Les Patis

The troglodyte dining room, wood burning fire in winter and the terrace shaded by a wisteria in fine weather are just a few of the discreet appeals of this charming establishment. The cuisine is tasty and wholesome, based on local produce and served with Loire wines. Booking advisable.

Hervé and Patricia Chardonneau, a couple of foodies formerly of Casse-Cailloux in Tours, have set up shop in the heart of a wine-growing village. Hervé crafts a hearty, wholesome lineup of traditional French nosh, together with game in season: hare à la royale (a sort of jugged hare), a game pie (oreiller de la belle Aurore), lamb’s brains... His bistronomic approach draws its inspiration from the seasons. Fine wine list with a focus on organic and natural wines. Separate wine bar.

The surroundings are quickly forgotten (a business estate), as you concentrate on the fine and fresh food, truly bursting with flavours. One case in point is the speciality of the Breton chef: Tours - style bouillabaisse – packed with red mullet, scorpion fish, pork rillons and andouillette.

A zen and minimalist interior all done out in pale wood sets the scene for traditional, seasonal Japanese cuisine that stands out for its fresh, unusual flavours: assortment of cold starters and tempura of the day, chirashi (traditional dish of raw fish), a hot dish of the day and miso soup. Booking essential.

Devoted to pleasure! First-rate, often local produce: smoked trout from the Moulin des Couvent or Touraine asparagus. Ingredients with crisp, legible flavours, such as rack of roast lamb, cocoa flavouring, roast fennel, potatoes and mushrooms. Chef Ghislain Damaye and his sister Véronique, who tends to the wellbeing of the front of house, pay tribute to the memory of French novelist Marcel Pagnol, in their smart, city centre bistro, courtesy of an ethos that seeks to share their love of good food.

This pretty little manor house on the outskirts of town has recently been refurbished and modernised, all the way from the decoration to the kitchens, the domain of chef Maximilien Bridier. Taking an enthusiastic approach to high-quality ingredients, he presents elegant, precise dishes with no frills. Without fail, the menu features a vegetarian option. There is a fine selection of wines by the glass, and the service is attentive. Sit out on the terrace on warm days.

Julien and Alexandra have poured every ounce of their enthusiasm into successfully wooing local and visiting gourmets. Their seasonal cuisine is a treasure trove of culinary gems. The charm of their old country house, appointed with bare beams, terracotta tiled floors and a fireplace, together with the odd contemporary detail, further adds to the experience!