-chosen wine list.

It’s impossible not to fall in love with this blue wood-fronted cosy Anglo-Saxon style coffee shop, which was one of the first of its kind in Nantes. It opens early, so you get your day off to a good start with a hearty breakfast of scrumptious sweet or savoury treats. Then there’s a super varied – and often veggie – lunch menu with options like bowls, burritos or couscous with spicy vegetables. Open for 12 years already, it’s often packed out, proving its motto of “all you need is good coffee and fresh food”.

Head to the pedestrianised Rue du Château for a moment of indulgence in this institution of Nantes tea rooms! This mini feel-good heaven, with its wooden beams, exposed stonework and retro-style second-hand furniture, is the place to enjoy tasty home-cooked seasonal dishes, accompanied by ultra-comforting cakes. There’s a great selection of teas and a small grocery shop, not to mention a weekend brunch menu. Highly popular venue, no bookings taken (it’s worth coming early or in off-peak hours).

Papill’ marks a return to his first love for chef Alexandre Challerie, who is behind a number of culinary concepts in the same neighbourhood. The recipe is the same: a mouthwatering menu with extremely affordable prices. The choice includes papillotes, a stewed dish and a dish of the day, as well as a veggie option, homemade starters and desserts in jars, to enjoy on the spot on your tray, or to take away.

In the heart of Clisson, on the banks of the Sèvre Nantaise river, this former spinning mill, now a hotel, offers sumptuous views of Clisson castle and the water, and a superb 500 sq. metre terrace. Chefs Christophe Vasseur and Jérémie Bourgeois run the show in the kitchen, creating a cuisine that is both original and crowd-pleasing, with a strong local twist. Carefully selected cellar and high standard of service.

A mansion dating from 1890, with a shaded terrace, on the banks of the Loire, is the pretty setting for this culinary institution in Basse-Goulaine. Inside, the villa boasts an impeccably smart décor peppered with purple seats, coupled with a smiling welcome. Behind the stove, chef Jérôme Ponchelle composes a refined gastronomic score with a strong Loire identity, giving pride of place to local produce (frogs legs, Loire fish, curé nantais cheese). Nice wine list.

Olivier Hodebert, a finalist for Best Wine Merchant in the World, has come up with an original bistro concept in Nantes, where you can enjoy delicious traditional dishes washed down with bottles that have been skilfully sourced and paired. With its cheerful bric-a-brac and flea market feel, this is a great place to share and enjoy good food and wine. The well-sourced cellar and delicatessen section means you can also buy a variety of great food and drink to take home.

For over 25 years, chef Émeric Banon has been delighting Sautron’s gourmets – as well as those from further afield – in a former 20th century bourgeois mansion centred around a remarkable light-coloured stone staircase. The menu is a gastronomic one, of course, featuring à la carte dishes or a “trust the chef” option to discover the full extent of the chef’s talent. In the dining room, smiling Maryvonne, who is as cheerful and attentive as ever, offers a high-quality experience, while passionately advising on her direct-from-the producer selection of wines. Lovely little terrace.

In a hushed atmosphere imagined by architect Aymeric Masson as an extension of the manor’s landscapes and cuisine, Anne-Charlotte Pérou (winner of the 2022 Michelin welcome and service award) offers a top-class dining experience, in perfect harmony with her brother Mathieu’s dishes. As a chef, Mathieu is meticulous, full of energy and committed to his ideas (100% local produce, freshwater fish only). His technical skills and talent for stunning terroir cuisine are recognised by a star in both the red and green Michelin guides.

After a stroll along the banks of the Loire in Couëron, next stop the village for a meal at this local institution. Solenn and Jérôme Evain have been the owners since 2001 and are committed to showcasing the very best local produce and culinary traditions in their dishes. Behind the stove, the chef composes a score that oscillates between traditional and semi-gastronomic cuisine. Fine wines accompany everything very nicely. Natural, attentive service. Nice outdoor courtyard.

Anne-Françoise and Benoît Ardouin have been running their gourmet restaurant set in a distinctive red-walled house, for almost 30 years now. In the kitchen, Benoît skilfully concocts creative dishes that are firmly rooted in French tradition, with accents of his native South West France. In the dining room, Anne-Françoise uncorks the finest bottles from her extensive menu. Upstairs, a wine and tapas bar completes the offer, with its sharing boards and other delicious spreads.

Jean-Marie Rolland and Lysiane Claquin-Rolland are ardent supporters of local small-scale farming. They bring the best local produce to the table in terms of food and drink, and all with a Breton twist! In addition to the classic galettes and crêpes – which are delicious by the way – the chef cooks up a truly rich and varied Breton cuisine, with dishes like potée guérandaise, kig ha farz, frigousse, far and gâteau breton. As for Lysiane, with her infectious smile, she expertly advises guests on ciders and natural wines.

In the heart of Île de Nantes, you’ll find this long dining room with its décor of stone, brick, wood, and leather. Outside, the sunny patio attracts locals the second the weather warms up. Regulars come to scarf down generous bistro classics that they wash down with quality local wines. Carnivores, however, get an extra-special treat: the kamado (a traditional Japanese barbecue) will cook up incredibly tender meats for them. Warm, friendly service. What’s there not to like?

Facing the Loire on the Ile de Nantes, this chic, contemporary brasserie overseen by Jean-Yves Guého promises a quality culinary experience away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. On the menu: masterful, contemporary cuisine, blending brasserie classics with influences from afar. Looking for great value for money? Check out the “plateau express” – a very affordable lunch menu. A fine wine list and professional, attentive service tops everything off.

After a trip by Navibus to Trentemoult and a stroll through the narrow streets of this unusual village, there’s nothing like sitting down with friends or family at this restaurant concealed behind an Art Deco façade on the banks of the Loire. In terms of cuisine, you’ll be treated to traditional and more contemporary bistronomic dishes based on brasserie-style classics. The chic industrial/marine décor definitely adds to the experience. Beautiful quayside terrace.

It’s been almost 30 years since Jean-Yves Guého’s restaurant breezed its way to obtaining a Michelin star. In this 1874 manor house with a sublime view over the Ile de Nantes, this well-travelled chef from Vannes concocts cuisine of the highest quality, blending tradition and modernity, marine influences, finesse and generosity. It’s a by-the-book gastronomic experience, from the dishes and chic contemporary décor to the discreet, ultra-professional service. Local sourcing and home-grown vegetables. Incredible wine cellar.

Behind a red-painted shop front, you’ll find an old-fashioned style bistro, full of colour, flavour and energy. Seated at Laurent Debray’s counter or at one of his tables, fans of bistro-style cuisine can enjoy hearty, authentic dishes (mostly meat-based), with irresistible flavour and well-chosen local produce. The owner has a passion for wine and expertly quenches his guests’ thirst.

A sensory and flavour-filled journey awaits you in this Asian boudoir-style restaurant with its powder blue décor and Zen feel. Chef Nhung Phung draws on her Vietnamese roots and extensive travels in South-East Asia. With her team, she combines French and Asian flavours and products to perfection in a brilliant fusion cuisine. A delicious and soul-warming culinary experience, in street-food-style bistro mode at lunchtime and creative fine dining mode in the evening.

Heb Ken (meaning “that’s the way it is and no other way” in Breton) has been a traditional crêperie for over 40 years. Éric and Wainy Le Bras took over in 2006 and have continued the tradition of making soft, fluffy crêpes and galettes using the good organic and local produce for which this institution is famed. Their melt-in-your-mouth Breton specialities can be enjoyed at (almost) any time of day, on a walk-in basis. Pleasant interior and micro-terrace.

Few restaurants can boast such a long lifespan. For more than 130 years, this legendary Art Nouveau brasserie, decorated by the ceramist and architect Émile Libaudière, has been delighting regulars and new customers, from breakfast to late at night. In a lively, unique atmosphere, you’ll find great classics and La Cigale’s signature local seafood platters to enjoy. Unique in terms of atmosphere, location and experience.

You’ll find tannins a plenty at this address! Ardent wine enthusiast, Michaël Ravier cooks up a short selection of produce-driven, market-fresh cuisine – Talensac market is his main source – to choose off the board. Expect top quality in an unpretentious, well-mastered bistro style. Accompanied by Judith in the dining room, Michaël distils his well-honed wine advice thanks to over 20 years in the trade (there are some 1,500 bottles to choose from behind the counter).

With his Irish lilt and world-food dishes tested and approved by a loyal clientele, the most Irish Nantais of all, Mark Kelly, has won over the curious over the years. With its cosy atmosphere, quirky décor and well-reputed cuisine, Beckett’s, tucked away between Rue du Calvaire and Tour Bretagne, is a great place to eat. PS: don’t leave without dipping a spoon into the house cheesecake or chocolate cake.

Dominic Quirke is a self-taught British chef with a passion for his craft, and undoubtedly one of the pioneers of Nantes’ gastronomic revival, with his restaurant Pickles, where he’s been at the stove for the last 13 years. His cuisine has a truly local slant, reflecting his strong commitment to small-scale farming. Both his lunch and evening dishes display deep creativity and effort, as well as a delicious melting-pot of influences. All of this is complemented perfectly by some very nice wine pairings or mocktails.

A micro-restaurant, but a real institution when it comes to pasta italiana! In their pasta-yellow-coloured family-run restaurant, the De Nitto family delivers a delicious culinary score with the flavours of their native Puglia. On the menu, you’ll find sublime, fresh home-made pasta teamed up with the finest Italian produce, amazing focaccia and a tiramisu to die for! Lively, warm atmosphere and a small selection of Italian wines.

For 25 years now, David Garrec has been transforming local fish and seafood into a feast in his Océanide restaurant on the banks of the Erdre. Amid a décor with a retro-Bourgeois feel (riveted leather, skirted tables, chandeliers and mirrors), the chef’s menus bring you the noble flavours of the sea in various forms, sometimes interspersed with a few more earthy notes. The location near Talensac market means that all ingredients are as fresh as they get. There’s also a superb wine list for discerning connoisseurs.

Local boy Ludovic Pouzelgues was a forerunner of the new culinary wave in Nantes in the early 2010s, and continues to excel in his Michelin-star eatery with its chic industrial-style and “trust-the-chef” menus. Supported by a network of producers, LuluRouget delivers a top-class taste experience with brio, combining constantly renewed creativity and technical expertise. Sensational wine cellar and food and wine pairings.

All aboard for an adventure in all things gourmet at this crêperie, which is all decked out in blue and white, with panels taken from the comic books of that mysterious sailor, Corto Maltese. On the menu, composed by Pierre and sent out to the tables by the smiling Captain Roselyne Arnou: trusty classics using buckwheat and white flour (both organic and Breton) are crispy and generously garnished using local ingredients. A family atmosphere, with a small street-side terrace.

In surroundings more akin to a Scandinavian eatery than a traditional crêperie, master crêpier Nicolas Roure whips up galettes and crispy-yet-chewy salted butter caramel crêpes, to the rapturous approval of a whole clique of food lovers. Everything is home-made with good local produce, a touch of originality, and some very interesting ciders to wash things down. Buckwheat galettes can also come as sweet versions for dessert, if that’s your thing.

In a 1900s mansion house where time seems to stand still, Pascale and Vincent Berthomeau have been passionately performing a well-crafted culinary score for over 20 years. The cuisine here is gastronomic, driven by tradition and expertise, showcasing the finest local produce. In the many dining rooms of the house, Pascale subtly oversees things to ensure an immaculate dining experience. Beautiful conservatory looking out onto the garden and terrace.

In their pretty 1950s bistro overflowing with bottles of wine, Christophe and Véronique François play the originality card. Surprises await both on your plate and in your glass. In the kitchen, Christophe prepares delicious bistronomic dishes from the finest produce. As a multi-award-winning sommelier, Véronique produces little gems to go with every course, many of which are natural wines. A lavish, life-loving and playful eatery that never disappoints

Looking for a great spot near the station to enjoy some food and/or drinks on a terrace with a view? In the heart of the Jardin des Plantes, facing the stunning 19th century glasshouses, this former orangery serves fresh, seasonal cuisine made with local and market bought produce – what better match for the luxuriant green surroundings? Open from breakfast through to afternoon tea. Ice cream counter in summer time. Booking required.

It’s been over 10 years since the duo Yannick Curty and Jean-Yves Guého took over Brasserie Félix. Since then, this address on the banks of the river Erdre, beside the Canal Saint-Félix, has become a place of choice for lovers of good bistro classics. On the menu, you’ll find a blend of traditional bistro cuisine and more contemporary propositions. Diners can enjoy chic black and white surroundings, or a divine wood terrace designed by Atelier Vecteur. Professional, courteous service.