The Loire Valley Restaurants

We’ve compiled the best of the best in The Loire Valley - browse our top choices for Restaurants during your stay.

Sort by: 7 Recommendations {{numTotalPoiResults}} {{ (numTotalPoiResults===1)?'Recommendation':'Recommendations' }} 0 Recommendations
CLEAR ALL Area Search CLEAR ALL
Loading...
  • 1. Auberge du XIIe Siècle

    $$$$

    You half expect Balzac himself to come strolling in the door of this delightful half-timber auberge, so little has it changed since the 19th century, including its centuries-old dining room, now warmed by a fireplace, floral bouquets, and rich wood tables. Balzac's ample girth attested to his great love of food, and he would no doubt enjoy the sautéed lobster or the nouvelle spins on his classic géline chicken favorites served here today. Dessert is excellent, and so is the coffee—a beverage Balzac drank incessantly (which may explain how he had the energy to create 2,000-plus characters). The restaurant and inn is nearly opposite the great author's country retreat.

    1 rue du Château, Saché, Centre-Val de Loire, 37190, France
    02–47–26–88–77

    Known For

    • Excellent coffee
    • Charming outdoor terrace
    • Sophisticated presentation

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No dinner Sun., Reservations essential
  • 2. Chez Gaster

    $$

    A picturesque 15th-century carved wood façade and medieval rafters set the scene for happy diners to feast on deeply satisfying French dishes updated to please modern palates. Chef Robin Pasquier, of Paris's legendary Akrame restaurant, serves a meat-centric menu (pigs' feet, veal brains) that does not skimp on the fish or vegetables, all carefully sourced from around Tours and prepared with a golden touch, with a stunning list of hand-picked wines to match.

    27 rue Colbert, Tours, Centre-Val de Loire, 37000, France
    02–47–05–79–63

    Known For

    • Imaginative pairings
    • Locally sourced meats and veggies
    • Beautiful setting

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Wed.
  • 3. Le Petit Honfleur

    $$$

    There's plenty of good dining in Blois, but this cozy restaurant on a pedestrian street among Old Town's half-timbered buildings is a true gem. Not exactly undiscovered—it's a foodie favorite—it's small enough to remain true to its credo of local, seasonal, and original cuisine. The chef has relationships with several small local farmers, cheesemakers, and fisherman (the catch of the day is often fresh from the Loire River), which they use in dishes like escargots de Cour-Cheverny with local mushrooms and trout filet with beurre blanc and local green peas from Chambord. Desserts are heavenly, like the pavlova with local strawberries and rhubarb. Ask the chef for wine pairings, sourced from the Loire's top small estate grower-producers.

    18 rue Beauvoir, Blois, Centre-Val de Loire, 41000, France
    09–72–34–06–48

    Known For

    • Outdoor terrace on a charming street
    • Good-value for high quality of ingredients
    • Unique wine list with plenty of local wines

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon., Reservations essential
  • 4. La Licorne

    $$$

    A hanging shop sign adorned with a painted unicorn beckons you to this pretty-as-a-picture 18th-century town-house restaurant on Fontevraud's idyllic Allée Ste-Catherine. Past a flowery garden and table-adorned terrace, tiny salons glow with happy folks feasting on classic French dishes: Loire salmon, boned quail, Triple Sec soufflé, and langoustine ravioli make most diners purr with contentment.

    Allée Ste-Catherine, Fontevraud-l'Abbaye, Pays de la Loire, 49590, France
    02–41–51–72–49

    Known For

    • Location close to the abbey
    • One-Michelin-starred cuisine
    • Lovely terrace in warm weather

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential, Jacket required
  • 5. La Tour

    $$$$

    For a more elegant introduction to the specialties and wines of Sancerre, why not reserve a table at the loveliest restaurant in town? Set high in the old town under a 14th-century stone tower, the picturesque beamed and half-timbered dining room is the perfect setting for a meal that highlights local delicacies and the highest quality ingredients in beautifully presented dishes. From the spotless linens to the friendly yet discreet service, it’s Sancerre’s top gastronomic experience from start to finish.

    31 Nouvelle-Place, Loches, Centre-Val de Loire, 18300, France
    02–48–54–00–81

    Known For

    • Homemade foie gras
    • Stellar wine list from all regions of France
    • Delightful atmosphere

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch Tues.
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. Le Médicis

    $$

    Decorated in a wacky Renaissance-meets-contemporary style with a coffered ceiling and white linens, this is the domain of highly acclaimed chef-owner Damien Garanger, who turns classic dishes into presentations—picture coquilles St-Jacques with bitter roquette, or thin slices of roast hare with a black currant sauce. The impressive wine list, a veritable primer in Loire wines, includes more than 250 choices. Though service can be brusque, word is out that this is among the better local restaurants, so be sure to reserve early. There are also 10 guest rooms on-site for overnight lodging.

    2 allée François-Ier, Blois, Centre-Val de Loire, 41000, France
    02–54–43–94–04

    Known For

    • Admittedly ugly building
    • Lengthy dining times
    • Reasonable prices

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. in Oct.–June, Reservations essential
  • 7. Les Années Trente

    $$$

    Located in the heart of medieval Chinon, at the foot of the royal fortress, this spot welcomes diners with a venerable 16th-century facade. A romantic Belle Époque interior continues the historic vibe, but the food—combining fish, game, and regional specialties—is prepared with a light, modern touch. Stéphane and Karine Charles's delicious dishes melt in your mouth without weighing you down. There are three different set menus to choose from; the best might be Le 30 (€46), which comes perfectly paired with local wines and cheeses.

    78 rue Haute St-Maurice, Chinon, Centre-Val de Loire, 37500, France
    02–47–93–37–18

    Known For

    • Michelin-starred dining
    • Choice of three set menus
    • Organic and local ingredients whenever possible

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Wed., Reservations essential

No Restaurants Results

Please try a broader search, or expore these popular suggestions:

There are no results for {{ strDestName}} Restaurants in the searched map area with the above filters. Please try a different area on the map, or broaden your search with these popular suggestions:

Recommended Fodor’s Video