La Touraine, the gastronomic capital of France!
The best chef’s of Paris eagerly await the premium products of the Loire to arrive; this region is famous local for its local goats' cheese, prized hens, quality beefs and some of the world’s best mushrooms. Stick with regional cuisine as the produce is excellent.
Below is a list of restaurants away from tourist traps that shouldn’t disappoint. While there are over 1200 in the region, we’ve sorted through some of the ‘best’. Let us know if you find your own treasure we’d be happy to visit.
One tourist attraction worth a stroll however is ‘quartier vieux’ or Place Plumereau. Here you’re surrounded by medieval architecture some dating back to the 12th century that now accommodates pubs, cafes and restaurants. A general meeting place for the young and those seeking a late night drink. Be warned, most restaurants are quite ordinary and less than 5 minutes away in rue Georges-Courteline and place Gaston-Pailhou is where the locals head for some very good eats! But we’ll leave that choice with you. Ring ahead, the French do appreciate this effort, it will also ensure you’re not disappointed. Most restaurants close Mondays.
Make your selection now for your itinerary, you’ll be able to answer everyone that ubiquitous questions, “so, where shall we eat?”
EAT
Le Chapeau Rouge
— What makes a great holiday in the loire Valley, is not only visiting the beautiful villages, but sampling its fresh produce. The fertile grounds of this region produce excellent wines, particularly around Chinon and of course 'food'. We try and recommend restaurants that only use local products. The menu at 'Le Chapeau Rouge' consists of farmed wild fish from the basin of the Loire, local goat’s cheese, asparagus, wonderful local mushrooms and in Winter, a menu dedicated to Truffles. The young chief, Monsieur Duguin also likes to use a particular saffron unique to the Loire for a little spice and flavour.
This is an elegant restaurant to sample authentic Tourangelle flavours. Creative dish choices such as: 'A lobster salad with a vinegarette of Framboise' or 'Filets of Dorade with mussels de Bouchot', and finally, a variety of cheeses from the region.
Located in the heart of the Chinon village, the summer months bring dining outdoors, however equally ambiant are the interiors, away from bustle you can simply relax and know you are in good hands.
This is one of the best in Chinon, and a truly gastronomic affair at an affordable price. Choose from either a menu dégustation at €56 or three courses from €38, two courses from €21
Open for Sunday lunch but closed in the evening
Closed Monday evenings.
www.chapeaurouge.fr
49 place du Général de Gaulle - 37500 Chinon t: 02 47 98 08 08
Auberge du Val de Vienne
— This bistro is special not only because of its cuisine but also because it was the first in France to receive the marquee Maître Restaurateur, a symbol introduced in 2008 by the French government that ensures all produce is prepared fresh on the premises (no packaged items).
You can view the full menu online but there’s a wonderful choice of Tourangelle dishes; ‘Escalope de foie gras chaud sur salade de haricots verts à l'huile de truffes’ (hot Foie Gras on a salad of green bean with truffle oil or ‘Carré d'agneau rôti en croûte de thym’ (Roasted lamb and thyme).
Also impressive is the wine list, several hundred choices, regional and other districts such as Bordeaux. Expect to pay 35 euros (2 courses) or 46 (three courses). If you are a large group please call Madame Gervais, as she would be happy to create a special wine/food menu. (or you can contact us at myweekin.net if you wish)
Do you need any other reason to visit this country bistro? Do pay attention to the directions, its five minutes from chinon but you must get on the 'route D760'.
GPS: t.b.a.
www.aubergeduvaldevienne.com
30, route de Chinon, 37220 Sazilly
One of the best in the region - La Gerbe d'Or at Loches
— If you're looking for a perfect day out take a trip to the historic town of Loches and wonder around the cobblestone streets of this pretty village. Make sure you book lunch or dinner at this wonderful bistro. You won't be disappointed.
Not only is the cuisine regularly of good quality, it is reasonably priced at €26 pp for a 'menu carte' which includes four courses. Chef, Didier Marque focuses his talents on produce from the region including 'Suprême de pintade farcie (Turkey) au St Maure' or 'Lotte (local fish) pochée au Vouvray, petits légumes caramélisés'. The wine lists comprises of some very good locals wines to accompany.
In the summer months there's dining in the shaded terrace while in winter there's roaring fire in their front salon, request a table 'à côté'. Also in Winter, the chef runs a number of special 'cooking ateliers' which are sure to provide you with professional tips.
Children are accommodated with a 'menu enfant' in a relaxed and warm environment. Staff are friendly and attentive even if your French is a little 'rusty' while they don't speak English they will walk you through the menu.
www.restaurantlagerbedor.fr
22 rue Balzac 37600 Loches t: 02 47 91 67 63
Fine French Cuisine - Domaine de la Tortinière
— There are good restaurants and then there are ‘special’ restaurants. The restaurant in the grounds of the Domaine de la Tortinière falls into latter category. The grand dining was recently renovated, but Chef, David Chantier’s gastronomic menu of french classical dishes remains constant. Taking inspiration from local produce such as prized poulet, farmed snails and the Walleye-Pike, (a local fish), the chef adds his creative flair for a wonderful dining experience.
This ambient room allows diners the advantage of valley and river views. On sunny days, tables are arranged ‘sur la terrasse’ to enjoy the pleasant and calm weather of the Loire Valley.
Children are well accommodated; game boards are immediately brought to the dining table and, of course, there's a ‘menu enfant’. The venue is favoured by many french families for special occasions. Prices are very reasonable. Lunch (inclusive of wine, water & coffee) €31 (two courses) or €38 (three courses) . Dinner €42 (three courses) €52 (four courses) However, for a truly memorable French meal try the Dégustations (6 courses) €72.
www.tortiniere.com
Route de Ballan Miré, Montbazon t: 33 (0)2 47 34 35 00
La Maison Tourangelle
— This little treasure is situated on the banks of The Cher. While the exterior river views are very calming, (in summer you can dine under large Japanese umbrellas) its chef Frederci Arnault's cuisine that you’ll be admiring the most.
Frederci’s small but enticing menu perfects french dishes such as ‘tournedos’ and ‘poitrine de pigeonneau’. Each season the ‘carte’ reflects the best quality produce of the Touraine. Desserts are equally magnificent, if not the highlight. In winter there’s the ambiance of an open fireplace.
All this at more than reasonable prices: (25 for two courses or 35 euros for three), now that leaves room for an excellent bottle of local wine recommended by their Sommelier. Just don’t tell anyone about this restaurant: there’s already a 2-week waiting list so book ahead for a memorable french meal. You'll also find great reviews online at other sites.
Closed Wednesday, Saturday lunch and Sunday evening. See their website for booking details - also in English.
www.lamaisontourangelle.com
9 route des Grottes Pétrifantes, Savonnières. t: 02 47 50 30 05
Fancy Eels? L'Aigue Marine
— Eels is definitely the house speciality which I didn't realise until we all sat down. The restaurant is situated in a converted boat and is enticing but to be honest, unless you like eels there's not much else, I opted for a slice of pan fried ham and chips and some crudities. Service was painfully slow for a restaurant not serving 'gourmet' food. The day was saved by a lovely stroll to the Brocante held on the banks of the Loire every 2nd Sunday of the month.
Candes Saint Martin, Loire Valley t: 02 41 38 12 52
La Canteen
— You could be mistaken for thinking you’re in Paris or London rather than a 15th Cenutry building in the pretty regional village of Tours. Lunch and dinner. I'm not a fan of the food here so I wish you luck, the early days proved several 'teething' problems with changing chefs.
www.lacanteen.fr
10 rue de la Grosse Tours t : 02 34 74 10 30
Best bistro - Best fine dining
— Charles Barrier: There are two restaurants, the michelin star and the bistro. Depending on your budget and type of occasion, both are great. Quick lunch two courses from as little as 13 euros or a long, leisurely gastronomic experience, expect to pay 80+ euors pp. They don't appear to have a website.
Avenue de la Trancheé, Tours 37000