Nantes may sit just under two hours from the Atlantic coast, but its culinary identity is deeply rooted in the Loire Valley and the surrounding Pays de la Loire region. Once a major port city, Nantes has transformed into a vibrant cultural hub where traditional Breton and French influences collide with modern innovation. This unique blend makes the city a surprisingly dynamic destination for food lovers, offering everything from rustic buckwheat galettes to refined neo-bistro tasting menus.
The local dining scene is defined by a strong commitment to seasonal produce, regional wines, and responsible sourcing. Chefs here lean on the abundant seafood from the Atlantic, the prized salt marsh lamb from the nearby Baie de Somme, and the famous Muscadet wines produced just south of the city. Whether you are exploring the medieval Bouffay district or the creative island of Nantes, you will find that eating well is an essential part of the local lifestyle.
Unlike larger French metropolises, Nantes offers an intimate dining experience where reservations are often essential, especially on weekends. The city’s compact size means you can easily walk between a hidden wine bar, a bustling market, and a top-tier restaurant in a single evening. This accessibility makes it an ideal city for a gastronomic short break without the pretension sometimes found in Paris or Lyon.
The restaurant landscape here is refreshingly diverse, ranging from family-run crêperies that have operated for decades to ambitious young chefs earning Michelin recognition. You will also find a strong vegetarian and vegan movement, driven by the city’s large student population and progressive culture. This means even diners with dietary restrictions can eat exceptionally well without compromising on flavor or atmosphere.
Our curated selection focuses on establishments that consistently deliver quality, atmosphere, and a genuine sense of place. We have prioritized restaurants that locals actually frequent, not just tourist traps near the Château des Ducs de Bretagne. Each recommendation below has been chosen for its ability to offer a memorable meal that reflects the true character of Nantes.
From casual lunch counters to candlelit dining rooms, this guide covers the full spectrum of the city’s food scene. Use it to plan your itinerary, but leave room for spontaneous discoveries along the cobblestone streets. The best meals in Nantes often happen when you wander into a place that smells of butter, garlic, and fresh herbs.
Le Lion et L'agneau
| Address | 40 Rue Fouré, 44000 Nantes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:30 – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:30 – 9:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:30 – 9:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:30 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:30 – 9:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 02 55 10 58 74 |
Had such a great dinner for two at Le Lion et L’Agneau tonight. Everything was delicious, a really fine dine experience. The atmosphere felt warm, relaxed, and really special. Biggest shoutout to our server who was absolutely lovely: friendly, attentive, incredibly knowledgeable about the wines, and gave us perfect recommendations throughout the evening. Easily one of the best meals we’ve had in Nantes.
Just landed from Madrid and stumbled in- unfortunately no open tables except outside- but actually outside was so nice! (But I think if you want to come during peak dinner hours you should make a reservation)
Ordered the razor clams with chorizo- did not know this combo worked but wow! And then the pork! So good!
Def recommend this spot if you’re craving something other than pizza. The jap ramen next door was also very busy!
Superb from start to finish. To start with the staff are incredibly friendly, environment was relaxed but elegant, food was delicious.
We had the dinner 3 course menu (42€) quality, size, presentation all of excellent value to the price.
Even better still, they happily catered a bespoke menu for the vegetarian of the group.
Thank you all for an excellent evening
Super delicious, everything was cooked perfectly ranging from the meat to the pasta noodles. Better pasta paella here than what I’ve had in Barcelona. I enjoyed the sauce as well, although the dishes were a tad heavy. Definitely more for lunch or dinner rather than brunch items. Would recommend.
Very nice restaurant. The staff really tried to accommodate us according to our requests. The menu doesn't include a lot of choice but everything that we tried was superb. We enjoyed the little extras like the garlic cream and the chocolate truffles. We tried the langoustines and the guinea fowl and they were delicious. Prices are average.
Restaurant Art'N Blum - Restaurant Nantes
| Address | 10 Rue Léon Blum, 44000 Nantes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:30 – 8:30 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:30 – 8:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:30 – 8:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:30 – 8:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 02 40 89 41 56 |
Overall, enjoyed the food here. It was well-done, and the atmosphere and aesthetic of the restaurant is very pleasant.
Excellent restaurant with superb food and service. Wine options are good and well priced. They offer free small tasting appetizer and speak English very well if needed. Overall , great experience with well presented and high quality dishes.
Truly superb in every single way. Probably one of my top restaurant meals of all time. Excellent service. Lovely atmosphere. Food was out of this world. You must go here if you can get a table
The food is the real highlight. Every dish is beautifully presented and full of flavor, clearly crafted with fresh ingredients and a lot of passion. You can tell the chef puts real thought into each plate. The menu is inventive without losing sight of comfort and taste.
The service is just as impressive. The team is friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. They take the time to explain the dishes and make you feel at home throughout the meal.
Whether you're celebrating something special or simply treating yourself to a great evening out, Art’N Blum is a fantastic choice. I’ll definitely be coming back.
Came here for my birthday meal and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Every dish was delicious and beautifully presented. You can tell the chef has put a lot of thought and hard work into every dish. Highly recommend to anybody looking for good food at a reasonable price 👌
Lamaccotte - Restaurant Nantes
| Address | 7 Rue Saint-Denis, 44000 Nantes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 02 85 37 42 30 |
A friend recommended this restaurant and definitely didn't disappoint. Food was well executed, service was fast and polite. We enjoyed every dish and the desserts were tasty and surprising. Excellent choice in Nantes!!
This restaurant offered an interesting meal with some great dishes showcasing impressive technique. The artichoke starter and fish main course were the standouts, arguably the best plates we have had during our trip to Nantes. The service was also great, especially from the friendly and attentive younger waiter.
However, some of the other dishes were let down by one simple issue - the ripeness of fruits. The firmness of the fruits in the tuna starter didn’t complement the extremely delicate fish, but worse were the apricots in the dessert. The flavours of this dish were fantastic, and the oregano sorbet was a revelation (I’ll definitely make this myself at home). But crunching down on an underripe stone fruit, with the texture of a crunchy apple in a furry skin, was just unpleasant. I suspect this dish will soon be rotated out as we near the end of the French apricot season, it is just disappointing for us that this wasn’t done in time for our visit.
Very nice and cozy restaurant. The interior decoration makes it the perfect place for a romantic dinner, but it can also be the place for a larger group of friends or work colleagues. The 5-course ...surprise was excellent, but I will surely come back to choose from the very promising menu. Amazing wine choice. The service was both professional and friendly. A wine by the glass suggestion was great. Beyond expectations! Last but not least great choice of music with a "blues touch". I loved it! Price is reasonable, given the quality of the cuisine. Well done, guys!
I had the pleasure of dining at this restaurant after being drawn in by the rave reviews, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. Opting for the tasting menu with wine pairing was a fantastic choice. Every dish was a delightful surprise, but the standout was the fish and quail plate, which greeted us with an enticing aroma and filled our stomachs with satisfaction. The staff's meticulous explanations of each dish and their knowledge about the wines elevated the experience. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone seeking a memorable culinary adventure.
The food and service was first class. The staff spoke good English, which was great and friendly of them. The seating was comfortable and the toilet super clean. We throughly enjoyed our lunch visit!
La Mandale Restaurant
| Address | 32 Rue Léon Jamin, 44000 Nantes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:30 – 11:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:30 – 11:00 PM Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 02 28 44 21 34 |
A wonderful place for a new gastronomic experience. The chef successfully mixes the traditions of French cuisine with Asian spices and herbs, creating unusual sensations. We had a delicious dinner: for an appetizer we took tuna with burned melon and kimchi cornishons, for the main course - octopus with yummy treats, and for dessert - peach with tarragon. We left very satisfied. If you are looking for new combinations of tastes - come here.
Incredible food! All dishes were exceptional but the standout was the meatballs.
The portions are very small, we were still hungry after a full lunch. The taste did not impress us either 🙁
Great menu! The service was excellent and as we do not speak in french they helped us in English. Excellent taste and balance!
Loved this place, both in atmosphere and as a culinary experience.
The staff is welcoming, skilled and passionate about what they do. They also shared some tips and tricks on some of the preparations of their dishes.
If you’re into fusion cuisine, this is an interesting restaurant to visit and dine at.
Chez Franklin
| Address | 10 Rue Franklin, 44000 Nantes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 9:30 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 9:30 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 02 51 82 35 20 |
I ordered the steak and the lamb shank; the steak was beautiful, no complaints there. And I was very surprised at the portion of the lamb shank, the amount of meat on it I believe would be cheaper per gram than buying a raw steak at a grocery store in Nantes. The service was great, incredibly fast. I was dining alone this day and my waiters made sure to converse with me about the food as they passed.
Only bad thing was that I was sitting outside and twice was approached by homeless begging for food.
Friday: Says open until 11pm online but kitchen closes at 9pm an employee told me.
We came back the next day Saturday night around 9:30pm and everything was awesome. Top quality food at a fair price. Service was efficient. Definitely recommend! The magrais de canard et la moelle était délicieux
When you are traveling recommendations are very important when they are deserving, and Chez Franklin deserves all the praise. From the warm welcome, the great (Motown) music, and the very interesting menu, all high points. We were so lucky to have a chance to eat here, we would be regulars if we lived nearby!
Nice place with friendly service. We enjoyed the food but it took a bit too long to arrive. Found ourselves rationing the wine so we'd have enough to drink with the main course.
Thankyou to Chez Franklin for responding to my previous review which I have since deleted. This made me realise I had confused Chez Franklin with a restaurant we had attempted to eat at on the lunchtime - my apologies.
So yes we did eat here, it had been on my list of restaurants I had researched before our holiday with fish and vegetarian options.
Good menu, I had seabass ( the sauce in the little dish was stunning -see photo). From the photo I think my OH had mushroom risotto. We shared profiteroles for desert- excellent.
Le Reflet
| Address | 4 Rue des Trois Croissants, 44000 Nantes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:30 – 10:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:30 – 10:30 PM Saturday: 7:30 – 10:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 02 40 20 33 86 |
Everything was great and it’s almost a shame one has to book at least 1 week in advance!
Service is very professional. The kind you receive in posh restaurants. Attentive but not obsequious.
Food was great. I had sardines in entree, then fish and lentils, and finger desert…
Ambiance was great too… Full restaurant but not too noisy. Right decor.
Wine menu is amazingly diverse with both affordable options and sophisticated ones.
I would not change a thing.
The service was great and the waiters were very attentive to me. The first course that consisted of raw fish was a little underwhelming, but they more than made it up with the main course of veal and potatoes as well as the wonderful dessert!
Fantastic dinner at Le Reflet last night. The fish was beautifully cooked and presented as were all of the courses. The service is impeccable, professional and friendly. The servers are a credit to the owner of this amazing enterprise.
I had a super tasty and full of flavours dinner. I absolutely loved everything. The decor was beautiful, staff welcoming and friendly…A truly wonderful experience 🙂
We had a lovely meal here. The limited choice on the menu felt like an advantage and it was all delicious; the staff were very attentive and pleasant. There was an air of calmness, a little oasis of slow pace in the midst of loud, busy Nantes.
Pickles
| Address | 2 Rue du Marais, 44000 Nantes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 7:30 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:30 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:30 – 11:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:30 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:30 – 11:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 02 51 84 11 89 |
Tuesday night dinner with non alcoholic pairing. Loved the pickle items in the dishes and the smoked pigeon wing was especially memorable. I suspect I may not have followed the french etiquette so thank you for bearing with us tourists.
Just outstanding! I enjoyed the best plate of my life here. Subtle and interesting and even surprising in the flavors. Chef came to the table too! A must do for you in Nantes! Definitely do the wine pairing. Incredible!
Fantastic lunch is served. We had the 4 course lunch, which offered very interesting tastes and flavours. We were especially impressed with the Korean and Japanese flavour which were employed in the French themed dishes.
The place is children friendly and ths staffs are super helpful. We also had a chance to meet the charming chef.
What an incredible meal! Perfectly prepared and presented, delicious wine pairing, kind service. Highly recommended.
Dining at Pickles in Nantes was an experience to remember! This restaurant truly stands out for its inventive approach to cuisine, blending traditional French techniques with Asian flavors in a way that is both surprising and delightful. The menu was carefully though of and is seafood-heavy (which I consider a plus!). Each plate was a work of art, with vibrant colors and textures that promised—and delivered—exceptional taste.
The ambiance of Pickles is just as noteworthy. Its modern interior creates a perfect backdrop for a meal that feels both sophisticated and relaxed.
What impressed me most was the price point. This place serves Michelin-level food and service without the air of snobbery. The staff were amazing and added to the experience with their warmth and professionalism, making us feel well looked after throughout our entire dining experience.
Pickles is a must-visit in Nantes for anyone looking to enjoy innovative dining in a welcoming environment. An absolute degustation experience that leaves you eager to return back for more.
Balthazar
| Address | 6 Rue Santeuil, 44000 Nantes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:30 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:30 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:30 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:30 – 10:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:30 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 02 28 21 13 67 |
We stumbled upon Balthazar after going to two restaurants that were closed. Great karma as Balthazar turned out to be an excellent find.
We were looking for something light and shared a steak. The steak, vegetables and potatoes were all flavorful and well prepared.
The service was welcoming and attentive. Good value, highly recommended.
We were attracted to this restaurant from its quaint appearance. Unfortunately, we did not even end up eating here as the maître d was so incredibly rude. Having waited outside, and seeing nobody, we sat at one of the many empty tables. When the waitress approached us, we were told to get up and “say hello” first in a very patronising tone. She then asked if we had a reservation. When answered no, she asked us to move over one table and stormed off. She then returned to dump a chalkboard menu in front of us with illegible writing. 2/3 of our party ordered a 3 course meal. The third member of our party wanted just a drink. She stated “I cannot do that” and therefore refused to serve us entirely on this basis, despite the restaurant having barely any customers. We left and found a lovely bistro nearby to spend our afternoon and money!
The restaurant offers outdoor seating, which was perfect as we had our dog with us.
The food was very good, with generous portions that left us satisfied. The staff were very friendly, adding to the easy and welcoming vibe of the place.
Overall, Balthazar is definitely recommended for anyone looking for good food and a relaxed atmosphere in Nantes.
Table behind us ordered brandy and dessert. They were having the best night of their lives. We had a close second due to the veal carpaccio and muscadet. As far as the wait staff goes, to quote the Ray Charles song that played over our meal, Hallelujah I just love her so!
The place to be in Nantes.
Delicious and spectacular food, amazing and kind service… the staff one by one was absolutely perfect! The wine list show you that the owner or manager knows a lot .. Bravo team of Balthazar 🇫🇷
Un pavé dans la vigne
| Address | 46 Rue des Hauts Pavés, 44000 Nantes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 2:15 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 2:15 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 2:15 PM, 3:30 – 7:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:15 PM, 3:30 – 9:15 PM Saturday: 5:30 – 9:15 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 02 53 45 55 75 |
Perfect place for people who love food and wine. The owners really know their stuff and are really helpful in advising what to get for the wine pairing. The menu changes often I believe, but we ordered many different dishes and couldn’t fault any. All have a little twist that makes it out of the ordinary. Totally recommended
My to go place when I’m in Nantes.
Really good food for decent prices, great selection of wine and service.
I can’t recommend it enough.
What a delightful experience! A variety of dishes, a menu that changes frequently, all for €25 (starter, main course, dessert). A wide selection of wines, very friendly staff – go for it!
A very pleasant weekday lunch. Home-cooked dishes, quick service, and reasonable prices. The food is attractive and tasty. A few green vegetables would have been nice, but that's not always easy to come by this time of year (January).
A very good experience at this small, intimate restaurant.
The pork was perfectly cooked, the side dish was a delight, and the little pear cream puff for dessert was comforting and refreshing. The service was also excellent; I highly recommend this place!
Le Manoir De La Régate
| Address | 155 Rte de Gachet, 44300 Nantes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:30 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:30 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:30 – 9:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:30 – 9:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:30 – 9:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 02 40 18 02 97 |
Beautiful and nice place at a green garden.
The service was excellent and the dishes were exquisitely presented, though the flavours didn't quite stand out as exceptional. Most dishes seemed to share a very similar base taste, likely seasoned from the same stock. As for the fish main course, it was topped with far too many garnishes and condiments that overpowered the fish's natural freshness — it would have been much better with simpler, lighter seasoning.
We enjoyed our meal here in late September. The plates showcased a variety of local ingredients, with unique presentation. The servers were very kind and did their best to speak English to us as our French is not strong, which was very appreciated. We noticed some minor issues with the service, which is unusual to experience in such an establishment. Once we were sat at our table, we waited an unusually long time for a server to greet us, provide menus, or offer a drink. Some courses arrived very quickly, while others had long gaps between or delays in having empty plates removed. One course arrived before cutlery was provided for it. Overall an enjoyable evening, but with several small issues which could be easily corrected to offer an improved experience.
We took the menu degustation back in October 2021 with a few wine pairings. We loved the whole experience, staff and the taste and presentation of the meal and atmosphere. Well worth every penny and we will be back to taste more! The owner was a great host as well. My dream dish remains the Cep shaped beauty.
My wife took me there for my birthday and what a pleasant surprise. First of all meeting the Michelin starred chef who welcomed us in his kitchen was a very nice gesture. The ambience and decoration is very classy and the service is so organised and superbe. The food oh the food was amazing as we good the eight dishes menu and I have never been surprised as much as this time with every single dish how refined and full of flavour it was. Some dishes are to look at not to eat because they are like a piece of art. Thank you and it’s for sure recommended.
Outstanding dining experience from this young and passionate team! Everything was great from savory dishes to wine pairing . I’ll come back.
Restaurant Cuit Lu Cru - Restaurant Nantes avec terrasse
| Address | 6 Pl. Alfred Lallié, 44000 Nantes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 7:31 – 9:31 PM Wednesday: 12:01 – 2:00 PM, 7:31 – 9:31 PM Thursday: 12:01 – 1:31 PM, 7:31 – 9:31 PM Friday: 12:01 – 1:31 PM, 7:31 – 9:31 PM Saturday: 7:31 – 9:31 PM Sunday: 12:01 – 1:31 PM |
| Phone | 09 61 34 39 29 |
Absolutely fantastic. Incredible food, very thoughtful wines and drinks. Dining in the courtyard was so peaceful and our meal was very memorable.
I had the Fois gras which was delicious. They also gave me a pre-starter that was fantastic. The iberico was also pretty good. I didn’t like the dessert. But overall wonderful restaurant.
More like 4.5
Probably the best meal we had in Nantes. Too bad there are no outside tables. It was a hot day when we were there, but the food was fabulous, so no complaints
I enjoyed tataki of duck and roast veal in dinner. Especially the duck is so tasty with wonderful sesami source. Local red wine is also good. I recommend here.
Excellent
L'Alsacien Nantes
| Address | 15 All. Commandant Charcot, 44000 Nantes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:45 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:45 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:45 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:45 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:45 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:45 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:45 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | 02 28 30 02 75 |
Very pleasant restaurant with outdoor seating. Service was first class with a waiter who was fluent in French and English. Food was delicious. Pricing exceptional.
Highly recommended when traveling this party of France and Nantes.
Highly recommend giving this a try if you love pizza but want something a bit lighter without sacrificing flavour. You must try the Solidaire flammekueches - creme fraiche, caramelised onions, smoked bacon, apple, goats cheese and honey. A combination I didn’t know I needed to try. You won’t regret it!
I have ordered a big Salad with Munster cheese for 14.90 Euro.
Got only green Saladin, cucumber and onions with goat cheese instead of Munster. Tomatoes and pickles were forgotten.
Result: As a tourist you get ripped off
Strange takes on Alsace food, but fun. Most dishes served on a cross between a pancake and a pizza savory and sweet. Very tasty with vegetarian and vegan options. Staff very friendly and patient with customers. Good wine from Alsace.
Very nice restaurant. Delicious flammkuchen, great service and reasonable prices. I highly recommend.
Le Mirza
| Address | 5 Rue Châteaubriand, 44000 Nantes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 06 49 50 83 08 |
Incredible place. Food is super delicious. The best dinner I had for a while. Service is great as well. Highly recommended !
This wine bar is what every city needs. Great wine list with small and rare producers, amazing food made straight from the heart. Such an enjoyable evening with very reasonable prices. Open on Sundays too.
Fantastic cave à manger. Young, vibrant staff (yes, I'm old), great selection of natural / biodynamic wines; kitchen punches way above its weight with layered, complex tapas-sized plates. Super-reasonable prices. Next time in Nantes, I'm back here.
The best spot in Nantes for good food and wide selection of natural wines. A must for food lovers.
Amazing gem - came for a glass of wine with home made chips, stayed for welcoming vibe and incredibly creative, honest food.
Order as much as you can, you’ll regret every dish you missed.
Sources
| Address | 22 Rue de Verdun, 44000 Nantes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 11:30 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 11:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 11:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 11:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 11:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 02 53 35 01 20 |
After driving throughout France for twenty days, eating at all sorts of restaurants, we just had, hands down, the best meal here. Everything was full of flavor and expertly prepared. The chef is an artist and the experienced and thoughtful woman serving us was the perfect accompaniment. We highly recommend this experience.
This restaurant really impressed us with it's perfectly executed, non-pretentious food. Service and atmosphere both lovely too. Would return without hesitation.
A true culinary experience. I’m not a foodie at all; I don’t much care about the visual of the meal as long as it takes good. But even I could appreciate each course at Sources. The staff are all so kind and helpful and explain every course (even though I only caught a few words since I don’t speak much French haha). I did the three course entree, plat, and dessert. My favorite was the entree; I had the fish. Highly recommend but make reservations! This place fills up fast.
This dinner was out of this world! Did the dinner tasting menu for $35 and it was well worth the price. Great food!
A very nice experience, attentive staff and a wonderful meal. Highly recommend!
Le Bistrot Basque de Nantes
| Address | 5 Rue Beauregard, 44000 Nantes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:30 – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:30 – 10:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:30 – 10:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:30 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:30 – 11:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 02 40 35 31 17 |
The beautiful environment and delicious food. The two dishes of steak and slut are so delicious. I don’t know why my evaluation was not successful the first time, but I‘m still willing to try again!
Great service, very worthwhile experience!
The design of dessert and ice cream is particularly good and has a strong style.
We had a lovely lunch here!!! All the dishes (sardines, trout, tuna, veal T bone, pork shoulder with Iberico) were delicious. The atmosphere had vibes (but we switched to inside bc the outside dining area had some funny odors). The service was great and we had a great time. I don’t usually do reviews for 3-4 star places but this definitely deserves all 5’s!!
Great food from he southwest of France for a reasonable price. Very tasty. The lunch 3 course meal for 22 euros was great
We had a fantastic experience at this restaurant! Despite it being a busy Saturday night, the welcoming staff kindly found us a table, which set the tone for a lovely evening. The food was full of flavour and generously portioned, and the atmosphere was buzzing but felt like you had your own little oasis. The kind of place you want to return to. We’ll definitely be back!
Great food and cute outdoor seating. Tasty tapas platter with a good variety of Spanish tapas. We had 2 lunch menus as well as the risotto and burratta salad. Everything was delicious. Desserts were "top". Definitely somewhere I would return to with friends! (Only missing a star because one of the servers wasn't the best and misinformed us about menu and pricing for lunch)
Practical Tips for Dining in Nantes
Understanding the local dining rhythm will dramatically improve your experience in Nantes. The city operates on a distinctly French schedule, and knowing when and how to book can mean the difference between a mediocre meal and an unforgettable one. Here are our essential recommendations for navigating the restaurant scene like a local.
Book ahead for dinner, especially Thursday through Saturday. Nantes has a strong after-work dining culture, and popular spots fill up days in advance. Call or use online booking platforms like TheFork or Zenchef. For Michelin-starred or trendy neo-bistros, reserve at least one week ahead for weekend slots. Lunch is generally easier to secure, but still worth booking for top addresses.
Embrace the lunch formula. Many high-end restaurants offer a prix-fixe lunch menu that is significantly cheaper than dinner, often two or three courses for under €30. This is the smartest way to taste ambitious cooking without overspending. Look for “formule midi” or “menu du marché” on chalkboards outside restaurants.
Understand the service hours. Most kitchens close between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM. If you want a late lunch or early dinner, plan around these windows. Crêperies are the exception, often serving continuously from noon to late evening. Bakeries and cafés can fill the gap with sandwiches, quiches, and pastries.
Order Muscadet with seafood. Nantes is the capital of Muscadet wine country. This dry, mineral white wine pairs beautifully with oysters, mussels, and white fish. Do not hesitate to ask for a glass of “Muscadet sur lie” for a more textured, complex pour. For red wine lovers, look for Loire Valley Cabernet Franc or Gamay.
Explore the markets for affordable meals. The Talensac Market is a must-visit for food lovers. Arrive hungry and sample local cheeses, cured meats, and fresh bread. Many stalls sell prepared dishes like rillettes, seafood salads, and regional pastries. This is an excellent way to build a picnic or save money on one meal a day.
Don’t skip the crêperies. While technically a Breton tradition, Nantes has adopted the galette as its own. A proper galette is made with buckwheat flour, cooked crispy on the edges, and filled with savory ingredients like ham, egg, cheese, or mushrooms. Pair it with a bowl of dry local cider for a true regional experience.
Check for seasonal closures. Many independent restaurants close for two to three weeks in August or during the Christmas holidays. If you are visiting during these periods, call ahead or check social media before walking across town. Also note that Monday is a common closing day for smaller kitchens.
Nantes rewards curious eaters who are willing to wander beyond the main tourist arteries. The city’s culinary identity is not defined by a single iconic dish but by a philosophy of freshness, locality, and honest cooking. Whether you spend an evening at a candlelit bistro or grab a galette from a bustling market stall, you will taste the pride that Nantais chefs take in their craft.
As you plan your visit, remember that the best dining experiences often come from slowing down and savoring each course. Allow time between meals to walk along the Erdre River or explore the Passage Pommeraye. In Nantes, food is not just fuel—it is a way to connect with the city’s history, geography, and people. Bon appétit.
