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.

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  • 1. Assa

    $$$$

    While Blois is graced with several acclaimed restaurants, Assa is a relative newcomer to the scene and a total standout. The spare, serene dining room...

    While Blois is graced with several acclaimed restaurants, Assa is a relative newcomer to the scene and a total standout. The spare, serene dining room offers river views and Japanese-theme touches, which is your first clue of what's to come: masterfully prepared Asian-inflected dishes that are as beautiful as they are delicious. The market-fresh multicourse menus change almost daily and revolve around a theme that might include fish, meat, and vegetables. Although there are plenty of French delicacies—duck breast, foie gras, truffles—dishes are unique; think creamy shiitake soup followed by smoked tuna with lemongrass sauce and baby vegetables. Finish with a plate of Loire artisanal cheeses and a glass of local wine from the impeccable wine list.

    189 quai Ulysse-Besnard, Blois, Centre-Val de Loire, 41000, France
    02--54--78--09--01

    Known For

    • Much lighter fare than traditional French
    • Excellent price-to-quality ratio
    • Beautiful views

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.
  • 2. 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,...

    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

    • Lots of extras
    • Charming outdoor terrace
    • Sophisticated presentation

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No dinner Sun.; no lunch Tues., Reservations essential
  • 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...

    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
  • 4. Les Becs à Vin

    $

    There's no forgetting that great wine is the theme at this cozy "bistro à vins," a local foodie favorite that's just the thing for an...

    There's no forgetting that great wine is the theme at this cozy "bistro à vins," a local foodie favorite that's just the thing for an uncomplicated meal to go with your wine. Choose from the bottle-lined wall or get expert advice from the superfriendly staff. A tidy menu of meticulously sourced cheese and charcuterie plates, plus hot classics (rib-eye steak, creamy soups, homemade quiche) accompanies an enticing selection of natural wines by the glass or bottle (or to take back to your hotel). A bonus: the kitchen's open till 11 pm.

    8 pl. du Châtelet, Pays de la Loire, 45000, France
    09–65–16–64–09

    Known For

    • Friendly atmosphere
    • Great service
    • Off the tourist radar
  • 5. Au P'tit Goûter

    $$

    For five generations, the Dubois family has been producing the local Crottin de Chavignol goat cheese that figures prominently on the menu at this unpretentious...

    For five generations, the Dubois family has been producing the local Crottin de Chavignol goat cheese that figures prominently on the menu at this unpretentious bistro-wine bar—whether baked on toast, melted in an omelet, or included on a cheese plate with other local favorites. You can choose from a range of seasonal dishes that pair beautifully with a local wine that they will happily guide you in choosing.

    Bourg de Chavignol, Loches, Centre-Val de Loire, 18300, France
    02–48–54–01–66

    Known For

    • Well-priced wines by the glass
    • Local mainstay
    • Market-fresh blackboard menus

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. mid-Nov.–mid-Apr.
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. Bistrot L'Oppidum

    $$

    This bistro, specializing in all the bounty of the Loire Valley, unites friendly service, stylish decor, a convivial atmosphere, and outstanding cuisine. Whether it's melt-in-your-mouth...

    This bistro, specializing in all the bounty of the Loire Valley, unites friendly service, stylish decor, a convivial atmosphere, and outstanding cuisine. Whether it's melt-in-your-mouth lamb, a copious charcuterie board featuring local cheeses and house-made foie gras, or an all-fish plate that assembles fish rillettes of the local Loire silure and caviar from the Sologne, you're sure to make delicious discoveries. The spacious terrace overlooking the meandering Loire River is a lovely spot to dine, snack, sample the Loire appellations, or imbibe a cocktail on fine days.

    56 rue du Rocher des Violettes, Amboise, Centre-Val de Loire, 37400, France
    02–47–57–20–77

    Known For

    • Local cuisine and ingredients
    • Delightful riverfront terrace
    • Excellent spot for wine discovery
  • 7. 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...

    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

    • Close to the abbey
    • Michelin star
    • Lovely terrace in warm weather

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential, Jacket required
  • 8. 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...

    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. and Wed.
  • 9. 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...

    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 Mon. No dinner Sun. Oct.–June
  • 10. Le Petit Patrimoine

    $

    Locals in the know reserve well in advance to get a table at this tiny restaurant in Vieux Tours, which specializes in traditional regional cuisine....

    Locals in the know reserve well in advance to get a table at this tiny restaurant in Vieux Tours, which specializes in traditional regional cuisine. Don't miss Balzac's much-loved Rillons de Tours, a glazed pork dish, and the delicious St-Maure goat cheese.

    58 rue Colbert, Tours, Centre-Val de Loire, 37000, France
    02–47–66–05–81

    Known For

    • Serves Touraine specialties
    • Popular with locals
    • Good value lunch menus

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon., Reservations essential
  • 11. 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...

    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
  • 12. De Sel et d'Ardoise

    $$
    Closed Permanently

    With a chef fresh from one of Paris's top new-wave bistros, a chic interior, and a creative and changing menu, this gastrobistro is Orléans's best-kept...

    With a chef fresh from one of Paris's top new-wave bistros, a chic interior, and a creative and changing menu, this gastrobistro is Orléans's best-kept secret. The finest ingredients—Challans duck, oysters just in from Brittany, and produce from the region's top producers—are in talented hands and add up to dishes of subtlety and sophistication. You can try the pumpkin velouté to start, followed by succulent roast pigeon served with crisp, seasonal heirloom vegetables, all accompanied by a curated selection of small-producer Loire wines. Prices for this quality of food are exceptionally reasonable, and there are only 20 seats: be sure to reserve early.

    44 rue du Faubourg Bannier, Orléans, Centre-Val de Loire, 45000, France
    02–34–50–23–40

    Known For

    • Daily innovations
    • Emphasis on vegetables
    • Regional wine list

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
  • 13. L'Odéon

    $$$
    Closed Permanently

    Enjoy traditional Loire Valley haute cuisine prepared with modern flair in the heart of Tours. Flavors can be surprising, such as fresh lobster with truffle...

    Enjoy traditional Loire Valley haute cuisine prepared with modern flair in the heart of Tours. Flavors can be surprising, such as fresh lobster with truffle sauce and walnut oil, roast Iberian lomo (pork loin) in a red-onion-and-vin-doux (fortified wine) fricassee, or roasted sea bass with rhubarb and shrimp sauce. The Art Deco setting is not particularly romantic, so come at lunch (when you can take advantage of the great midday menus) rather than paying more for dinner.

    10 pl. du Général Leclerc, Tours, Centre-Val de Loire, 37000, France
    02–47–20–12–65

    Known For

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch Sat. and Mon., Reservations essential
  • 14. La Maison d'à Côté

    $$$$
    Closed Permanently

    Just a five-minute drive from Chambord in a tiny village, two-Michelin-star La Maison d'à Côté serves French haute cuisine in an intimate yet contemporary dining...

    Just a five-minute drive from Chambord in a tiny village, two-Michelin-star La Maison d'à Côté serves French haute cuisine in an intimate yet contemporary dining room. Chef Christophe Hay insists on local whenever possible, and his frequently changing menus, which vary with the seasons, include line-caught fish from the Loire, local Wagyu beef, and caviar de Sologne. Save room for the surprisingly creative desserts. There's plenty of free parking in the church parking lot across the street, and the eight chic and modern rooms in the adjacent inn (from €95; closed in January) make dining here all the convenient.

    25 rte. de Chambord, Montlivault, Centre-Val de Loire, 41350, France
    02–54–20–62–30

    Known For

    • Gorgeous presentation
    • Superb natural wine list
    • Gorgeous village setting

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues., and Wed. Sept.–Apr., Reservations essential

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