Aux Portes de Rennes Ch. d'hôtes

(Temporarily closed, reopening planned for mid-September) “Cooking has always been a means of travel for me”, explains chef Julien Lemarié, who has plied his trade in London, Tokyo and Singapore. At his restaurant, Ima, which means “now” in Japanese, this talented culinary technician conjures up instinctive cuisine showcased on tasting menus that combine subtlety with regional and Asian influences. Lemarié enhances his dishes with broths, infusions, spices, aromatic plants and algae. And for those keen to enjoy the full Japanese experience, make sure you take a seat at the bar. It's now your t

When a talented chef from Rennes, Virginie Giboire, embraces her roots (or "Racines"), the result is pleasing, contemporary cuisine in the form of elegant dishes. Boasting an impressive wealth of experience (of which we will only mention her stints alongside Guy Martin and Thierry Marx who, she says, "taught her everything"), she delivers clever and well-defined cuisine that always hits the mark, proposed in a short menu. Interesting interplays of textures, subtle marriages of flavours, and always the finest ingredients, often from small-scale Breton producers. All served up in a lovely, brigh

This is the more casual offshoot of chef Julien Lemarié's MICHELIN-starred, Japanese-inspired restaurant (IMA). Lunch features an affordable set menu composed of classics such as okonomiyaki or a crisp vegetable salad with sesame seeds. In the evening, the kitchen delivers contemporary dishes in which local produce meets Asian seasonings – think pearly John Dory with cauliflower and shichimi, shredded guinea fowl with shiitake mushrooms and other recipes with a savvy twist. Service with a smile.

At this restaurant, Charlotte is in charge front of house while Germain cooks up good, generous food made with quality regional – and mainly organic – ingredients. Without sidelining poultry or fish, vegetables do take centre stage: white asparagus, sunflower seed praline and preserved lemon; steamed egg, buckwheat cream, roasted vegetable juice and chard stalks; fennel vanilla cake, lemon cream and preserved orange zest. Reservations are essential, as the people of Rennes have realised they are on to a good thing, with reasonable prices to boot!

The epitome of a friendly neighbourhood bistro steeped in an irresistible buzzy vibe. Fezi means "home-made" in Brittany's Gallo language. Cédric Bruneau, the young owner-chef, prepares tasty, straightforward, market-fresh cuisine, favouring regional ingredients. Natural and biodynamic wines.

The name hints at an abundance of food, drink and fun with friends, a promise that is kept within the stone walls of this bistro with an open kitchen and a few seats at the counter. The lunchtime and evening menus offer dishes ranging from roast pak choi, paprika sabayon and roasted hazelnut to skate wing, citrus butter, cream of celery, smoked Jerusalem artichoke, chestnuts and a langoustine jus – or plates to share washed down with a well-curated list of biodynamic or natural wines. Fresh ingredients, fine craftsmanship and overflowing with vibrant flavours and skill.

Tucked away in a narrow pedestrian street in the city centre, this restaurant is run by siblings Maxime (in the kitchen) and Estelle Besnier (front of house). In a pleasant, colourful space (white beams, whitewashed walls, mirrors, stone and brick fireplace, original hardwood floors), this chef has a sure touch, preparing dishes with precision, generosity and a sense of indulgence: chicken oyster with cream of mushroom; hake, potatoes, chorizo and samphire; coconut, kiwi and sorrel. The lunchtime set menu is excellent value for money. A truly joyful dining experience.