Le Clos des Marais

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

This shipowner's house on the pretty little port dates back to 1652. With wood panelling, a fireplace and old hardwood floors, the well-kept interior is inviting… but in fine weather, the terrace beckons. The menu is an ode to local fishing and the place is renowned for the excellent quality of its fish – the place to eat on the island!

"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?

A stone's throw from the church, St André d'Ornay, Welsh chef Nathan Cretney and his partner Solen Pineau run this attractive and discreetly charming restaurant. A palette of soft hues and bare stone walls contribute to the inviting and bang-on-trend decor – just the ticket for an intimate dining space where diners are well looked after. The food reflects regional ingredients and local producers in a creative and refined single set menu that is composed according to what the market has to offer. For an immersive experience, sit at the chef's table right next to the stoves.

This engaging roadside inn provides an opportunity to sample stripped-back, seasonal fare that relies on fresh ingredients of traditional and regional inspiration (duck foie gras with juniper berries, breast of roast guinea fowl in herbs, etc.). A small cottage garden supplies the kitchen with some veggies and herbs. Take a seat in the conservatory or in the garden, depending on the season.

A riverside location and ivy-clad façade set the charming rural scene for this Vendée inn overlooking the old stone bridge – ideal for a gourmet get-away! The chef works with top produce, aromatic herbs and subtle seasonings and each dish reveals the hallmark of his enthusiastic culinary quest. Make sure you save room for the desserts – to die for! A few attractive rooms overlooking the River Vendée are available.

Run by a bubbly, youthful team, this friendly dinky bistro at the tip of the island is invariably packed to the seams. The menu, as concise as it is tempting, never fails to deliver the goods: most of the fruit and veg is grown on the island, the fish is from local fish auctions, (crafted in many guises), local producers and natural wines frequently take the limelight and the bread is made in-house with flour produced on Oléron. The signature dish varies with the season from agnolotti of langoustines to royal shrimp, from Oléron, of course! Bookings are essential given the establishment’s popu