The Loire Valley is a land of exceptional gastronomy. With local produce carefully prepared by talented chefs, world-renowned wines and a range of offerings from Michelin-starred restaurants to bistronomic addresses full of character, the region has something to delight every palate. We've scoured the towns of Nantes, Angers, Blois, Amboise, Saumur and Tours to bring you the best tables in the Loire Valley.
Discover our selection of the 15 best restaurants in the Loire Valley, with our photos and advice.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Best restaurants in the Loire Valley: our 3 favourites
In this article, you'll find our detailed reviews of each of the selected establishments. But we couldn't resist sharing our favorite restaurants with you right now:
- Restaurant Christophe Hay (Blois, 2 Michelin stars): for a cuisine that is a veritable ode to the Loire and its exceptional produce.
- Restaurant Fontevraud L'Ermitage (Saumur, 1 Michelin star): a unique gastronomic experience in the grounds of the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud.
- Restaurant Le Manoir de la Régate (Nantes, 1 Michelin star): for a gustatory journey along the Erdre, between creativity and sublimated local products.
WHERE TO STAY IN THE Loire Valley
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
1. Restaurant Christophe Hay (Blois, 2 Michelin stars)
Located on the second floor of a former 17th-century hospice in Blois, Restaurant Christophe Hay is one of the most renowned restaurants in the Loire Valley. Awarded two stars in the Michelin Guide, this establishment is a showcase for gastronomy deeply rooted in the Loire region. Christophe Hay, a committed, locavore chef, has made the Loire the common thread running through all his cooking: each plate is an invitation to rediscover the river and its riches.
The chef's signature dishes include exceptional local produce: Carpe à la Chambord, Osciètre caviar from Sologne and vegetables from his permaculture garden. The cuisine of this gourmet restaurant is also a commitment to ethics, where taste and environmental responsibility meet in harmony. Want to extend the experience? Stay at the Hôtel Fleur de Loire, home of this fine dining establishment, information and availability here.
Practical information:
- Location: in the Hôtel Fleur de Loire, on the quays of Blois
- Restaurant type: gastronomic, 2 Michelin stars
- Capacity: 35 place settings
- Price range: menus at 110€, 180€ and 260€ per person (excluding drinks)
- Specialties from Centre-Val de Loire: yes
- Vegetarian options on request
- Suitable for children: no
- Reservations essential here
- Our article on the Fleur de Loire Hotel here
2. Restaurant Fontevraud L'Ermitage (Saumur, 1 Michelin star)
In the grounds of the Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud, 10 minutes from Saumur, nestles the Restaurant L'Ermitage, which literally won us over. In an extraordinary setting, this Michelin-starred restaurant transported us into the history and gastronomy of the area. We strongly advise you to come in the evening to enjoy the mysterious, subdued atmosphere of the abbey by night. You can even take a tour of the cloister!
The menu is just like the place: exceptional and intriguing. The surprising names of the dishes aroused our curiosity. Behind the monastic dry bread soup or the tartelette de Saint-Pierre, there were delicious, contemporary dishes to enjoy. Drawing on the region's rich terroir, Bocuse d'or chef Thibaut Ruggeri honors exceptional products with two menus, Lune and Pierrot.
Practical information:
- Location: Fontevraud, in the Royal Abbey, 10min from Saumur
- Restaurant type: gastronomic, 1 Michelin star
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Price range: around €120 per person (excluding wine accompaniment)
- Children's menu available
- Pays de la Loire specialities: yes
- Reservations essential here
- Our article on the Abbey here
3. Restaurant Le Manoir de la Régate (Nantes, 1 Michelin star)
Just 25 minutes from the center of Nantes, in an unspoilt natural setting on the banks of the River Erdre, Restaurant Le Manoir de la Régate offers a memorable culinary experience. A young chef and his sister who take over the family restaurant in a beautiful 19th-century building and take it to the top: this is a story that could not fail to move us. We were captivated both by the beauty of the setting and the finesse of the dishes.
In a waltz of 6 or 8 beats, the chef invites you to travel up the Loire, to forage along its banks, while suggesting side steps: shiso adds color to carp mousseline, while ssamjang spices elegantly spice up prawns raised in Loire-Atlantique. At times, we didn't know which way to turn, our taste buds were in such demand. The wine list also gives pride of place to products from the Loire region, with some forty fine references.
Practical information:
- Location: 25min from the center of Nantes, on the banks of the Erdre river
- Restaurant type: gastronomic, 1 Michelin star
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: no
- Price range: over €40 per person
- Loire specialties: yes
- Suitable for children: no
- Reservations here
- Our dedicated article here
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
- Think aboutfull insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
4. Amour Blanc restaurant at the Hôtel Fleur de Loire (Blois, gastronomic)
You'll come to this restaurant first and foremost for the reputation of Christophe Hay, the committed, two-star locavore chef, but also for the restaurant's exceptional setting, with its superb panoramic views over the city of Blois. We were lucky enough to watch a sunset during our meal, which made the moment even more memorable. The view of the city from the large windows alone is a great reason to come.
Once comfortably seated, the delicate, tasty amuse-bouches immediately whet the appetite, before giving way to the sublime creations on the menu. We opted for the 5-course menu, which impressed us with its harmonious score of flavors and textures. The truffled Loire white pudding with Saumur sabayon was one of the dishes that caught our eye. Want to extend the experience? Stay at the Fleur de Loire Hotel!
Practical information:
- Location: in the Hôtel Fleur de Loire, on the quays of Blois
- Restaurant type: gourmet
- Capacity: 60 place settings
- Price range: over €100, à la carte dishes from €29 per person (excluding drinks)
- Child-friendly: yes, special menu at €35
- Specialties from Centre-Val de Loire: yes
- Open on Sunday
- Reservations essential here
- Our dedicated article here
A LITTLE MORE patience
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5. Restaurant Ezia (Blois, 1 Michelin star)
Ideally located between Blois and Chambord, Restaurant Ezia intrigued us with its original, subtle menu, designed by Nicolas Aubry, former executive chef at Christophe Hay. In a modern dining room with a view of the kitchen, the clean, soothing decor leaves plenty of room for the masterly menu, between land and sea. The evening we came, we opted for a 7-step tasting that impressed us with its balance, inventiveness and refinement.
We fell in love with the colorful first course, which subtly combined French shrimp grown on an aquaculture farm in Loire-Atlantique with grilled corn. The dessert of basil-mint mousse, tarragon sorbet and vanilla sauce was as surprising as it was delightful. A table you can extend by staying on site: book your room here.
Practical information:
- Location: Montlivault, 20min from Blois by car
- Restaurant type: Michelin-starred 1-star gourmet restaurant
- Capacity: less than 25 covers
- Price range: 5 or 7-step tasting menus, at €49, €105 and €150 per person (excluding drinks).
- Specialties from Centre-Val de Loire: yes
- Suitable for children: no
- Reservations essential here
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6. Restaurant Le Château de Pray (Amboise, 1 Michelin star)
The Restaurant Le Château de Pray has been recognized by the Michelin Guide and has received very good reviews. Let yourself be charmed by the bold creations of chef Arnaud Philippon, who takes your taste buds on a journey through the products of the Centre-Val de Loire region. The setting of the Château d'Amboise adds a refined, historic dimension to the dining experience. Want to extend the experience? Spend a night at the Hôtel Le Château de Pray, home to this exceptional restaurant. See prices, photos and availability here.
Practical information:
- Location: 8 minutes by car from the center of Amboise
- Restaurant type: gastronomic, 1 Michelin star
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: no
- Price range: between €62 and €185 per person (excluding drinks)
- Specialties from Centre-Val de Loire: yes
- Suitable for children: no
- Reservations required by telephone on +33 02 47 57 23 67 or online here
7. Restaurant Roza (Nantes, 1 Michelin star)
In the center of Nantes, just opposite the Natural History Museum, Restaurant Roza offers a table full of contrasts. It's an elegant, resolutely industrial setting, where you can dine by candlelight in a subdued atmosphere. Rare for a Michelin-starred restaurant, you can opt for an à la carte meal even in the evening. There's no showboating here: chef Jean-François Pantaleon's philosophy is based on classics that have been perfected over many years.
The wine list is vast and open to the whole of the French vineyard, with some very fine bottles that have had time to age, particularly in the Rhône region. We also appreciated the restaurant's beautiful cellar, visible from the dining room.
Practical information:
- Location: central Nantes, opposite the Natural History Museum
- Restaurant type: gastronomic, 1 Michelin star
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: no
- Price range: over €40 per person
- Loire specialties: no
- Suitable for children: no
- Reservations here
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8. Restaurant Lait Thym Sel (Angers, 1 Michelin star)
Nestled in the heart of old Angers, this restaurant won us over with its refined, committed cuisine. The couple who run this excellent restaurant honor local seasonal produce and delicate natural wines. Here, elegance blends with eco-responsibility, resulting in two well-deserved stars: one for the cuisine, the other, green, rewarding this alliance between gastronomy and sustainability.
The menu features 4, 6 or 9 sparkling moments of gustatory discovery. The plates impressed us with their creativity: fish from the Loire, like this eel caught in the river, fresh vegetables harvested just a few kilometers away, and an artistic presentation with a palette of colors. We also really appreciated the vegetarian menu, which showcases fruits and vegetables. The restaurant also offers vegetarian options to suit all palates.
Practical information:
- Location: Angers city center, Boisnet district
- Restaurant type: sustainable gourmet (1 Michelin star + 1 green star)
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Price range: between €49 and €145 per person (drinks included)
- Anjou specialities: yes
- Suitable for children: yes
- Closed Mondays and weekends
- Reservations on the official website here
9. Restaurant La Botte d'Asperges (Blois, Michelin Bib Gourmand)
Located 30 minutes from Blois by car, Restaurant La Botte d'Asperges awaits you for a culinary experience worthy of the finest restaurants. A Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2020, this Controis-en-Sologne establishment is led by chef Stéphane Bureau, whose creativity and sense of sharing we appreciated. He's been a welcome guest at our table, and has recently started offering culinary workshops for willing gourmets.
On the day we came, we were delighted with the various sequences on the menu, which were inventive and well-crafted. The cart of cheeses matured by Rodolphe Le Meunier, Meilleur Ouvrier de France, was the perfect accompaniment to the selection of local wines. What's more, the mignardises were enough to convince us of the chef's generosity.
Practical information:
- Location: Le Controis-en-Sologne, 30min from Blois by car
- Type of restaurant: gastronomic, Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2020
- Capacity: around twenty place settings
- Price range: lunch menu at €26, menus from €44 to €98 per person (excluding drinks)
- Specialties from Centre-Val de Loire: yes
- Great vegetarian options
- Open on Sunday
- Reservations recommended here
10. Restaurant Belle Rive (Angers, gastronomic)
Restaurant Belle Rive is a must in Angers. We were won over by the refined atmosphere of this establishment, whose name evokes the gentleness of Anjou. The menu focuses on fresh produce prepared with precision, and the dining room, decorated with works of art, invites you to enjoy an experience that combines art and cuisine. You'll also be seduced by the drinks menu: we had the pleasure of sipping a truly exceptional flower mocktail, as beautiful in the glass as it is delicate in the mouth.
The meal begins with a scallop with herbs, served in a beurre monté and a delicate sabayon. We then enjoyed tender, generous beef with autumn vegetables. The conclusion, ice cream under a shortbread and granola cookie, crowned the meal with a remarkable balance of freshness and crunchy texture. A table you won't regret.
Practical information:
- Location: Angers, edge of Maine
- Restaurant type: gourmet
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Price range: between €30 and €60 per person (drinks not included)
- Anjou specialities: yes
- Suitable for children: no
- Closed Monday and Saturday lunchtime
11. Restaurant L'Essentiel (Saumur, gastronomic)
Close to the Loire River, in the center of Saumur, Restaurant L'Essentiel is just around the bend in a stone alley. Recommended by the Michelin Guide, you can choose your menu from the "Découverte", "l'Essentiel", "Tentation" or "Inspiration" formulas. There's also a menu for vegetarians and children. We opted for "La Tentation" so we could taste everything, and we loved it.
The succulent cod cooked in a grape broth, accompanied by colorful seasonal vegetables, and the delicate chocolate dessert spiced up with cinnamon and orange particularly delighted our taste buds. The setting of this elegant, tasty and local restaurant also appealed to us from the outset.
Practical information:
- Location: downtown Saumur
- Restaurant type: gastronomic (recommended by the Michelin Guide)
- Capacity: less than 25 covers
- Price range: between €30 and €70 depending on menu and wine pairing
- Pays de la Loire specialities: yes
- Suitable for children and vegetarians: yes
- Reservations here
12. Restaurant Les Arpents (Amboise, Bib Gourmand Michelin)
A must for lovers of authentic, inventive cuisine. Our dinner at Restaurant Les Arpents in Amboise was a treat for the taste buds. We were seduced by the creativity and subtle marriage of flavors, from starters to main courses. We also appreciated the fine selection of local wines and enjoyed a Saumur-Chamigny, cuvée Les Longes, 2021. The warm setting and excellent service rounded off this memorable culinary experience.
If you can, ask to dine in the wine-shelved front room, which we found more pleasant. The restaurant is located in the old town, 1min walk from the Clock Tower.
Practical information:
- Location: in the old town of Amboise, 1min walk from the Tour de l'Horloge
- Type of restaurant: gastronomic, Bib Gourmand Michelin
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: no
- Price range: menus from €23 to €63 (excluding drinks)
- Specialties from Centre-Val de Loire: yes
- Child-friendly: children's menu at €21
- Reservations recommended by telephone on +33 02 36 20 92 44 or online here
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13. Restaurant La Brèche Berthelot (Amboise, gastronomic)
Housed in an 1880 bourgeois house just outside Amboise town center, Restaurant La Brèche offers an elegant and refined setting. We liked the discreet charm of the room, punctuated by modern touches. The atmosphere was both intimate and warm. A pretty garden surrounds the establishment, and in fine weather it should be a delight to extend your meal on the terrace.
In the kitchen, chef Jérôme Berthelot and his daughter Justine work together to bring out the best in local produce. We'd like to highlight the freshness of the ingredients, the finesse of the flavors and the particularly meticulous presentation of the plates. The establishment has also been awarded the GreenFood label. Want to extend the experience? Spend a night at the Hôtel Logis La Brèche, home of this fine table, see prices, photos and availability here.
Practical information:
- Location: 20min walk from Amboise town center
- Restaurant type: gourmet
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: menus from €48 to €89 per person (excluding drinks), à la carte from €42
- Specialties from Centre-Val de Loire: yes
- Suitable for children: no
- Reservations recommended by telephone on +33 2 47 57 00 79
14. Restaurant L'Hoirie (Angers, bistronomic)
Just outside Angers, Restaurant L'Hoirie won us over with its culinary and pastry expertise. Local products are skilfully prepared and sublimated. You can choose between à la carte dishes and the Terre Mer or Harmonie des Saveurs menus. We chose to sample the treasures of the ocean and the French countryside: after a poêlée of oyster mushrooms and a perfect egg, we tried a tasty back of haddock with pommes dauphines.
Our lunch ended on a pleasantly sweet note, with a gourmet coffee accompanied by fruit pastry and homemade canelés. The establishment also thinks of children and offers them a dedicated menu. Like us, you're in for a treat!
Practical information:
- Location: Beaucouzé, 10min drive from Angers city center
- Type of restaurant: bistronomic
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Price range: between €35 and €50 per person (without drinks)
- Anjou specialities: yes
- Suitable for children: yes
- Closed Monday and Sunday evenings
- Reservations by telephone on +33 (0) 2 41 72 06 09
15. Restaurant Le Pickles (Nantes, bistronomic)
For us, Restaurant Le Pickles is one of the restaurants that pioneered the revival of Nantes gastronomy. Dominic Quirke, the chef, is English, a former IT consultant who converted to cooking late in life. Good for him, because he has brought a little bit of the craziness of British cuisine to the fundamentals of Loire products. As the restaurant's name suggests, vegetables are in the spotlight in this short, delicious menu.
The wine selection focuses on the Loire and the very local Muscadet, while also offering a wide choice of wines by the glass from many of France's lesser-known appellations. We really liked the atmosphere of this establishment.
Practical information:
- Location: downtown Nantes
- Type of restaurant: bistronomic
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: no
- Price range: over €40 per person
- Loire specialties: no
- Suitable for children: yes
- Reservations here
Other must-visit restaurants in the Loire Valley
The Loire Valley is full of excellent restaurants. Here are some other must-see addresses that we also recommend:
- Restaurant Le Favori (Cheverny, 1 Michelin star): discover the cuisine of chef Frédéric Calmels in an elegant dining room open to nature, in the heart of the Sources de Cheverny.
- Restaurant Lulu Rouget (Nantes, 1 Michelin star): on the Ile de Nantes, ultra-fresh, creative market cuisine in a single 5-, 6- or 7-course menu.
- Restaurant La Table de la Bergerie (Angers, 1 Michelin star): in Champ-sur-Layon, a Michelin-starred restaurant featuring seasonal produce and estate wines.
- Restaurant Assa (Blois, 1 Michelin star): Franco-Japanese fusion cuisine, with a daily changing menu featuring plants and a magnificent view of the Loire River.
- Restaurant La Vieille Tour (Cellettes, 1 Michelin star): Alexis Letellier's contemporary cuisine in a 15th-century house, accompanied by fine wines and a warm welcome.
- Restaurant Isidore (Angers, gastronomic): amidst an archietcture and art deco mosaics, an assertive menu that sublimates fish, meat and vegetables in their entirety.
- Restaurant Au Rendez-Vous des Pêcheurs (Blois, bistronomic): a staple in Blois for many years now, chef Christophe Cosme brings out the best in local fish according to the season.
- Restaurant Casse-Cailloux (Tours, market cuisine): an à la carte menu featuring fresh produce cooked with creativity in a warm atmosphere.
To find out more, see our complete selections by city:
- Best restaurants in Tours
- Best restaurants in Blois
- Best restaurants in Amboise
- Best restaurants in Nantes
- Best restaurants in Saumur
- Best restaurants in Angers
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