Initial by balladins Sable-sur-Sarthe

The Morvan duo is back in the saddle and raring to go! They now work side by side, as the chef’s wife is happily back in the kitchen. After kicking off with a high-flying array of appetisers, the couple’s distinctive and creative score sets its sights on the local terroir (his birthplace) with a few hops over to Savoie (her birthplace). You can expect a virtuoso demonstration of culinary balance, enhanced by vibrant, incisive sauces that will sweep your tastebuds off their feet: duckling, sweet potatoes, grapefruit dressing, puree of rosehip and gin-spiked jus… On the beverage side, the alcoho

Sarthois born and bred, chef Jean-Sébastien Monné is originally from these parts. He presides over this former inn in which the industrial style of a light-filled metal-framed extension meets the bucolic charm of the garden and terrace. He cultivates the art of working with small local producers and is devoted to the joys of rooftop beekeeping. Thanks to the meticulous work that goes into the selection of impeccable-quality ingredients, he is able to put his own more modern spin on the classics: Angus beef prepared as a tartare, breaded and fried quail's egg, puffed potato; duck from Canard So

On the left bank of the Maine, the chef cooks up flavoursome recipes that blend tradition and the essence of the sun-drenched Mediterranean: croquetta di miale and a herby mayonnaise; shank of confit veal with Milanese risotto… A festive vibe, a crisp, enticing lineup and invariably packed to the seams. Meals are served in a trendy, industrial brasserie interior or alfresco, on the terrace.

This delightful 16C building set in the town centre on the banks of the River Loir offers an absolutely enchanting setting whatever the season! The contemporary cuisine follows the seasons and is accompanied by a fine selection of wines (including some from Austria, the proprietor's home country). On sunny days, you can sit out on the terrace and soak up the enchanting setting.

We fell head over heels with this bistro! The chef’s slate menu unveils a fresh, indulgent take on nostalgic dishes that will make you drool: pâté en croûte; calf's head with gribiche sauce; saddle of rabbit, mashed potato, mustard sauce; game in season, without forgetting a vegetarian offering. Fine choice of sensibly priced tipples from Anjou and elsewhere, most of which are organic and natural and an impressive lineup of chartreuse liqueurs. Bookings recommended.

Sit out on the pleasant terrace set up in the garden, on the banks of the River Vègre, and treat yourself to a fine dining interlude courtesy of the chef's cooking, which is always in touch with the seasons. The contemporary dishes, which are deliberate and meticulous, make use of the finest local ingredients, including supreme of Loué chicken stuffed with onions and morel mushrooms, first-harvest vegetables and a creamy poultry jus. La Table du Coq, the hotel's second restaurant, serves simpler fare.

This handsome little 17C château and charming 15C manor house are set in grounds on the banks of the River Loir. The restaurant has an elegant interior refurbished in a contemporary style, in a palette of light tones, and a pleasant terrace overlooking the valley. Italian chef Attilio Marrazzo chooses quality ingredients – including produce grown in his own vegetable garden – for his modern cuisine. His dishes (free-range poultry, fricassee of chanterelles with parsley, Caesar-style salad) show a good command of culinary techniques, and can be washed down with a wine from a list that focuses o