A gastronomic quasi-desert for decades, Nantes today attracts a new generation of committed and engaging chefs who take advantage of the area’s riches (Nantes cow, freshwater and sea fish, etc.) at ultra-competitive prices. Guide Tables of Nantes, whose new 2022/2023 edition was published on September 5, is a mine of good addresses. Here is our selection to have fun without spending too much.
Les Cadets: the gastronomic concern
Heart stroke ! At lunchtime, for a menu at a bargain price (19 euros), Les Cadets offers you the status of a great gourmet restaurant. People come here for the talent of chef Charles Bernabé, former second to starred chef Christophe Hay, who has left freshwater fish for iodized flavors. A cuisine of rare precision: pollack is immersed in hazelnut butter and cooked at low temperature to better melt on the tongue, heirloom tomatoes bask on a cream of peppers, mackerel marinated in Muscadet…
15, rue des Hauts-Pavés. Such. : 09-86-57-01-46.
Paws: the gourmet break
Located in a district full of brasseries and gourmet counters on the island of Nantes, this restaurant with relaxed service offers tasty and hearty hot dogs from 7 euros. From fries to ketchup and bread, everything is homemade using local ingredients, such as organic flour from the Giraudineau flour mill, in the nearby town of Saint-Colomban. The sausages of your choice (Frankfurt, muscadet, vegan…) never disappoint. Special mention for “hot dogs of the day” which temporarily shake up the menu, like this smoked sausage with fennel pickles spread with Réunion rougail (12.50 euros).
31 bis, rue de la Tour d’Auvergne. Such. : 09-84-08-99-21.
Arm wrestling: the bar with plenty to do
It is without doubt one of the most atypical addresses in the city of Loire. This bar-cellar located on the island of Nantes has managed the feat of selling choice skittles at fair prices (from 8 euros, essentially natural wine), to produce its own wine, and to offer a playful artistic program (exhibitions, concerts, theatrical improvisation, etc.). The small outdoor courtyard, which randomly vibrates with DJ sets, is reason enough to raise your elbow.
20, boulevard de la Prairie au Duc. Such. : 02-72-01-66-30.
Les Chants d’Avril: Bring on the Spring
The owners of the place, Véronique (in the dining room) and Christophe (in the kitchen) François, could be the parents of the new generation who are stirring up Nantes gastronomy. For fourteen years in the city, they have been offering their mystery menus (from 19 euros) to customers who have for many become friends. The chef, a fisherman, has a real tenderness for fish: pollack roasted with buckwheat, fillet of hake with ginger, monkfish liver with spices and watercress pesto… Les Chants d’avril have the same virtues as those of the sirens, we succumbs to it with delight.
2, rue Laennec. Such. : 02-40-89-34-76.
Obbo: good and re-good
A shock duo, the prince of sweets Antoine Gaudin (ten years in charge of pastry at the starred Alexandre Couillon) and the sommelier Guillaume Claireau (distinguished by Gault and Millau), created this exciting tasting cellar. For the price of an industrial chocolate mousse elsewhere, you can taste explosive creations here such as this carpaccio of cucumber confit with verbena (6.50 euros), paired with a white chocolate biscuit and a basil sorbet. The deal? A local organic white vermouth (5 euros).
10, alley of the Tanners. Such. : 02-55-10-39-23.