Mercure Tours Nord

You only have to take a look at chef Jérôme Roy’s star-studded CV (Gagnaire and Troisgros, together with a star earned at the Couvent des Minimes at Mane) to know he has an ambitious roadmap! Born in Loches, he has returned to his roots in the company of his spouse, and together they have created this smart, trendy venue. Roy deftly crafts modern, creative fare that keeps pace with the seasons and is meticulously sourced: sautéed scallops in a stock of the scallop frills, dried lime and Aleppo pepper; lamb in provençal herbs, artichoke and samphire; segments of pink grapefruit marinated in spi

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.

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.

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!

In the old town of Tours, a young couple have breathed new life into this 15C building. The interior decor is now a blend of contemporary style and original architecture: whitewashed and brown stucco-clad walls, zellige tiles, white metal chairs with mesh backs and stainless steel tables. Mélanie Cases, formerly a textile product manager with a passion for art, designed the ceramic tableware and linen herself. In the kitchen, Rodolphe Boidron, with a wealth of experience in high-calibre establishments (Le Lucé, Auberge du Bon Laboureur, Les Hautes Roches), skilfully crafts creative, delicious

The name of this bistro pays tribute to a great chef of the last century and celebrates the joys of cooking. The concise menu highlights the changing seasons and regional produce (asparagus, snails, freshwater fish). A flair for seasoning makes for simple and tasty food, such as white asparagus mimosa, broccoli and vadouvan. There are only a few tables, so be sure to book!

Right next to the Halles des Tours, the city's covered market, Olivier Arlot has opened his new restaurant in an elegant and imposing white building. There is an open kitchen, chef's table, central bench, and monumental wine cabinet; the tables are artfully laid and the lounges upstairs are filled with light. In line with today's take on traditional cuisine, the talented chef indulges himself (and us) by showcasing premium ingredients with skill and generosity: veal grenadine rubbed with black pepper, creamy bacon. The impressive wine list holds its own, with over 600 labels.