1. Une Ile
Locally well known for his former restaurant at Behuard, an island in the Loire River, chef Gerard Bosse and his wife, a wine expert, have opened this restaurant in town. In a light, bright contemporary setting, the chef delivers specialities like grilled foie gras and turbot poached in butter sauce. It’s got one Michelin star, so expect good cooking at not fantastic prices, with menus from 30 euros to the full blown gastronomic menu at 88 euros per person.
Une Ile9 rue Max-Richard
Tel.: 00 33 (0)2 41 19 14 48
Website (in French)
2. Le Favre d'Anne
Just beside the river with a view of the Chateau opposite reflected in the waters of the Loire, young chef Favre d’Anne is passionate about local ingredients with a particular emphasis on using the vegetables and fruit that the region is known for. Aubergines come stuffed with veal fillet, goat cheese and chutney; fennel comes with langoustine, prunes and anis foam. It’s very well done, and worth the menus that run from 45 to 75 per person.
Le Favre d'Anne18 quai des Carmes
Tel.: 00 33 (0)2 41 36 12 12
Website (in French)
3. Mets et Vins Plaisirs
The rather complicated name reveals a restaurant with a serious purpose –- to serve very good wines with dishes that complement the food. Around 300 bottles, with glasses running from 3.50 to 6 euros, give the chance to cover a fair bit of ground at this brasserie/bistrot. Dishes like shoulder of lamb with herbed butter and garlic potato gratin call for strong tastes; scallops with a raspberry reduction for something a little gentler. All of which you will find here.
There’s a daily lunch menu at 15.50 euros; otherwise expect to pay between 26 and 30 euros for three courses.
Mets et Vins Plaisirs44 boulevard Ayrault
Tel.: 00 33 (0)2 41 20 93 31
4. Provence Caffe
The delightful Provence Caffe is more restaurant than cafe, with the emphasis on Provence. Chic inside, with a relaxed atmosphere, the menu focuses on classic dishes using southern France herbs and vegetables. Try risotto with rabbit and basil, monkfish roasted in garlic with fennel mousseline and vanilla celery, or lamb with rosemary. Menus are from 16.50 to 33 euros.
Provence Caffe9 place Ralliement
Tel.: 00 33 (0)2 41 87 44 15
Website (in French)
5. Le Petit Comptoir
Bustling, fun bistro in the house where the sculptor David d’Angers was born. The food is a cut above the average bistro with dishes like tuna roasted in a spiced crust and a wine list that takes full advantage of bio wines from the Loire. A la carte and menus around 30 euros per person.
Le Petit Comptoir40 rue David-d’Angers
Tel.:00 33 (0)2 41 88 81 57
6. Le Relais
© Le Relais
Run by chef Christophe Noel and sommelier Gerard Pelletier, this welcoming, red-fronted restaurant has red banquettes and crisply laid tables. It’s a great place for fish, accompanied by an extensive list of local wines. Menus run from 28 to 49 euros.
Le Relais9 rue de la Gare
Tel.: 00 33 (0)2 41 88 42 51
Website (in French)
7. Le Cremet d'Anjou
© Le Cremet d'Anjou
Called after a famous local dessert made with cow's milk cheese, whisked egg whites and whipped cream, the restaurant has a great atmosphere. It specializes in hearty local and traditional dishes, is welcoming and friendly and writes up dishes on large mirrors on the walls.
Le Cremet d'Anjou21 rue Delaage
Tel.: 00 33 ())2 41 88 38 38
Website (in French)
