Nantes may sit closer to the Atlantic coast than the spice routes of Asia, but its culinary landscape tells a far more global story. Over the last decade, the city has quietly become one of western France’s most exciting destinations for pan-Asian cuisine, moving well beyond the standard French-Chinese takeaway. From steaming bowls of Vietnamese pho to delicate Japanese omakase, the diversity is genuinely impressive.
The demand for authentic flavors has been driven by a growing international student population and a generation of chefs who trained in Paris, Tokyo, or Bangkok before returning to the Loire-Atlantique region. This has resulted in a competitive scene where quality ingredients and traditional techniques matter more than adapting flavors to a stereotypically French palate. Whether you are a local looking for a new weekly staple or a visitor exploring the historic Bouffay district, you will find options that rival the capital.
Navigating the sheer number of options can be overwhelming, especially when you are craving something specific like hand-pulled noodles, Korean BBQ, or Thai curries. While the city center offers convenience, some of the most authentic spots are tucked away in the vibrant neighborhoods surrounding the Île de Nantes or the Talensac market area. Knowing where to look is key to avoiding tourist traps and finding the dishes that residents actually queue for.
This guide focuses on quality, consistency, and the distinct character of each establishment. We have evaluated the menus based on the freshness of ingredients, the skill of the kitchen, and the overall dining atmosphere, ensuring there is something for every budget and occasion. You won’t find generic all-you-can-eat buffets here; instead, expect restaurants with a clear identity and a passion for their specific regional cuisine.
From family-run Vietnamese kitchens that have been perfecting their broth for decades to modern fusion spots pushing the boundaries of what Asian food can be in France, Nantes has it all. We have also considered dietary needs, highlighting places that excel in vegetarian options or offer exceptional value for money during lunch hours. The goal is to help you eat well, whether you have 20 minutes for a quick bite or an entire evening to linger over shared plates.
Below is a curated list of the best Asian restaurants currently operating in Nantes, carefully selected for their culinary excellence and reputation.
RESTAURANT PANIER D’OR
| Address | 13 Rue Armand Brossard, 44000 Nantes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:30 – 8:30 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 9:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 09 83 09 31 12 |
Firstly the attentive service is great! Super lovely! The food is incredible the xiao long bao is great! Soupy, fantastic. Chicken was well seasoned, NOT spicy which is a bummer (for me) but delicious. The rice balls were also great the meat inside super tender. The small rice bowls on offer is a cute touch and was very good. All details are there. Overall fantastic experience ! Excited to be back!
Magnificent small restaurant! A fulfilled experience of Asian, fresh, healthy food.
I’m Italian and I can say that the tiramisu was such a positive surprise. Definitely worth a visit, and the prices are very reasonable too.
Everything was perfect. Service was exceptional. I didn’t catch our waitresses name but she explained the menu really well and was extremely attentive.
New place in town to try authentic Taiwanese xiaolongbao,soup dumplings Friendly owners, love the very chic minimalist design of the restaurant.
Great selection of refined Taiwanese green tea. Must try if you love Chinese cuisine and want to go for a more refined experience.
Phenomenal food! The chicken is a must try. The restaurant is bright and airy with a lovely atmosphere. Service was excellent and staff take the time to explain everything on the menu. We had a lovely time.
Myoko
| Address | 8 Rue Jean Jacques Rousseau, 44000 Nantes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:30 – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:30 – 10:30 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:30 – 10:30 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:30 – 10:30 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:30 – 10:30 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:30 – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | 02 40 73 41 49 |
We came here while traveling and happened to come across this restaurant. The owner and staff were incredibly warm and welcoming.
We ordered the pork ramen — it was nice and delicious. We also got a platter which the kids loved. Sushi is tasty as well.
We love it. We’ll definitely come again on our next trip!
This was such a great place for lunch. The service was fantastic, helpful and friendly. Food was fresh and delicious.
A cozy place where you are warmly received and served quickly. Many thanks to the owner of the restaurant, who let me into their establishments before opening and asked his colleagues to serve me quickly. That day I was very hungry and was looking for a place in Nantes where I could have a quick and tasty meal, especially with an option for vegetarians.
A solid five🌟 for service , atmosphere and the dishes. The ramen is simply excellent 😍
The prices are excellent for such generous portions. I'll be happy to come here again))
Excellent food, nice atmosphere at a very reasonable price.
Excellent value, delicious sushi and sashimi
Restaurant Lotus Ravioli Nantes
| Address | 7 Rue Sainte-Catherine, 44000 Nantes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:30 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM |
| Phone | 09 87 72 46 51 |
Super delicious authentic Beijing style dumpling! 💖 We made a stop here in this restaurant from Rennes before catching a flight and so glad we did!
The prices for drinks and foods is very affordable and the drinks selection is pretty large 🍻.
Everything is homemade and you cannot find the menu in any other chinese restaurant in Nantes and Rennes. If you really want a truly authentic homemade dumpling and other Chinese apéro that goes well with beers, don't hesitate to go here with your friends.
Also, i really appreciate that the chef keep the authenticity of his food while still making sure that the food can be accepted by both Asian and French palate.
Service-wise, very polite, attentive and explain everything very clearly. You can see that he really happy to share his culture and his food to the customers :), even let us know how to eat the dumplings just like how Beijing People do. My husband very surprised to find such politeness and warm welcome in France 💖.
Toilet is also very very clean and well equipped with washable hand towel (eco) 😊
We will definitely go back when we visit Nantes. You can go with your eyes closed 🤗🤗🤗.
Wow dumplings with lotus and meat of your choice. I got dumplings for take out in the middle of night. The dumplings were splendid. The inside were well cooked and chewy and good amount of juice, while the cover was really well cooked to perfection. I really enjoyed it and definitely plan to go back soon.
A tiny modern restaurant with authentic dumplings and great side dishes. Very comforting service and friendly staff. The starters were very balanced and perfectly spicy. Dumplings with a nice assortment of dipping sauces. Even the bathroom is nice, with the nice soap and fancy cotton towels. Highly recommend.
Very nice restaurant and tasty food and the service is great.
The beef and the chicken entrees were okay. The ravioli dough a bit too chewy. The filling was bland. We encountered a big issue, however, after the meal two out of four in our group fell violently ill. Thus, I cannot recommend. The staff is lovely though.
FUSION FOOD -Nantes
| Address | 64 Quai de la Fosse, 44000 Nantes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 6:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 6:00 – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 09 56 87 53 00 |
Amazing food, great service and a ver warm welcome from the chef. Definitely worth visiting !!
If you’re looking for great Asian food in Nantes…look no further!!! I went here multiple times during my stay. Amazing quality by an even more amazing chef.
Merci pour tout et à bientôt!
It’s my first time in Nantes and I really craved Asian cuisine. We walked a lot. So we needed to recover our energy- I ordered chicken hot pot, which is similar to ramen I tried in other places. It was so balanced, rich with flavors, marinated chicken that melts in your mouth! Wow, i would come back again and again, showing this place to all my friends. Try gyochi: chicken and shrimp meat mixed with different spices
Absolutely excellent food, all home made, by an incredibly warm and friendly chef. Hugely recommend 🙏
Delicious pad thai, full of flavours in a very friendly atmosphere! Loved it.
SHAN DAO
| Address | 19 Quai de Versailles, 44000 Nantes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM Thursday: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM Friday: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM Saturday: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM Sunday: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM |
| Phone | 02 28 08 77 71 |
To clarify, this is not a criticism but a constructive feedback. I'm giving 3 stars as there are gaps for improvement for better experience of Taiwanese cuisine.
We ordered Taiwanese wheel cake with red beans, brioche toast with peanut butter, a latte, and a Matcha latte.
Taiwanese wheel cake with red beans was unproportional. The batter was too thick and heavy with not enough filling. The sweetness was ok though.
Brioche toast with peanut butter was unnecessarily topped with marshmallow. It also lacked texture; maybe add some crushed peanut on top instead?
On the other hand, the latte was served with meringue cookies which were a bit odd, in my opinion.
The highlight was the Matcha latte. The matcha was rich with unami flavour. The experience to mix it with latte was fun.
Overall, it was good. As said before, this is not a criticism but a constructive feedback.
Absolutely loved it! 😍
I went here after gym with my family and ordered chicken teriyaki bento and it was super delicious and nutritious 🤤 and all ingredients feel super fresh and homemade!
There is also some vegetarian menu that my mom tried (mushrooms bento) and she absolutely loved it 🌱
A cute little restaurant with friendly staff and nice atmosphere! Greeted with smile from everyone and there is a cute bear in front of the store!
I highly recommend this restaurant ! We sat in the terrace to enjoy the sun !! It was a great day for us 🥰❤️
I had the Ube Coco drink and the bean wheel cake.
The wheel cake was tasty, but it was very small. I understand it's meant to be a small snack, but I still found it quite expensive for the size.
The Ube Coco was a bit disappointing. The coconut water had a slightly bitter taste, so I didn't enjoy it as much as I expected. Ube Coco is actually one of my favorite drinks, so I was hoping for a better flavor.
That said, the staff were very friendly, the service was quick, and I was even able to charge my phone while I was there.
I believe they have better items on the menu 😌
Tasty, homemade and generous
Cozy and welcoming
I ordered:
-radish cake (snack/starter)
-bento Tofu
My BF ordered:
-radish cake
-bento chicken
We shared a peanut butter toast (had to share cuz that was huge after all we ate!)
I definitely recommend
Very much enjoyed, seamless service, easy and quick. Nice staff. The Sando was delicious on the lighter end in terms of teriyaki sauce, was perfect. The bell peppers didn’t only add a good crunch but contrasted the with freshness. Nice. Would recommend for a quick lunch or snack.
Asie neptune
| Address | 5 Rue Bon Secours, 44000 Nantes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:00 – 10:30 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:00 – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:00 – 10:30 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:00 – 10:30 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:00 – 11:30 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM, 6:00 – 11:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 09 54 71 85 75 |
The Pad Thai was delicious for a super price. The family who runs the business are very friendly and will try to accommodate all your wishes. Never felt so welcome in a place. Definitely check it out ◡̈
Didn’t feel like a great meal. Lacking something… better options close by.
Staff seemingly annoyed when asked for the ingredients to a certain dish and not able to respond fully. Attitude generally ambivalent
Not really impressed at all
The food is very tasty.
I recommend
This is where I go when I want to enjoy the food I used to eat in Asia.Amazing food and people. Owners are very nice. I strongly recommand
Le Petit Saïgon
| Address | 8 Rue Jean Jaurès, 44000 Nantes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:00 – 9:30 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:00 – 9:30 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:00 – 9:30 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:00 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 09 54 56 68 04 |
Given the deep historical ties between France and Vietnam, I thought it would be a fantastic idea to seek out some authentic Vietnamese cuisine during our time in Nantes. Unfortunately, an earlier visit to a different Vietnamese restaurant in the city left us quite disappointed. Our luck completely turned around on the final day of our trip when we discovered Le Petit Saïgon, which provided a wonderful finale to our journey.
The food here is absolutely phenomenal. Their Banh Mi is a masterpiece—I can confidently say it is the best one I have tried in the last six years. It was so incredibly delicious that we actually ended up ordering a second one to take away as a late dinner for later that evening.
The Bo Bun was another massive success. The flavors were spot on, and we were incredibly impressed by the generosity of the portions, which came loaded with plenty of tender beef, a crisp spring roll, and an excellent variety of fresh toppings.
Thank you, Le Petit Saïgon, for saving the day and giving us such a memorable, wonderful meal to end our trip.
Fresh, flavourful, and filling. Food is prepared fresh everyday and you can taste it. The kind man serving us told us that they cook the Pho broth for minimum 6 hours! Free water with our meal, and free fruit after we finished. Very friendly warm staff, real Vietnamese experience and atmosphere, we will definitely return🥰
Ok, you sit at a tiny plastic table next to the cleaning products and toilet paper BUT IT IS WORTH IT!! Do not be put off by the 'atmosphere' of this petit cafe.
Mum and Dad Vietnamese cafe serves AMAZING food. We were dubious at first but the smell of Pho and spring rolls is wonderful.
We had 2 bowls of Beef Pho and 2 of Beef cold noodles - it was fresh, tasty and delicious. The home made Nuoc Mam (fish sauce), comes in a stick bottle on the table but is perfectly made and fragrant! We had a serve of pork spring rolls to go with the meal. They were freshly made and just cooked. The herbs to accompany the meal were again fresh from the market that day.
Water was free. Fruit to finish the meal (traditional in SE Asian culture) was sweet melon in season and free.
The food is a little slow in arriving but that is only due to the fact that locals know this is so good and the food is walking out the door with takeaways!
Would highly recommend. Wish we could go back!! 💗💗
Nice little eatery. Ordered beef pho, portion is reasonable and tastes authentic. The owner is very welcoming and kind. He gave a banana before I left the shop.
Very nice and authentic vietnamese food with reasonable price, thanks so much!! Best vietnamese sandwich in nantes!
Service very nice and attentive!
Surely will come back again
BÀNG BÀNG CUISINE
| Address | 4 Rue de Briord, 44000 Nantes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | — |
BÀNG BÀNG just hits different ❤️🔥🥵
The Dandan Mian is SO delicious - savory and smoky, all wrapped up in a rich sesame sauce.
The Mapo Tofu - one of my mom’s favorite dishes - was as much of a delight as the Dandan Mian. Spicy, with silky tofu set in an elegantly seasoned sauce. So. Good. 🤤
I am vegan, so I can’t speak from experience about the pork versions of those dishes, but based on what my beloved omnivores tell me they are no less marvelous. 😘
The two spicy sauces are unique and an absolute must-try… if you can take the heat 😈🌶️
The space is flawless. Immaculate and effortlessly cool. The service is seamless. The dessert refreshing, delicious, and unlike anything else I’ve tasted. The soft drink selection is as polished as the wine selection. You can store your bag in their custom pink crate seats. So convenient.
I will be coming back to BÀNG BÀNG.
Often.
❤️🔥
Solid spot!
Quality ingredients, cooked perfectly.
Don’t skip on the dessert, a very fresh end
to a delightful meal.
You must visit this new restaurant! Refreshing & delicious food! I've tried the mapo tofu & dandan mian so far - both were excellent. Wonderful vegan & vegetarian options! Owners are delightful. I will return often - a real treat!
New and fresh restaurant in Nantes othering something different and authentic. Bravo for the deco, the food and your sense of service.
This is gonna become a regular spot I’m sure.
Amazing flavors! Wish we lived here because we would come back for sure. Small menu in which everything is tasty and comes out quickly. Get a few dishes and share!
My Gyoza
| Address | 1 Rue de la Fosse, 44000 Nantes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:45 AM – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:45 AM – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:45 AM – 2:30 PM Thursday: 11:45 AM – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:45 AM – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:45 AM – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 02 51 17 28 29 |
Limited menu which makes it super easy to choose ur dish, as well as guaranteed quality in my opinion. This place is cozy and small but their dishes are super delicious if ur craving some good gyozas (dumpling). The stalk is yummy in the boullion plate and u can order dishes without stalk. The gyozas are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The staff is welcoming and friendly, Everything is great I would come back again.
A very nice place, with kind and efficient service, food was prepared quickly and you get a decent portion for your money. The homemade 'ravioli' were very tasty as well as the sauces we had.
I had an amazing experience at this gyoza restaurant! The food options were absolutely delicious. The service was excellent. The young man who attended to us was incredibly kind and even took the time to translate the menu for us.
Great place : the food is amazing and everything is homemade!
Will come back for sure!
As an gyoza lover, this was the worst gyoza I’ve ever tasted. I chose the veg gyoza with noodles and the noodles were very boring, cold and didn’t taste good. The gyoza had a very weird taste and didn’t have any Chinese resemblance, they tasted more like a samosa. I would advice everyone to not chose this restaurant if you want real gyozas.
Bao Dao
| Address | 5 Rue de la Clavurerie, 44000 Nantes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | 02 55 54 94 71 |
Very nice place. Food was really good, plenty of veg choices. Excellent value for money too.
I highly recommend the noodles. They are al dente. We tried the braised pork noodles and chicken sesame sauce noodles. The noodles are so thick that they carry the sauce very well. I like the toppings on the noodles too. It resembles the balance of vegetables and meat in the main dish like Taiwan lunchboxes.
We have also tried the starters. Pickles and the tofu are amazing! The tofu is crispy outside and still soft inside.
The taste is authentic. It has made me think of travelling to Taiwan again.
Although the shop js small, there is outdoor seating.
All the staff speak fluent Mandarin too.
We were hungry after a long road trip, found this gem (thanks Google) as it was open at a random time about 3:30pm.
Food was good, ordering system easy to follow, service was swift and friendly.
Definitely recommend if you’re looking for delicious Asian food in Nantes
Mum loved the braised pork noodle and the crispy salty fried chicken.
We also ordered sesame noodle and bubble tea.
This is my go to place whenever I am in nantes… I love tofu bao , fried tofu and the traditional bubble tea..
Some of the best food I've ever had: fresh high-quality ingredients skilfully crafted into a party of flavours. Fast and friendly service. I was in Nantes just for a couple of days and had two of my meals there because it was that good. Already looking forward to the next one!
Le 51
| Address | 51 Bd Jean Moulin, 44100 Nantes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM Tuesday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM Wednesday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM Thursday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM Friday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM |
| Phone | 06 68 08 86 61 |
Top 👍
Excellent sandwich
excellent
Super
Excellent
Ravioli Rond
| Address | 16 Rue des Petites Écuries, 44000 Nantes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 02 28 44 98 53 |
As a Chinese person who has been living in Nantes for years, I've visited this restaurant several times with family and friends. The owner is from northeastern China and is very warm and welcoming—very much the friendly and outgoing personality people associate with "Dongbei/northeast". The portions are generous, and the prices are very reasonable.
On previous visits, I tried their xiaolongbao ("ravioli rond" on the name of the restaurant). They are handmade in-house, which I trust because you can actually see the streamers in the open kitchen behind the bar. The pork and leek version was nice. That said, I would describe them more as homemade "xiaobaozi (small steamed buns)" than authentic "xiaolongbao". When a dish is called xiaolongbao, I naturally expect certain standards in both flavor and texture, especially the delicate wrapper and the soup filling. These didn't quite meet those expectations.
I've also previously enjoyed their Peking duck, grilled lamb chops, and hot and sour beef soup, all of which left me with a good impression.
Unfortunately, my most recent visit in late June was quite disappointing. It was actually my first Chinese meal after spending a long period on business trips abroad without having the chance to eat food from home, so I was really looking forward to it.
My partner and I ordered the restaurant's signature Peking duck. To our surprise, the duck that arrived was battered and deep-fried. The pancakes, sweet bean sauce, cucumber, and scallions were all served correctly, but the duck itself was not prepared in the traditional way. Even my French partner, who has only visited China three times—including a four-day trip to Beijing—immediately found it confusing. Authentic Peking duck is never battered. It is roasted whole until the skin is beautifully crisp and glossy, while the meat remains juicy and full of flavor. I'm not sure whether this is due to the supplier or a way to reduce costs. Honestly, given the restaurant's affordable prices, I completely understand if the duck is bought from somewhere else or prepared in advance and simply reheated before serving. However, I still think such an iconic Chinese dish deserves to be presented in a way that reflects what it actually is.
The second dish was spicy fried chicken. The chinese name indicates "Laziji", which i expected it was the typical Sichuan/Chongqing food. Traditionally, laziji consists of marinated, deep-fried (but unbattered) chicken pieces stir-fried with a generous amount of dried chilies and Sichuan peppercorns. What we received was much closer to another Sichuan dish-mala xiangguo (dried hot pot): fried chicken pieces cooked with cabbage, mushrooms, and green peppers in a spicy sauce. (To be fair, the restaurant has clearly adjusted the spice level for local customers—their "normal spicy" was only very mildly spicy for me as a Chinese diner.) Although it wasn't really laziji, the flavor was enjoyable, and the portion of chicken was generous.
The biggest disappointment, however, was the osmanthus sticky rice lotus root, which is one of my favorite Chinese desserts from the Yangtze River Delta, especially Shanghai and Nanjing. Traditionally, glutinous rice is stuffed into the holes of a whole lotus root, which is then slowly simmered in sweet syrup until tender. It is sliced and served with sweet osmanthus syrup, either warm or cold. The correct variety of lotus root becomes soft, creamy, and almost chestnut-like after long cooking, with a slightly pinkish color and a pleasantly sticky texture.
What arrived instead was made with ordinary crunchy lotus root slices, with sticky rice sandwiched between them. The moment I saw it, I honestly wondered whether the lotus root had come from frozen slices sold in an Asian supermarket. The presentation also looked rather heavy and lacked the delicate appearance that this dessert usually has.
In the end, we still finished everything, because I really missed Chinese food, and we were hungry! I still appreciate the service, hospitality, price and portion. However i was disappointed this time
Love the place. Small but well run. Food was delicious
Authentic Chinese kitchen. A hidden gem in the center of Nantes. Very casual but delicious! Prices are honest and portions are big. I have ordered the fish with cabbage and it was great. Too bad they were out of ravioli with shrimps, otherwise I would have given 5 stars for food! Definitely recommended.
Baozi is homemade, just steamed in front of us, very fresh.
Beef salad and potato salad are very tasty.
Added one grilled lamb.
Small restaurant in the city center, the service is good and the food is also good. I put 4 stars because the place is so small that indoors there is a strong smell and also because they charged me for tap water
Practical Tips for Choosing an Asian Restaurant in Nantes
While the list above highlights the top contenders, knowing how to navigate the local dining scene will ensure you have a great meal every time, even if you decide to wander off the beaten path. French dining culture has its own rhythms, and understanding these nuances will significantly enhance your experience when eating out in Nantes.
1. Pay attention to the lunch service (Formule Midi).
In France, lunch is often the best value meal of the day. Most high-end Asian restaurants in Nantes offer a "Formule Midi" (lunch set menu) on weekdays, which usually includes a starter and main course, or a main course and dessert, for a fixed price. This is an excellent way to experience top-tier cooking at a fraction of the dinner cost.
2. Book ahead for dinner, especially on weekends.
Nantes is a bustling student city, and the best spots in the Bouffay district or near the Machines de l’Île fill up very quickly from Thursday to Saturday night. Unlike some other European cities where walk-ins are easy, the best ramen and sushi counters often have limited seating. A quick phone call or online reservation is essential to avoid disappointment.
3. Look for specific regional menus rather than "pan-Asian" fusion.
While some fusion restaurants are excellent, a menu that tries to serve sushi, Pad Thai, and Bo Bun all on the same page is often a red flag for mediocrity. The best restaurants in Nantes specialize. Look for places that identify as specifically Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, or Thai, as they are more likely to source specific ingredients and master the techniques required for that cuisine.
4. Check the freshness of the fish for sushi.
If you are ordering sushi or sashimi, note the day of the week. Many high-quality Japanese restaurants in Nantes receive fresh fish deliveries on specific days, usually Tuesday through Friday. Dining on a Monday can sometimes mean the fish, while still safe, is not at its peak freshness. Look for restaurants that advertise "poisson sauvage" (wild fish) or list the origin of their tuna and salmon.
5. Don’t ignore the "entrées" and side dishes.
The main courses often get the spotlight, but the soul of Asian cuisine often lies in the smaller plates. When dining Korean, don’t skip the banchan (side dishes); when eating Vietnamese, try the nems (spring rolls) or banh cuon (steamed rice rolls). These starters are often where the chef’s technique and authenticity truly shine, providing a better indicator of the kitchen’s quality than the main protein.
6. Explore beyond the city center.
While the historic center is convenient, some of the most authentic and affordable Asian restaurants are located slightly outside the tourist core. Areas near the Talensac market or the Butte Sainte-Anne often house hidden gems where the rent is lower, allowing chefs to spend more money on high-quality imported ingredients rather than real estate.
The evolution of Asian cuisine in Nantes reflects the city’s growing cosmopolitan nature and its appreciation for honest, well-crafted food. Whether you are seeking the comfort of a rich, slow-simmered broth on a rainy Atlantic day or the delicate precision of a perfectly cut piece of sashimi, the city offers a depth of flavor that is worth exploring with intention.
Take your time to savor the experience, ask the staff for recommendations, and don’t be afraid to try dishes you have never heard of before. The best meals are often found when you step outside your usual order and trust the hands of the chefs who have dedicated their lives to sharing their culinary heritage with this vibrant French city.
