Hôtel Restaurant Le Grand Large - Face à la plage - Ile de Ré

Overlooking the Plage de la Concurrence, the sign on the front of the restaurant says it all: "Christopher Coutanceau, chef and fisherman." Fishing here is a lifelong family passion, and Christopher takes it further by campaigning for sustainable methods and against waste. His sincere and unfussy cuisine, with its bouquet of marine scents, an invigorating ode to the Atlantic Ocean, is an extension of this commitment. The finest fish and seafood - turbot, sole, sea urchin - is prepared with care and imagination, while the modest mackerel or sardine is rendered sublime by the same devotion and t

"Briemm" is a contraction of Brice and Emmanuelle, who have partnered up (in business and in life) to found this dinky eatery in a lovely stone-built house, which is depicted by generous cooking and a gracious welcome. The sensibly priced patriotic lineup stars a succulent list of dishes that reveals a genuine eye for detail and a fine bouquet of flavours, e.g. crunchy pig’s trotters, purée of granny smith apples and caramelised walnuts, or flame-licked mackerel flanked by watercress soup and squid ink-laced shortbread. What’s not to like?

Beautifully located on Sainte-Marie-de-Ré market square, this laidback eatery offers bistronomic fare with a distinct preference for local veg from mainly organic small market gardeners. The frequently changing concise menu stars seasonal ingredients, together with local fish and offal. Everything is fresh, well executed and good value for money, illustrated by a tender slab of pearlescent haddock or a 64°C poached egg in a creamy mushroom sauce topped with crispy bacon pieces.

Jemmy Brouet, formerly of Le Jules Vernes (Alain Ducasse), is behind this chic bistro with red brick features and sunny colours. The "Menu du Marché" is very reasonably priced (and more ambitious in the evening); vegetarian option. Slightly out of the centre, but easy to get to.

(Temporarily closed) Friendly and attractive, this pocket handkerchief restaurant instantly makes you feel at home. The concise, appetising menu showcases island produce with a weakness for seafood, illustrated by the flawlessly cooked monkfish, flanked by a chardonnay-flavoured sabayon and white asparagus. Intelligently curated wine list, the occasional inventive note and a scattering of thoughtful attentions.

This dazzling place by Christopher Coutanceau offers two incomparable pleasures: for the eyes and for the taste buds. A long counter in the shape of a skiff (light, long and narrow boat), houses the open kitchen, where the cooks can be seen in action. Seafood (oysters and shellfish) and fish of the day enjoy pride of place on the menu here... to be enjoyed on the terrace that overlooks the sea, in fine weather. Booking recommended.

Chef Chloé Clamens runs this bistro nestled in a lively street by the port. The attentive and friendly team immediately make you feel welcome in this space that exudes authenticity – exposed stone and light-coloured wood, a handsome vaulted cellar, and a small terrace. The concise menu eschews frills and opaque names, instead highlighting the quality of the ingredients, which are prepared precisely and simply. Examples include "pâté Grand-Mère" or veal onglet with morels served with fregola sarda.