10 Best Local Restaurants in Nantes

Talensac Market (Marché de Talensac) is a legendary market in Nantes that's been active for decades, offering a satisfying mix of products for shoppers. It first opened in 1937, making it one of the oldest in the city. It's continued servicing the local community ever since offering generations of satisfaction.

When you visit this market, you'll notice that the seafood and fish stands tend to stand out among the rest. They're the most popular by far, but they're just the beginning of what you'll find. Other food items, as well as treats and charcuterie, can be found at this market as well. You'll find it all just a short distance north of the city centre.

Le Bouchon is a cozy restaurant that’s located in a 16^th-century half-timbered house in the center of Nantes. It has been open since 1986. You’ll be charmed by its warm setting comprising wooden furniture, a beautiful interior terrace sheltered from the hubbub of the city, terracotta tiles, and an old parquet floor.

Modern and refined, the menu has a good quality-to-price ratio. You’ll discover French and European dishes, including royal sea bream ceviche, Iberian pork chop cooked at low temperature, spring rolls with langoustines, and interesting vegetarian options. Frozen nougat with honey and shortbread tartlet with strawberries are among the must-tries for dessert.

Le Bistro des Enfants Nantais is a traditional brasserie serving French seasonal food. A little off the beaten path, it's within a walkable distance from the city centre. The bistro is known for its small but well-prepared selection of dishes.

The menu rotates weekly and can include creamy cauliflower soup, frog legs, slow-cooked lamb, and fish dishes with fresh catches from a local fishmonger. The portions are generous, and the ambience is hospitable and warm. You’ll also like the simple and delicious desserts, such as crème brûlée.

Le Lion et L'Agneau is an intimate restaurant in a pedestrianized street near the Cité des Congrès in Nantes. It’s a lovely place to explore regional cuisines from the southwest of France, especially meat and poultry specialties. You’ll have a choice between chicken, duck, Iberian pork, and other dishes. The chef pays attention to the selection of ingredients from local producers and the visual presentation of the dishes.

The restaurant's elegant interior features stone walls, a counter in front of the open kitchen, a large table for 12 people and classical small tables. The venue is quite popular, so it's best to book your table in advance.

Crêperie Ker Breiz is among the best addresses in Nantes for traditional Breton crepes. The restaurant is well-situated and can be reached by various means of transportation in the city. The pancakes are homemade using quality local products and organic flour.

You’ll be pleased by the variety of crepes on offer. For example, try a classical galette with cheese and ham or more original versions with mussels, salted butter, and scallop shells. For dessert, there are chocolate or flambéed crêpes and plenty of others. The galettes are generously portioned, with a great balance of crispiness and softness. There are selections of regional beers and ciders to complement your meal.

Le Cambronne Bistrot Chic is a French restaurant in Nantes and a refined version of a traditional bistro. Combining simplicity and originality, the menu offers classic French dishes with a twist. Here, you can try semi-cooked foie gras and peach-fennel chutney, as well as braised veal sweetbreads, sea bream tartare and local wines.

The setting is modern and classy. You’ll appreciate the comfortable wooden benches and plush red armchairs set in contrast against the parquet floors, a mirror wall, and big windows. There is even a library corner if you want a good read before or after dinner.

L'U.ni is an elegant restaurant in the center of Nantes. Thanks to a collaboration with small regional producers, the food here are cooked with good quality products, many of which are organic. The menu changes on a regular basis and the concept of the restaurant is to propose well-balanced, creative, and well-presented dishes.

Try the marinated langoustines with lime, rabbit stuffed with smoked bacon, roasted green asparagus with chorizo, or the chocolate emulsion flavored with Timur pepper. In addition, the interior is stylish, and there’s enough space between the tables for a sense of intimacy.

Les Pieds dans le Plat is one of the few restaurants in Nantes that opens daily. It’s located a few steps from the beautiful Graslin Theater. The bistro offers a simple menu of well-cooked and nicely presented French dishes with beef tartare, foie gras, duck breast, salmon avocado gravlax, and salads among the options.

The interior features stone walls, an exposed-beam ceiling, and red chairs creating an interesting contrast and a warm ambience. In addition, you’ll appreciate the attractive desserts and a selection of good wines at a reasonable price.

Machin Machine bistro is a great spot for lunch after visiting the Les Machines de l’île in Nantes. The bistro is situated close to the banks of the Loire and the shipyards, a few steps from the Chantier Naval streetcar stop. 

The restaurant serves dishes that are carefully prepared yet unfussy. The menu changes every week and often features broiled tuna pave, roasted cod, beef tartare, rice risotto and prawns, as well as tasty appetizers and desserts. The unusual decor includes some industrial elements with big white leather sofas and stylish chairs.

Art'N Blum is an intimate and cozy restaurant in the center of Nantes that offers creative cuisine with a fine selection of wines. The menu is quite small but successful. In fact, the chef offers new dishes every week, always made of fresh seasonal products.

At lunch, you can opt for a set menu, including a starter, main course, and a dessert. You’ll be able to try sausages with muscadet and purple sweet potato, truffled mushrooms, creamy shellfish, beef with homemade barbecue sauce, and other dishes, all well cooked and presented.