L'estacade

This restaurant located opposite the fish market overlooking Croisic harbour sports a seaside theme depicted by varnished wood, portholes, dining alcoves and a pretty terrace for fine weather. Likewise, the modern, frequently inventive score shines the spotlight on fish and seafood as it respectfully pays tribute to the region and Breton classics: oysters, lobster, fish soup, stuffed shellfish. Deftly crafted and plated.

Founded in 1981 by Mr. and Mrs. Louis, who are now assisted by their daughter Dominique and son-in-law Gérard Samson, L’Océan is a treat for the eye and the palate thanks to the huge conservatory and a menu that stars supremely fresh first-class seafood and fish. The establishment’s timeless signature dishes never fail to deliver: seafood platters, scallops in season, sole meunière or whole seabass in a salt crust (to be shared). We also recommend the big-boned lobster bisque, rich in whole pieces of perfectly cooked lobster and deliciously crunchy croutons. Finish with a wickedly tempting rum

MAJU is a portmanteau of MArine and JUlien, who are at the helm of this elegant contemporary bistro, overlooking the port. From his open kitchen, the chef rustles up an ambitious, modern score in the shape of a single menu rolled out in several courses. Bliss from the first to the last bite thanks to a devotion to detail in terms of plating combined with a focus on premium local country produce, including from the local fish auction, seaweed, samphire and vegetables…

In a traditional salt workers' village in the heart of the salt marshes, this picturesque white house with snug, cosy dining rooms is open for business. Japanese chef Takashi Aoki crafts a creatively subdued Gallic line-up that showcases the season. The wine list is extremely well curated and the vast majority of the wines are available by the glass.

Just a stone's throw from the Porte Saint Michel in Guérande's famous fortified wall, this understated bolthole is the haunt of Sébastien Tranchant. The chef deftly crafts modern, precise, aromatic dishes courtesy of local ingredients and savvy exotic touches. An example: scallops, mushrooms, kumquat and oat milk or the delicious dessert of butternut, praliné of squash, clementine and orange blossom. A refined interior and a wickedly indulgent score.

A meal at this restaurant housed in the outbuildings of a 13C manor on the outskirts of Guérande is a must. Quality ingredients that are meticulously sourced from the region go into modern cuisine with bold flavours. This lunchtime, the starter of asparagus and octopus, enhanced by pronounced herbaceous flavours, was well made; the cod precisely cooked in hazelnut butter was accompanied by tasty ravioli. The pear dessert plays on sweet and sour with great success.

A prime example of La Baule’s early-20C seaside architecture, this manor house is home to a hotel and a restaurant appointed in a classical bourgeois style whose windows overlook the grounds and pretty terrace. Local lad Jérémy Coirier draws his inspiration from the region (fish, shellfish, Croisic seaweed, Guérande saffron, Mesquer pigeon) to compose a menu that changes with the seasons.