Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in La Rochelle

Open since 1978, this restaurant is frequented by the local Epicureans and is an institution. Sitting under a veranda and among the many green plants, enjoy the delectable dishes created by the chef: roasted sea bass, slices of duck breast in honey and lime, and to follow, why not try a mandarin crème brulée or a warm apple tart? Very fast service. However, there will always be time to advise on the best wines from a well-stocked cellar.

At Grégory's, named after the son of the famous La Rochelle chef Richard Coutenceau and current manager of this gastronomic restaurant, the sophistication of the décor matches the cuisine: roast sea bass with its crispy skin, moist savarin (cake) of broad beans, oven-roasted lobster, thinly sliced calamari – depending on the catch of the day. There are also some beautiful desserts – try the waffles made from the family recipe. The décor is inspired by the sea. A terrace facing the port and the sea is also available when the weather is warmer. Fast and efficient service in spite of the number of customers.

This very large restaurant directly overlooking the port focuses on seafood (not surprisingly). Located on the first floor, its dining-room has 1900-style furniture and offers a sophisticated setting. A terrace is also available to customers on sunny days. Warm welcome and efficient service. Oysters, seafood platters, various fish dishes (fish lasagna, potée océane (fish stew) and a choucroute de la mer (fish and fermented cabbage), etc. Just feel those sea sprays from the à la carte menu! There are also several meat dishes: steak tartare (raw minced beef served with condiments and a raw egg), bavette à l'échalotte (fillet of beef in a shallot sauce). The wine list is good, quite extensive and varied. The restaurant can hold up to 280 people; groups are welcome. A brasserie and a hotel are also based at this address. It opens at 11:30a daily.

Decorated like a ship, this restaurant is well-known for its seafood and fish platters – and its moelleux au chocolat (a delicate chocolate pudding). This is a fashionable place frequented by celebrities passing through La Rochelle. In 1947, this establishment was simply a bar run by somebody called André – hence the name. Today, there are several rooms. The ceiling of one of the dining-rooms is in fact a ship's hull hanging upside down. There are also buoys scattered around virtually everywhere. This is a busy restaurant and sometimes the hubbub can be a little excessive particularly in the evening. Groups can be catered for.

A magnificent belle époque décor with great chandeliers and frescoes on the ceiling gives this establishment its sophistication. The cosy atmosphere is appreciated by a well-off clientele; the waiters, traditionally dressed in black and white, are very efficient. In keeping with tradition, dishes and prices are written out on the blackboard. And what's on the menu? The classics of a brasserie style cuisine: salads, dish of the day, etc.

Crowds of locals from La Rochelle come to eat in this bright, simply decorated dining room. Come and try the splendid seafood platters (up to 13 kinds of shellfish and crustacea) but don't miss the chef's speciality based on mussels: the mouclade des Charentes. Also available are many fish dishes: fillets of cod in cider, salmon tagliatelle, brandade de morue (cod cooked Provençal style), liver of monkfish with Pineau (a region's spirit), etc. A family atmosphere, particularly in the evening. The restaurant has two floors, both very pleasantly located under a large glass roof.