Hôtel Le Rivage

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

Taste Pierre Gagnaire’s free-spirited culinary vision at Gaya, part of La Grande Terrasse Hotel, not far from Les Boucholeurs. The local score seamlessly mixes surf and turf ingredients in elegant dishes flanked by high-flying jus, sauces and crèmes. An example: small oysters and razor clams steamed in white wine and paired with wild seaweed and finely chopped cauliflower. Swish service and a stylish interior, all of which with a breathtaking view of the ocean. Splendid wine list and wines by the glass from magnum bottles.

"There are six seasons in the year": with this saying in mind, chef Cécile Richard adapts her recipes to the times, with a drive for creativity that can be sensed in her fresh and precise cuisine. Locally caught fish, fruit and vegetables from organic market gardeners, aromatic herbs and flowers from the garden can be enjoyed in this farmhouse, converted in a pleasant rustic style. Attractive glass-paned wine cellar. New menu every two months.

In a quaint little village, a short drive from La Rochelle, this restaurant stands at the end of a pedestrian only lane. Alsace-born chef Nicolas Durif unveils his passion for plants (like hyssop), of which he uses up to 60 in summertime, sourced from France and the rest of the world. Discreet nods to his homeland can be found in his creative lineup and in the enticing wine list. His several course surprise menus rich in citrus fruits and Asian spices come highly recommended.

This restaurant in a converted 18C estaminet boasts an ideal location on the port of La Rochelle, and has a delightful terrace at the foot of the Tour de la Chaîne. They serve refined cuisine in which the flavours of the ocean enjoy the limelight, for example, "lobster stew with glazed seasonal vegetables, mushroom ravioli with lobster roe, a jus made from lobster juices and an inkling of ginger", chef Grégory Coutanceau's signature dish.

Chef Chloé Clamens runs this bistro nestled in a lively street by the port. The attentive and friendly team immediately make you feel welcome in this space that exudes authenticity – exposed stone and light-coloured wood, a handsome vaulted cellar, and a small terrace. The concise menu eschews frills and opaque names, instead highlighting the quality of the ingredients, which are prepared precisely and simply. Examples include "pâté Grand-Mère" or veal onglet with morels served with fregola sarda.

This dazzling place by Christopher Coutanceau offers two incomparable pleasures: for the eyes and for the taste buds. A long counter in the shape of a skiff (light, long and narrow boat), houses the open kitchen, where the cooks can be seen in action. Seafood (oysters and shellfish) and fish of the day enjoy pride of place on the menu here... to be enjoyed on the terrace that overlooks the sea, in fine weather. Booking recommended.