Perched on the granite cliffs of Brittany’s Emerald Coast, Saint-Malo is a city of privateers, tidal extremes, and a fiercely independent culinary spirit. While the fortified ramparts draw visitors for their sweeping sea views, the real treasures often lie tucked inside the cobbled streets of the intra-muros district. Here, the proximity to the port means that menus are dictated by the morning catch and the seasons.
Italian cuisine might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of this Breton stronghold, but the local dining scene offers a surprising depth of Mediterranean flair. From wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas to hand-rolled pasta and coastal seafood antipasti, the Italian restaurants here have carved out a distinct identity. They blend the soul of Italy with the exceptional produce of Brittany.
Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner after a walk along the Plage du Sillon or a family-friendly trattoria to refuel after exploring the corsair history, there is an option for every palate. The best spots balance authenticity with accessibility, often requiring reservations during the bustling summer months. Knowing where the locals go for a perfectly blistered crust or a silky carbonara is the key to a memorable meal.
We have curated a list of the best Italian tables in the city, focusing on ingredient quality, consistency, and atmosphere. This guide aims to help you navigate the narrow lanes and find a spot that feels less like a tourist trap and more like a genuine taste of Italy on the Breton coast. You will find a mix of cozy hideaways and lively modern eateries.
Each venue on this list has been selected for its commitment to traditional techniques and its ability to satisfy a discerning crowd. From the sourcing of San Marzano tomatoes to the use of local dairy in creamy sauces, these restaurants understand that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Prepare to discover your new favorite spot in the Corsair City.
La Dolce Vita
| Address | 29 Av. de Moka, 35400 Saint-Malo |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:15 – 9:30 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:15 – 9:30 PM
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:15 – 9:30 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:15 – 9:30 PM
Saturday: 7:15 – 9:30 PM
Sunday: Closed |
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| Phone | 06 79 77 81 42 |
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Del Harvey★★★★★
Outstanding and authentic Italian restaurant! Family run, homemade pasta, great vibe, good service, everything exceptional! Highly recommended!
ian murray★★★★★
Excellent food and service. Owners are very nice and welcoming. Atmosphere is very good. Food is second to none. Best tagliatelle I have ever had. All the food is hand made and fresh so expect to wait, but it is well worth it. Tiramisu is outstanding. We enjoyed it so much, we booked for next week. You need to book to avoid disappointment.
christine backshell★★★★★
A lovely meal, with good service. It's good food not quick food.
Coolhead★★★★★
Very nice Italian food and not that expensive.
Ward Callens★★★★★
Great, authentic Italian food served in a family business. You have to accept the typical rules of a small Italian place (don't order 5 different dishes unless you are prepared to wait... Everything is freshly made).
Copious servings, fantastic focaccia, good service!
Pasta Mia Saint-Malo
| Address | Rue Saint-Thomas, 35400 Saint-Malo |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM |
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| Phone | 02 99 56 18 00 |
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Alice★★★★★
Great experience at Pasta Mia. The service is amazing, fast and very friendly. Small drawback, the young waiter probably a trainee was cutting the bread with his hands and was eating half of the bread, making his action a little dirty to my taste.
For going to Past mia several times before, the food is always amazing and very tasty, with a special shout out to the fettuccine flambéed with grappa in the Parmesan wheel and truffle cheese. Adding to that the chef can ajust your order to your taste if you want to change something.
The tiramisu is mind blowing and very decadent (be aware, the portion is huge), highly recommend it and the waitress is scooping your piece of tiramisu directly from the baking pan making the expérience really unique and traditional. The chocolate cake is a must try to.
Highly recommend this restaurant ! You won’t be disappointed!
Vera★★★☆☆
I was very much looking forward to eating great authentic paste but unfortunately, was quite disappointed with the restaurant. The pasta I got was not good. I had the pasta al limone with smokes salmon but there only was a hint of lemon and too little salt. As a starter we had the vegetable beignets that did not have much taste other than oil. The vegetables used were barely recognizable.
My partner had the carbonara that was served with tagliatelle, which is a weird move and the taste was mediocre and not authentic as written on the menu.
So, I would not come here anymore to eat despite the friendly service and a decent atmosphere because the pasta lacks taste and authenticity. 😔
Alex★★★★★
We went to Pasta Mia during a recent visit to St Malo and it was wonderful, the waiters were knowledgable, friendly, and happy to translate. The food was outstanding, very well priced, and the service matched it. I truly can't recommend the food or the staff highly enough, this is a must visit restaurant in St Malo! We'll definitely go here again!
Trivers Myers★★★★★
Delicious dinner at this hidden gem inside the walls of Saint Malo. Had the melon salad, the pasta pesto with burrata and sun-dried tomatoes followed by a delightful veal dish. The room is modern yet simple in its decor, something different for this ancient city of sea faring adventurers. Refreshing, creative and highly recommended.
Jean Steevensz★★★☆☆
We had to wait long (1 hr) for our main course. The dishes we ordered were a bit too oily & creamy (we realise this is a matter of taste). The restaurant itself is on a quiet location and has a fresh modern look. Service is no-nonsense.
Bello mio - Pizza e Cucina italiana
| Address | 3 Pl. du Poncel, 35400 Saint-Malo |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed |
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| Phone | 02 99 19 57 26 |
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D★★★★★
Just had to provide a review! The high ratings with the most reviews for Italian restaurants in Saint Malo is as true as it can for me. Seems like where the locals go, they were packed on a Thursday. Make sure you make a reservation. I had the pizze avec tartufo, it was delicious. I could have finished it in one seating but I wanted to savour it so I took the rest home and then the homemade tiramisu, mamma mio!
The service was really good as busy as they were.
will definitely go back at least 1 more time.
Thank you, Bella Mio!
Jakob Schuhmacher★★★★★
Amazing home made italian food and very good service. We would absolutely recommend it!
Ritika Mehra★★★★★
Great service and very accommodating! Loved the food… bruschetta was exceptional!
Lotten Lehto★★★★★
Cozy atmosphere in a calm neighborhood corner. Needed to take a break from French food. Italian food from Bello mio did just the trick!
Elizabeth Miller★★☆☆☆
Good food. but they were not particularly nice to us as english speakers (even though we speak an intermediate french level and did our best). We were the only table in sight with a €5 glass bottle of water that we didn’t ask for - they didn’t bother asking if we wanted to pay for it, and they acted inconvenienced by us generally. Maybe more of a spot for locals.
Little Mamma
| Address | 3 Rue Gouin de Beauchesne, 35400 Saint-Malo |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 6:00 – 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 – 8:30 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 5:00 – 8:30 PM |
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| Phone | 07 83 67 96 10 |
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Sandra Hendriks★★★★★
This was one of the best pizza's I had since a long time. Great taste, and a great look as well, with a small artistic thouch. Most friendly people! Looking forward to get my next pizza here again!!
Davepresh Ruggers★★★★★
Excellent pizza, so friendly and we could sit at the bar, have a Poretti and see our pizza being cooked - lovely!
B. Ördög★★★★★
Unbelievable but this is a good place to get a good pizza definitely if you're a cyclist on trip to get the food done and then go. You can find more expensive and authentic places however I think it's worth every penny.
Mon T★★★★★
Pizza was amazing !! it was delicious! Pizza had lots of cheese and toppings. Service was great we did not have to wait long for our food.
Bačo 29★★★★★
We came to restaurant and we felt like home. Restaurant had really good vibes. The guy was cool and he knows how to make proper pizza. Music in the restaurant was fantastic. Everything was great. 10/10
Le Capri
| Address | 124 Chau. du Sillon, 35400 Saint-Malo |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 6:30 – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 6:30 – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 6:30 – 10:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 6:30 – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 6:30 – 10:30 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 6:30 – 10:30 PM |
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| Phone | 02 99 56 47 10 |
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robin anthony★★★★★
Perfect pizza and really good value. The restaurant is really popular, with good reason. There was also a steady stream of takeaway customers coming and somehow the staff cope.
Ioannis Giannakoulias★★★★★
Original and tastefully Italian cuisine, service is professional, prices is normal. Reservation is necessary to avoid waiting table.....and that famous Bufalla !!!!
Diana Muka★★★★★
Fast and friendly service. Great mussels available.
SteveF★★★★★
Great family run small Italian restaurant. I had an absolutely delicious Capri seafood pizza. Tasty salmon pasta with mussels, followed by fresh fruit sorbet. Lovely service, we really enjoyed dinner here.
c s★★★★★
One of the best pizzas (Burrata) I had so far. For pizzas not cheap. Considering the prices of other restaurants around a very good price value
Little Italy
| Address | 33 Rue Nicolas Bouvier, 35400 Saint-Malo |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed |
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| Phone | 09 72 85 94 47 |
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Victoria Bennett Kane★★★★★
We ate here on our first night in Sant-Malo and the welcome and food were so fabulous that we came back on our last evening too! Between us we had mains of delicious pizzas and pasta, amazing starters and stunning puddings (wow, the limoncello baba). The service was impeccable. I recommend booking ahead.
Bash★★★★★
I had an amazing experience at Little Italy in Saint Malo. Their pizza is absolutely incredible, so good that giving it 5 stars doesn’t feel like enough. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the service is fantastic. Highly recommend this place to anyone who loves authentic, delicious pizza.
Paul Ferguson★★★★★
What a lovely little restaurant. The staff are very polite, attentive and have excellent English. The pizzas were by far the best we have eaten and so so fresh!! Although it is a walk from the old town, it is worth it. I would highly recommend a visit!! ❤️
Keira Eng★★★★★
Make reservations! We walked-in early and got a table inside. The staff members were really welcoming and smiley (doesn’t happen often). They maintained their service despite being overwhelmed when the lunch crowd came in later. Food was awesome. It’s a gem!
Adrian Basford★★★★★
Phenomena friendly independently owned restaurant. Absolutely top-notch authentic Italian. Better than any American Italian food I've ever eaten. Highly recommended.
Le Central
| Address | 8 Rue des Cordiers, 35400 Saint-Malo |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 6:30 – 11:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 11:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 11:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 11:00 PM |
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| Phone | 02 99 88 51 20 |
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Inna R★★★★★
Food was great, we really enjoyed our experience here! I would recommend it for families with kids.
Kai★★☆☆☆
We made a mistake but I do think it’s important to say this isn’t a restaurant like the other restaurants on the road. It is very much a sports bar, with a restaurant attached to it. I think the food was very plain and one note. The food was overpriced, I got the lamb which just turned to be a sandwich, homemade bread whcih just turned out be a pizza wrap. The atmosphere was bad, bad lighting, service felt very rushed, but they were nice. Food actually took a long time despite it being what it was. Wasn’t French food. It was an Italian themed football bar, in France. We made a mistake, we hope others don’t do as well. If you want an avegeage for the same price as the rest of the street. Go here. I am sure it’s fine. But not if you are in Saint Malo one night and looking to try some good. Maybe it’s unfair, but i think they need to make the food better and the atmosphere if they are going to charge the same price as other places
Val Hubbard★★★★★
Great food! We have been traveling through France for one month and this was one of our best meals.
Meredith Monkell★★★★★
Excellent food!! The kindest staff! Would highly recommend!!
Diacre Elodie★★★★★
A very warm welcome, a new menu, and the corsair medallion and shredded lamb were excellent.
A very pleasant time spent among the ramparts.
LA PERLA DI NAPOLI
| Address | 17 Rue Jacques Cartier, 35400 Saint-Malo |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 – 10:30 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 – 10:30 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 – 10:30 PM |
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| Phone | 02 23 17 37 50 |
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Fran Brace★★★★★
Had a burger, chips and salad with my 3 year old granddaughter. Her choice. I'm not a fan of burgers , but this burger was deliciously garnished served with perfect chips and salad. The waitress was adorable . A very congenial place to eat. I'll go again and recommend it to others.
Thank you.
Rach Ko★★★★★
Went on Wednesday but it was closing. So we went early the next day. Glad we went back. Staffs were friendly and sweet, and we enjoyed the food there. Recommend to drop by here to grab a bite!
Ashwin Muralidharan★☆☆☆☆
Saint Malo was a beautiful place with great people but this particular place ruined our mood and experience. I had the worst experience in this restaurant with the manager and the waitress. It was a total disaster and a pathetic customer service as I went to dinner with my friends and we were not allowed to sit inside. The manager was so weird & inconsiderate that she told the waitress not to let us in (Indoor service). They only provided us with outdoor service & I asked her why you don't provide us with indoor service and she didn't answer. We ignored her & just ordered our food, I just ordered a drink & my friend ordered a pizza. The waitress said that tables would only be provided to people who order food, not drinks, with instructions coming directly from the manager. If I go to a restaurant, I have the right to order whatever I want. In addition, we pay the same amount as everyone else. We left the place in silence and they didn't even bother to call us back. I have been to many restaurants in & around France and have never been faced with a situation like this anywhere. I would never recommend this place to anyone. I feel like we were racially discriminated against. Completely disappointed!!!!! Please find attached the image of the restaurant that I took right after we came out of the hotel.
Annaleis Talley★★★★☆
We were welcomed with a warm smile and brought to our seats. The waitress was very attentive. Me and my friends ordered our food. Food was warm but bland. Not terrible. The prices were good. We did have to ask a couple times for water. Overall not bad.
Djamila Bellili★☆☆☆☆
Honestly, it was the worst pizza I’ve ever had. It wasn’t even cooked, the dough was still white and you could smell the rawness. I didn’t eat it because I was afraid of getting sick. This is definitely not an Italian restaurant; it’s more like a place that serves mussels and fries. It doesn’t deserve to be called Italian, you should consider changing the name!
Piccola mia - Cucina Della Mamma
| Address | 57 Rue ville Pépin, 35400 Saint-Malo |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: Closed |
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| Phone | 02 99 81 31 66 |
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Catherine R★★★★★
Amazing(!!) Italian food and incredible service. We will be back. Merci beaucoup 🙏
Baptiste Perdereau★★★★★
We had the pleasure of enjoying lunch there, thanks to a set menu that was both delicious and affordable.
The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, reflecting the hospitality of Alberto and his entire team.
If you're looking for a true taste of Italy in Saint-Malo, this is the place to go!
Evelyne Basset★★★★★
A wide selection of quality Italian products: wines, cheeses, cured meats, pizza, pistachio amaretti, oranges, lemons—a real treat! Served in a pleasant setting, eat in or take away. The staff is very helpful and offers good advice. I highly recommend it.
Laura Lmtyr★★★★★
It was a pleasure to discover this charming delicatessen, which also offers a few tables where you can sit and enjoy one of the many Italian specialties freshly prepared by a wonderful team.
You'll find a selection of cured meats, including a delicious guanciale, perfect for making authentic pasta carbonara 🤌, as well as cheeses, arancini, and pizzas by the slice (among other things!).
Highly recommended.
Hugo Berrou-Mounier★★★★★
A must-visit.
From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with a smile and a warm atmosphere that immediately made us want to return. The dishes are delicious, prepared with care and quality ingredients, and the display is beautifully presented and appetizing.
Thank you to Alberto and his team.
Riva Café 1534
| Address | 92 Bd Chateaubriand, 35400 Saint-Malo |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Sunday: Closed |
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| Phone | 02 99 46 28 08 |
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TheCorinna1994★★★★★
Really good and thin pizza. Steak de thon. Parfait. Loved it.
Arantxa Flores★★☆☆☆
We have been living in France for a year now, and unfortunately our experience at Riva Café 1534 was very disappointing. Even though we are not tourists, they treated us as if we were. While French customers were being served carafe d’eau for free, we were forced to pay 7€ for water.
The food was very tasty, but this practice left us with a bitter impression. It is extremely frustrating to feel discriminated against and to be charged unfairly. A good meal was sadly overshadowed by this lack of respect and transparency.
Jesset Sidore★★★★★
Lovely dinner of pizza and pasta. I highly recommend.
Zoë Both★★★★★
Amazing food, we had pizza’s and they were so good! Price is perfect and people are also very sweet!
Renee Andrews★★★★★
The best Lasagna ever and profiterole....
Absolutely wonderful
Pizzeria L'Origano
| Address | 6 Rue de la Corne de Cerf, 35400 Saint-Malo |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM |
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| Phone | 02 99 40 21 92 |
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Alex★★★★★
Fantastic service, great food, lovely atmosphere. Had the buratta and a couple pizzas, will definitely come again
Lisa Standley★★★★★
Great food, fantastic pizza bases, the salmon and buratta salad was delicious. The staff were fab.
Frank Cox★★★★☆
Delicious pizza, not expensive but very friendly service! Tiny place but still we were able to eat here without a reservation
Stef Havermans★★★★★
Best 4 cheese pizza I ever had.
Ulrich Prinz★★★★★
Absolutely delicious Italian foods, served with love. There is something for everyone on the card and don't forget to check the daily menu. We tried different things for the menu on several days, and we already booked for tomorrow. Be sure to reserve your table early or ask for a reservation and take a 30 minute tour around the streets. It is also possible to order for take away. If you are in St. Malo and don't like the tourists mainstream restaurants, this is the place you have to go.
Au Comptoir Italien
| Address | Centre Commercial La Madeleine, Av. de la Flaudais, 35400 Saint-Malo |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: Closed |
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| Phone | 09 75 19 59 59 |
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Alex Letic★☆☆☆☆
Unbelievable experience.
We ordered drinks and asked for the menu. Drinks came but were not opened. We asked several times for the menu and showed the still sealed drinks. Ignoring was top level. Even managed to take orders from the table behind us (people came 15 minutes after us) and some minutes later cleaned the table near us and still ignored us.
We left after 30 minutes total. By the way the drinks were left sealed on the table.
I‘d like to give the service -5 but can‘t do here.
Francis Falvey★☆☆☆☆
The pizza was good, however after two attempts to get a hot carbonara we gave up. The pasta served arrived 15 minutes after the pizzas so we did not all eat together. Service was kind but so very slow! Tried to order more drinks several times, totally ignored. Absolutely refused to reduce the bill for the cold pasta that remained uneaten. We live locally but won’t return. Really not worth the money!!!
Ched Fromage★★☆☆☆
We had lasagne spaghetti Bolognese & pizza. Pizza was fine & Bolognese was just warm. Lasagne was cold in middle. took it away and came back piping hot but Burnt on top.
Hendrick★★★★☆
Lovely coffee with quick, helpful service.
Tony Allo★★★★★
Great friendly staff.
How to Choose the Perfect Italian Meal in Saint-Malo
Selecting the right restaurant in a tourist-heavy city can be tricky, especially when you are craving a specific regional flavor. The difference between a standard tourist menu and an exceptional Italian meal often comes down to a few key details. By looking beyond the curb appeal and focusing on how the kitchen operates, you can ensure your dining experience matches the majesty of the city walls. Here are a few strategies to help you eat like a local and find the best Italian food Saint-Malo has to offer.
1. Prioritize Wood-Fired Ovens
If pizza is your goal, look for the words "feu de bois" (wood-fired). A proper wood-fired oven reaches temperatures that electric ovens simply cannot match. This high heat is essential for achieving the leopard-spotted char on the crust and a soft, airy interior. If you can see the oven from the dining room or smell the faint scent of burning oak, you are likely in for a treat.
2. Check the Pasta’s Origin
Authentic Italian restaurants in Saint-Malo will be proud of their pasta sourcing. Whether it is imported from Gragnano in Italy or made fresh in-house daily, the texture should be the star. Avoid places with overly large menus; a smaller menu usually indicates that the kitchen is focusing on perfecting a few specific dishes rather than reheating bulk-made sauces.
3. Embrace the Seafood-Fusion
While traditional Italian cuisine is wonderful, Saint-Malo is a port city with world-class seafood. The best Italian chefs here understand this and incorporate local shellfish, mussels, and fish into their pasta dishes. Look for specials that feature local clams in a white wine sauce or lobster tossed with linguine—it is a marriage of the Adriatic and the Atlantic that you won’t find anywhere else.
4. Book Ahead for Intra-Muros Dining
Space is at a premium inside the walled city. The most popular trattorias often have very limited seating and high demand, especially during the summer holidays and during events like the Route du Rock. If you have your heart set on a specific restaurant, call ahead or book online a day or two in advance to avoid a long wait or disappointment.
5. Consider the Aperitivo Hour
To truly experience Italian hospitality, look for restaurants that offer a proper aperitivo or a well-curated Italian wine list. Starting your meal with a Negroni or an Aperol Spritz paired with small bites can elevate the entire evening. It suggests the owners care about the full dining experience, not just the main course.
The beauty of dining in Saint-Malo is the contrast between the rugged, maritime environment and the warmth of Mediterranean hospitality. After a day spent battling the wind on the ramparts or walking the vast beaches at low tide, sitting down to a plate of rich, comforting Italian food feels like a well-earned reward. The salt air seems to make the flavors of basil, garlic, and olive oil taste even more vibrant.
Whether you opt for a simple Margherita or a complex seafood risotto, the standard of Italian cooking in this corner of Brittany is remarkably high. Use this guide to navigate your choices, and you will discover that the Corsair City offers much more than just crêpes and cider. Buon appetito!
Freya Belle is a content writer and travel journalist specializing in European destinations. With experience exploring over 30 European countries, she focuses on providing in-depth guides to authentic cuisine, historical culture, and hidden gems often overlooked by mainstream tourists. Her writing helps travelers experience Europe like a local.
