Following is a list of recommended restaurants in the Loire Valley.  This list should by no means be considered absolute and complete.  Rather, it should be considered a starting point as new establishments are constantly being added.  If you have a restaurant that you feel should be included in this list, please e-mail it to us at info@TouringInWineCountry.com.  Be sure to include address, phone number, the type of cuisine, and why you think it should be recommended to others.

Nantes

Quai E. Renaud - 44100 Nantes
Ph: 011 33 02 40 73 23 23
Fx: 011 33 02 40 73 76 46
E-mail: jygueho@club-intrenet.fr

Rated 1-star by Michelin, L'Atlantide specializes in seasonal seafood.  With a wine list of primarily Loire wines, the restaurant has an excellent view of the Loire and the town from the picture windows.  They are closed May 8 to 12, July 7 to August 26; Sat. lunchtime, Sun. and public holidays

4 Place Graslin
Ph: 011 33 02 40 60 76 41

This brasserie covers all the bases: food, décor, and ambience, taking advantage of its proximity to the Atlantic's abundance.

7 Rue Bossuet
Ph: 011 02 40 20 08 44

Located in Nantes' old quarter, Le Bouchon is an excellent bistro to stop in for lunch.

Clisson

Champtoceaux

1 r. O. de Clisson
Ph: 011 02 40 54 01 90
Fx: 011 33 02 40 54 08 48

Rated « by Michelin, their specialties include prawns and lobster roasted with courgettes and a creamy coral sauce and pikeperch in a Saint-Émilion stock. Their wines include wines Muscadet and Saumur. The restaurant provides stylish dining in an Italian atmosphere with a veranda opening onto the garden.  They are closed from 11 August to 4 Sept., 17 Feb. to 5 March; Sun. evening, Tuesday lunchtime, Wed. lunchtime and Monday

Ph: 011 33 02 40 83 56 23
Fx: 011 02 40 83 59 80

Rated « by Michelin, Les Jardins is possibly the most beautiful dining experience the Loire Valley, set inside the walls of a family forge and enjoying a view over the château ruins.  Their fillet of pike-perch from the Loire roast with a mimosa of oysters and veal stewed in a lemon flavored white sauce with a vegetable julienne flavored with ginger are among their specialties.  They are closed March 5 to 20 and October 1 to 16. 

Ancenis

Ph: 011 33 02 40 83 02 87

With outdoor dining overlooking the Loire River, Les Terraces is particularly known for its fish and seafood.

82 rue St-Pierre
Ph: 01133 02 40 98 89 64
Fx: 01133 02 40 96 01 49

Excellent traditional cuisine dining in an authentic, rustic setting (exposed stonework and beams, terracotta floor tiles and a fine stone fireplace) built in 1753.  The restaurant is closed September 15 to October 9, February 22 to March 11, Sunday evenings, all day Monday, and Wednesday evenings.