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.

Blois

20 Quai Villebois-Mareuil
Ph: 011 33 04 54 78 06 70

Located right on the Loire River, this restaurant has one of the highest attributes in that it is a favorite of the locals.

27 Rue du Foix
Ph: 011 33 02 54 74 67 48
Fx: 011 33 02 54 74 47 67

This discreet restaurant in the St-Nicolas quarter is a fishermen's haunt, serving delicious a mouth-watering menu with fish, game and meat dishes, including their hallmark crayfish flan flavored with parsley, cooked in a coral flavored sauce of sea urchins.  They are closed July 28 to August 18 and January 2 to 12, during Monday lunchtime and Sunday except bank holidays.

1 av. J. Laigret
Ph: 011 33 02 54 78 05 36
Fx: 011 33 02 54 78 22 78
E-mail: contact@orangerie-du-chateau.fr
Web: www.orangerie-du-chateau.fr

Housed in an outbuilding of the 15th century castle, L'Orangerie's menus offers classic Lore cuisine, including their signature pikeperch with cabbage fondue.  The restaurant offers an excellent view of the noble residence of Francis the 1st from the terrace.   They are closed February 15 to March 15 and August 19 to 25.

Bracieux

Ph: 011 33 02 54 46 41 22
Fx: 011 33 02 54 46 03 69
E-mail: relaisbracieux.robin@wanadoo.fr

Rated «« by Michelin, Bernard Robin is arguably the best restaurant in the Central Loire, boasting one of the best wine cellars in the region.  Their specialties include crispy lobster with dried tomatoes, cushion of braised pork with marc from the Loire, and hare à la royale.  The restaurant is at the entrance to the village, with old paintings and tapestries in the dining room and a tree-lined garden.  They are open erratic hours, so it is recommended that you e-mail or call prior to going there.  NOTE - check the menu to before going in to avoid "sticker shock."

Ph: 011 33 02 54 46 41 07
Fx:  011 33 02 54 46 04 87

The little country bistro-styled dining room offers hearty cuisine in a rustic setting.  They are closed December 15 to February 15, Sunday evening and Monday.

Orléans

2 Rue au Lin
Ph: 011 33 02 38 53 52 35
Fx: 011 33 02 38 62 06 95

Rated « by Michelin, this is perhaps the most famous restaurant in Orléans.  Their menu is primarily fish-based and is matched with an excellent wine list (with an emphasis on Sancerre and Menetou-Salon) to go with it.  With rustic furniture and subtle lighting, the restaurant is situated in a lane near the quays. They are closed Sunday (except during lunchtime) from September to June and on Mondays.

27 Place du Martroi
Ph: 011 33 02 38 53 57 54
Fx: 011 33 02 38 77 09 92

Delicious menu of regional cuisine, this is a great place to go to prior to going winery hopping as they have an extensive by-the-glass wine list, enabling you to sample a variety of wines with east.  The restaurant is located in the former Chancellery and has a terrace opposite the statue of Joan of Arc. 

44 Rue Tudelle
Ph: 011 33 02 38 56 65 55

A cozy restaurant with delicious wines and foods.

6 r. Jean Hupeau
Ph: 011 33 02 38 62 45 64
Fx: 011 33 02 38 52 90 96

A menu "to the glory of the god Neptune!"  Fish, shellfish and crustaceans are featured prominently in this recently opened brasserie (complete with Marine décor).  They are closed August 1st to 18th, Sundays, and Mondays.