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.

Gien

13 quai Nice
Ph: 011 33 03 86 67 36 05
Fx: 011 33 02 38 38 18 78

Overlooking the Loire, La Poularde is a delightful respite from driving with regional cuisine.  On the riverside, traditional cuisine served in an elegant dining room. The restaurant's assets include paintings, Louis XVI chairs, Gien plates and silverware housed in recently renovated rooms.  They are closed January 1 to 15, Sunday evening and Monday lunchtime.

18 quai Lenoir
Ph: 011 33 02 38 67 00 75

On the quayside at the foot of the château (hunting museum), the restaurant offers two welcoming dining rooms, (one with paintings by local artists and the other on the first floor with a view of the Loire).  They are closed November 14 to 28, January 16 to February 6, Tuesday evening and Wednesday.

14 rte Bourges
Ph: 011 33 02 38 38 24 67
Fx:  011 33 02 38 38 24 67

A pleasant little restaurant on the opposite side of the Loire, the dining room is hung with still-life paintings and there is a terrace for the summer. They are closed July 1st to 14th, February holidays, Saturday lunchtime and Monday.

Sancerre

Ph: 011 33 02 48 54 15 01

Regional menu expertly pared with the wines of the restaurant owner, Alphonse Mellot.

Nouvelle Place
Ph: 011 33 02 48 54 00 81
Fx: 011 33 02 48 78 01 54
E-mail: info@la-tour-sancerre.fr
Web: www.la-tour-sancerre.fr

Probably the best restaurant in the Upper Loire, it offers both fine cuisine as well as more casual fare for lunch.  The restaurant, topped with a 14th century tower, has two dining rooms (an elegant rustic-styled setting downstairs or a room with modern decor and a view of the vines upstairs).  Their wine list offers a wonderful selection of Sancerre wines.

Ph: 011 33 02 48 54 01 72
Fx: 011 33 02 48 54 14 24
E-mail: restaurantcmd@wanadoo.fr

This cheery country inn, in a steep narrow road in a wine-producing village, is known for its regional cuisine and well-stocked wine cellar. Definitely try the famous "crottin" de Chavignol cheese!  They are closed in February, Tuesday evening out of season, Sunday evening and Wednesday.

Pouilly-sur-Loire

17 rue R. Couard
Ph: 011 33 03 86 39 07 69
Fx: 011 33 03 86 39 09 78

E-mail: hotel.restaurant.lesperance@wanadoo.fr   

This restaurant is a roadside inn with vineyards in the background.  Their modern dishes reflect the proximity of Burgundy in its fare.  They are closed January 5th to 31st, Sunday evening and Monday from October to March.

42 av. Tuilerie
Ph: 011 33 03 86 39 12 99
Fx: 011 33 03 86 39 14 15
E-mail: le-relais-fleuri-sarl@wanadoo.fr

A traditional hostelry with a charming garden that runs, you can sit on an airy veranda where dishes keep with current taste.  They are closed mid-December to mid-January, Tuesday and Wednesday from October to April.

Menetou-Salon

Ph: 011 33 02 48 64 81 20

Time to do as the locals do! L'Zibb is truly a culinary adventure, as this restaurant has no menu, just whatever happens to be prepared for the day.  The quality of the food, though, more than compensates for any nervousness about the lack of a written menu.

rte de Bourges
Ph: 011 33 02 48 64 82 98
Fx: 011 02 48 64 18 78

This is a pleasant place for a gourmet break on the Jacques Coeur road.  The cuisine is based on local produce and Menetou wine in a stylish, rustic dining room (their specialty is "veal brawn").  They are closed October 9 to 24, January 2 to 16, Monday evening and Tuesday.