Le Clos du Vieux Port

A restored farmstead nestling in the midst of sprawling private woodland houses an unconventional property guided by foraging. Wild plants are picked on the estate and the veggies are from the permaculture cottage garden and neighbouring organic farm, acquired by the owners, all of which sets the scene for unexpected creative cuisine. The dining room is wood-rich, while lodges on stilts and artwork set the scene outdoors. The single set several course menu may include green pea and wild sorrel ice cream, flame-licked mackerel and buds of wild brambles or foie gras wrapped in woodland smartweed

After a major refurbishment, the classical grandeur and former lustre of this majestic 18C manor house, whose beautiful troglodytic guestrooms are built directly into the tufa cliff, have been restored. The chef crafts a score that showcases top-notch produce (langoustine, foie gras, lobster, sweetbread), consummately and flawlessly. The terrace overlooking the river is simply divine!

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.

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.

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 gourmet bistro, so popular that it is often taken by storm (bookings advisable), is established in a residential neighbourhood near Prébendes garden and flanked by a summer patio. Sincerity depicts the seasonal dishes chalked up on a slate, all of which washed down with delicious Loire wines.