Résidence Goélia La Palmeraie

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

After Baston in Bordeaux, chef Julien Borie and baker Pauline Celle have taken the same enticing concept of a restaurant-bakery, and rooted it even more in the terroir. The chef, who is from these parts, thus has an opportunity to work with local artisans and seafood. The result is confident and masterfully executed bistronomy cuisine, incorporating precisely prepared local produce – particularly the matured fish that can be seen in a display case in the dining area. The bakery turns out natural sourdough breads using organic flour and drawing on genuine artisanal expertise. The decor features

This waterside bistro showcases seafood flavours and super-fresh produce. The menu sails between timeless classics (oysters, confit of octopus, lentils, mustard-flavoured sabayon and the chef’s lemon pie) and more spur-of-the-moment recipes. Inside, this former oyster shed upholds its heritage, while the terrace overlooking the marshes is blissful.

A short distance from Rémigeasse beach, Le Grand Large hotel is surrounded by dunes and unspoilt nature and overlooks the ocean below. Its restaurant looks out onto the indoor swimming pool on one side and the sea on the other – complete with sunset views. The menu showcases first-rate produce from the region, eg line-caught meagre tartare with green apple and green asparagus panna cotta with watercress; line-caught pollock with tarragon oil and a fish roe beurre blanc.

Beautifully located on Sainte-Marie-de-Ré market square, this laidback eatery offers bistronomic fare with a distinct preference for local veg from mainly organic small market gardeners. The frequently changing concise menu stars seasonal ingredients, together with local fish and offal. Everything is fresh, well executed and good value for money, illustrated by a tender slab of pearlescent haddock or a 64°C poached egg in a creamy mushroom sauce topped with crispy bacon pieces.