€Modern Cuisine
Now a destination for food lovers, this bistro was once a station building (on the former PLM network). It has lost none of its charm – brick semi-circular arches, wooden shutters painted in the green of France's SNCF railway and a clock on the façade; inside, original terracotta floor tiles, wood and wrought-iron tables, and wallpaper with 1970s patterns. Clémence (front of house) and Sacha (kitchen) are the young couple at the controls. His indulgent contemporary dishes – pâté en croûte and seasonal pickles; free-range poultry, gnocchi, sweetcorn and spinach; chocolate tart – showcase colour
€€Modern Cuisine
This dinky town centre eatery is run by a couple with an enviable track record. In a bright, trendy interior, you will sample market-fresh cuisine at unbeatable prices at lunchtime and a more elaborate menu on Friday evenings. The chef makes the most of local, seasonal ingredients. The lovely courtyard-terrace to the rear is bliss come summertime. The epitome of generous!
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.6/5 · 80 reviews
Apicius in Montbrison offers modern cuisine within a stylish, soundproofed setting. Reviews frequently praise the tasteful decor, fresh ingredients, and original flavors, with many noting the friendly and professional staff. However, some guests report inconsistencies in food balance and disappointing desserts. Negative feedback often highlights slow service, particularly on Friday evenings where meals took excessively long, and dishes were sometimes served lukewarm. A minority view suggests the restaurant prioritizes presentation over taste and value. While generally well-regarded for its atmosphere and culinary creativity, diners should anticipate potential delays in service.
Suitable for diners seeking a refined atmosphere and creative cuisine, but avoiding peak hours is recommended for a better experience.
€€€Modern Cuisine
Flavour and special occasion indulgence depict this 18C property nestled in greenery. Diners are treated to contemporary cuisine in the "salle des peintures" hung with period paintings, or in the conservatory overlooking the park. The chef scours the countryside for premium produce like Chérier pigeon, matured seabass or high-quality blue lobster. Warm welcome and seamless service.
€€€Modern Cuisine
Unlike its namesake, this charming restaurant did not fall from an asteroid but was in fact founded in the early 19C by the great-great-aunts of the current owner. You can expect carefully devised and executed dishes in the zeitgeist with overtones of surf and turf accents. The several-course menus are artfully plated and tempting, without forgetting a splendid cheese (matured on site) trolley and a simpler lunchtime lineup. In addition to the fine dining establishment, the house also operates the bistronomic Le 1534 lounge and a delicatessen store, as well as organising tasting sessions in it
TripAdvisor review sample · 3.5/5 · 80 reviews
Located in Gentilly, Le Petit Prince offers modern French cuisine. Positive reviews highlight high food quality, charming vintage decor, and attentive service from the owner, Reza, creating an unforgettable experience with fresh, scratch-made dishes. Conversely, negative feedback cites significant service issues, including slow response, unfriendly staff, and poor meal pacing. Some diners reported bland or overly acidic food and low value for money. Crucially, recent reviews indicate the restaurant may have been closed for up to two years, with confirmed reservations leading to denied entry. Visitors must verify current operating status before visiting to avoid disappointment or unexpected charges.
Visit only after confirming current operations, with low expectations for service speed.
€€Modern Cuisine, Traditional Cuisine
A wind of change is blowing through this family establishment (open since 1975), since the son Léo, who honed his skills in top establishments, has taken over the helm. Against a backdrop of woodland and the Monts du Forez, the interior has been revamped as has the updated lineup which stars regional produce (local game, fish from a nearby fish farm and cheese), founded on solid textbook foundations. The wickedly enticing desserts are the work of the chef’s mum, who also makes the delicious bread.
€€Modern Cuisine
We love this trendy contemporary bistro as much for its charming hospitality as for its tasty, up-to-the-minute cooking, such as a thick loin of cod, fregola sarda and poultry jus. The concise menu-carte, which ensures the freshness and quality of seasonal ingredients, is a steal at lunchtime! Don't miss the excellent cannelé, a nod to the couple's Bordeaux roots. There is a fine selection of wines on the blackboard.
€€Modern Cuisine
Michel and Marie-Pierre Troisgros are behind the family's other gourmet establishment set in a former 1920s hotel. The vibe is smart yet casual and the warm, vintage decor is inspired by the brasseries of yesteryear. You will sample a concise menu that changes daily, flanked by à la carte suggestions in a traditional register, although often reworked with creative twists, illustrated by a profiterole with mustard-flavoured ice cream. The place is always busy, bearing witness to its well-deserved success.
TripAdvisor review sample · 3.9/5 · 80 reviews
Le Central in Roanne offers modern cuisine with generally positive reception. Food quality is a key strength, praised for being delicious and innovative, though some find it lacking in refinement or flavor. Service is mostly warm and attentive, but isolated complaints exist regarding rude staff. The atmosphere is cozy and suitable for families or couples. Value perceptions vary; while set menus are considered good deals, some guests find individual items like cheese overpriced, and there are reports of diluted spirits. Overall, it is a notable dining spot with mixed experiences regarding cost and service consistency.
Suitable for diners seeking modern cuisine who can tolerate service inconsistencies.
€€€Modern Cuisine
In the heart of this market town near Roanne, imagine an old stone house lit up in blue at nighttime, whose tasteful elegant interior is flanked by a lovely alfresco courtyard terrace that is perfect for special occasions. The scene is set for a fine dining experience. Chef Jérémie Louis crafts fresh, modern recipes in which artistically displayed vegetables are often cast in the lead roles. The cheese trolley is truly in a class of its own. Océane, the chef’s partner, supervises the front-of house cheerfully and seamlessly. A family-run establishment depicted by a genuine “home from home” vib
€€Creative
This quintessential rural inn on the way into a tiny village, perched high up on the plateaux of the Monts du Forez at an altitude of 1,150m, is home to Julien Magne. The chef rustles up colourful, inventive dishes with a playful approach that will bring a smile to your face! The desserts are of the same calibre: a sweet-toothed pâté en croûte, apple quince and chestnut ice cream, or French toast of brioche with pinenuts and orange and a roquette-laced ice cream!
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 80 reviews
Le Clos Perché, located in the Marolles district, receives high ratings for its creative and elegantly presented dishes. Most guests praise the culinary craftsmanship and flavor combinations, though some find the intensity overwhelming or note discrepancies with descriptions. Service is generally dedicated and warm, with young staff showing strong commitment, yet isolated incidents involve reservation errors or slow pacing between courses. The atmosphere is described as beautiful and welcoming, fostering a relaxed dining environment. Value for money is frequently highlighted as exceptional, despite minor complaints regarding portion sizes or pricing. This establishment suits diners seeking a refined, gastronomic experience with attention to detail, provided they confirm reservations in advance and appreciate a leisurely meal pace.
Ideal for diners seeking refined creative cuisine and a comfortable atmosphere, with advance reservation confirmation recommended.
€€Modern Cuisine
Now here is a restaurant that has a sense of the original! The interior design is very contemporary and, similarly, the chef keeps his ear to the ground for the latest trends and techniques. His dishes are aesthetically pleasing, with the onus on creativity and freshness.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 80 reviews
Located in Ambierle, L'Assiette Roannaise is noted for its modern, refined cuisine. Reviewers frequently praise the high quality of ingredients and precise preparation, highlighting dishes such as scallops, hare fillet with foie gras, and creative desserts. The dining room is described as airy, clean, and elegant. However, service experiences vary significantly; while some guests appreciated attentive hospitality, others reported cold welcomes or unfriendly staff. A minority of reviews criticized small portion sizes, slow pacing, and a recent cancellation policy. Additionally, the terrace decor was cited as outdated by some. Despite these inconsistencies in service and facilities, the culinary execution remains a strong point for those seeking a gastronomic experience near Roanne.
Suitable for diners prioritizing high-quality modern French cuisine over consistent service.
€€Modern Cuisine
At a remove from the centre, this former inn on the D10 catches the eye with its orange walls. The comfortable interior feels authentic and radiates light and warmth with its untreated wooden beams, exposed stone walls, warm wooden floors and Scandinavian furniture. Samuel Roche and Fahim Touloum, two friends who are chefs, have refurbished the premises, and cultivate a vast 3 000m2 vegetable garden behind the house, complete with a few hens. Their technical and generous cuisine celebrates seasonal produce and revisits local recipes (based on perch or catfish, for example), as well as desserts
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.8/5 · 63 reviews
Symbiose in Saint-Bonnet-les-Oules offers modern cuisine praised for refined, original flavors and high-quality ingredients, with several reviewers comparing its kitchen to a starred establishment. The 8-course lunch and wine pairings are highlights, creating a welcoming atmosphere suitable for families. However, service consistency varies; while many find staff kind and attentive, others report slow responsiveness, lack of dynamism, or minor errors. One extreme review cited live worms in dishes, attributed to garden sourcing, raising hygiene concerns. Seating arrangements for large groups and limited wine list options under 80 euros were also noted as drawbacks. Despite these issues, the restaurant maintains a strong 4.8/5 rating on TripAdvisor based on 63 reviews, indicating generally positive experiences tempered by occasional service lapses.
Recommended for diners seeking refined modern cuisine who can tolerate occasional service inconsistencies; confirm seating arrangements in advance.
€€Modern Cuisine
This modern Relais, looking out onto the surrounding meadows, is anchored in local culinary traditions. The chef is passionate about fine ingredients and showcases regional producers (Charlieu andouille, Charolais meat, cheese etc) in contemporary, hearty dishes. Pleasant guestrooms for an overnight stay.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 80 reviews
Relais de l'Abbaye in Charlieu offers modern cuisine with generally positive reception. Guests frequently praise the elegant atmosphere, attentive service, and high-quality food, highlighting fresh ingredients and precise preparation of dishes like stuffed guinea fowl. The refined decor and pleasant terrace dining are noted strengths. However, some reviews criticize value for money, citing limited menu choices, slow pacing, and concerns over portion sizes relative to expectations. While isolated complaints mention cold service or communication issues, most visitors appreciate the establishment's gastronomic level and comfortable accommodations, making it suitable for those seeking a refined dining experience.
Suitable for travelers seeking refined modern French cuisine and an elegant atmosphere.
€€€Modern Cuisine
Deep in the countryside, overlooking the Loire, this restored farmhouse boasts a chic and pared-back rustic style – a natural and stylish setting in which to enjoy Léo Troisgros's contemporary and poetically named dishes (eg "rose marine" or "in the shade of the fig tree"). Should you wish to extend your stay, there are various types of accommodation, including the famous "cadoles" – lodges on stilts!
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 80 reviews
Located in Iguerande, La Colline du Colombier offers modern cuisine in a charming rural setting. Reviews highlight excellent food quality, particularly the welcome soup, duck, and original flavor combinations, alongside friendly service. The atmosphere is described as intimate and warm, suitable for families. However, some guests note small portion sizes, inconsistent meal pacing, and occasional cooking errors like overcooked cod. Service issues include rigid wine pairing suggestions and rare payment problems. While generally well-regarded, discrepancies between expectations and reality have led to mixed experiences, suggesting diners prioritize flexibility over strict formality.
Suitable for travelers seeking refined modern French cuisine who can accommodate small portions and flexible service.
€€€Modern Cuisine
Overlooking the golf course from his sleek, crisp, contemporary premises, Marc Lecroisey is at the helm of one of the city’s most talked about restaurants. The chef orchestrates a flavoursome, vibrant score entirely in tune with the seasons. Snails, lobster, turbot and Charolais beef are consummately executed and flanked by knockout jus. The seamless service is fully the equal of the elegant establishment. Wide choice of menus, splendid cheese platter and a wine list designed to tickle the fancy of a faithful clientele of connoisseurs.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.9/5 · 80 reviews
Located in Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, À la Table des Lys specializes in modern cuisine and holds an average rating of 4.9/5 based on 80 reviews. Guests consistently praise the impeccable service, noting the warm welcome and attentive staff, including a personal visit from the chef. The food quality is highly regarded for its inventive presentations and well-balanced flavors. The ambiance is described as idyllic and romantic, with some tables offering views of the adjacent golf course. While a small number of reviewers mentioned minor issues with meal pacing or value, the overwhelming consensus highlights a relaxing and exceptional dining experience characterized by delicious dishes and a beautiful setting.
Ideal for diners seeking refined modern French cuisine, romantic dates, and attentive service.
€€Modern Cuisine, Traditional Cuisine
In this restaurant with a festive and friendly atmosphere, Jackie and Christelle Flandin and team serve up their skilful and successfully modernised take on traditional cuisine. The lunch menu – presented verbally and served in the cosy and comfortable space – is full of shining examples: whiting and potato cromesquis served with a parsnip medley, or cabbage stuffed with braised cuttlefish, scallops and a braising jus infused with orange and passion fruit. The indulgence continues with the meticulously crafted desserts, such as a hazelnut and chocolate creation, highly nuanced in terms of both
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.6/5 · 80 reviews
Chante Bise in Vertaizon offers modern and traditional cuisine, generally praised for its creativity, fresh seasonal ingredients, and excellent seasoning. Dishes like foie gras terrine and poultry supreme receive high marks, alongside homemade desserts. Service is typically welcoming, and the ambiance includes a pleasant terrace. However, some guests cite value concerns, noting high prices relative to portion sizes or service speed. Occasional complaints involve slow pacing, minor service errors, and inconsistent food quality. While many enjoy a delightful culinary experience, others find the cost unjustified for the portions provided.
Suitable for diners prioritizing creative cuisine and ambiance over strict value-for-money.
€€Traditional Cuisine
Les Caudalies in Vichy has it all: a stylishly elegant dining room strewn with contemporary details, an appealing wine list with over 900 labels selected by Lucie, chef Emmanuel Basset’s wife, and a culinary line-up of tasty and generous dishes that tread a fine line between tradition and modernity. NB: check out the “cadole” dining area, between the wine cellar and the kitchen, which sports a vintner's lodge vibe.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 80 reviews
Located in Vichy, Les Caudalies specializes in traditional French cuisine. Reviews frequently praise the high-quality ingredients, authentic flavors, and elegant presentation, with some noting creative touches. Service is generally described as professional, warm, and attentive, though a minority report issues with coordination or responsiveness. The ambiance features an elegant Napoleon III-style decor with spacious table arrangements, creating a comfortable setting, although some find the interior slightly cold. Opinions on value diverge significantly; while many appreciate the experience, others criticize the fixed menu for offering excessive choices with insufficient portions relative to the cost, leading to mixed feedback on overall worth.
Suitable for travelers seeking a refined traditional French dining experience.
€€Modern Cuisine
Nestled in the spa district, the Fer à Cheval shopping mall surrounds the bandstand and the Source de l'Hôpital, which location lends it an undeniable charm. This is the setting in which chef Marlène Chaussemy has set up shop, creating an attractive contemporary decor for her restaurant. Opt for the dining area overlooking the park. By focusing on freshness and seasonality, this cuisine revolving around top-notch ingredients delivers on its promises: tender rack of pork, flavoursome parsnips, delicious delicately breaded black pudding, chocolate soufflé with ice cream and banana flambéed with
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 68 reviews
L’Écrin de Marlène offers modern French cuisine praised for its precise execution and high-quality flavors. Service is generally impeccable, contributing to an elegant atmosphere. However, some reviewers note that portion sizes are minimal, leaving diners unsatisfied. Pacing issues and proximity to noisy areas or the kitchen have been cited as drawbacks. While overall ratings are strong, opinions on value vary, with a minority expressing disappointment regarding service attitude and menu adherence.
Suitable for diners seeking refined modern French cuisine who are not concerned about large portion sizes.
€€Seafood
In his restaurant near the Parc des Sources, chef Gilles Ruyet prepares seafood dishes in a traditional vein: sole meunière, seared halibut with a beurre blanc sauce, not forgetting the crystallised orange soufflé with Grand Marnier – prepared by his daughter Marianne, who is also to be seen on the restaurant floor. Attractive contemporary decor, plus a view of the kitchen and the lobster tank.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 80 reviews
L'Hippocampe offers seafood-focused dining in Vichy with generally high ratings. Food quality is a standout, featuring perfectly cooked roasted langoustines, sweetbreads, and veal, with fresh ingredients and an engaging open kitchen. Service is mixed; while many praise the warm welcome, some report slow pacing or unattentive staff. The atmosphere benefits from air conditioning, though noise levels concern some guests. Value perception varies: the weekday lunch menu is considered excellent value, while dinner pricing draws criticism. Overall, it suits diners seeking high-quality seafood, provided they manage expectations regarding service consistency.
Ideal for diners prioritizing seafood quality and ambiance, with advance booking recommended.
€€Creative
This restaurant is accommodated in a small building of local stone. With its exposed stone or forest green walls, wooden ceilings and beams, the interior is reminiscent of a forester's lodge. Two brothers, one in the kitchen, the other in the dining room, bring warmth to this establishment, the name of which is a tribute to their grandfather, who was a forest ranger in Spain. The somewhat creative cuisine sees a fusion of local and Iberian influences and nods to Japan – a country the inseparable pair are very drawn to. The Lagarto ibérico (a pork rib-loin strip), cooked on the shichirin barbec
€€€Modern Cuisine
A few minutes from Vichy, in peaceful grounds, this château with towers and a water-filled moat (15C-19C) offers a contemporary and cosy decor, complemented by a beautiful terrace and some comfortable guestrooms. The restaurant has a refined setting and serves tasty seasonal cuisine.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 80 reviews
Located in Bellerive-sur-Allier, Château du Bost specializes in modern cuisine. Most reviews praise the refined, original dishes made from fresh local ingredients, highlighting balanced flavors and textures. Service is generally described as warm, attentive, and professional, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere. However, negative feedback points to inconsistent meal pacing, insufficient portion sizes leaving guests hungry, and rare instances of mishandling allergies. Some diners also find the pricing high relative to the quantity served, questioning the overall value. While the culinary experience is often exceptional, visitors should be aware of potential issues with service consistency and portion adequacy.
Suitable for diners seeking refined modern cuisine, with prior communication of dietary needs recommended.
€€€Creative
Youthful chef Pierre Carducci has set up shop in this handsome early 20C château, restored in a cosy, contemporary vein. He painstakingly orchestrates a menu that is as creative as it is bold, in which organic produce, notably from his father's market garden, takes pride of place. Everything is served in tableware made by the chef’s mother in another detail that is emblematic of the house ethos. Hats off too, to the eclectic wine list, with a preponderance of organic, natural and/or biodynamic tipples. Stay for longer in one of the spacious, gloriously uncluttered guestrooms, named after plant
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.8/5 · 80 reviews
Located in a renovated castle with landscaped grounds in Saint-Paul en Jarez, Éclosion offers a stunning setting with contemporary decor. The cuisine focuses on seasonal ingredients, delivering high-quality, creative dishes that delight most diners, including innovative non-alcoholic pairings. Service is generally professional and welcoming, though some guests noted inconsistent pacing, delays in wine ordering, and occasional absence of the chef. While a minority of reviews criticized flavor combinations, light desserts, and perceived high costs relative to portions, the establishment maintains a strong reputation for its atmosphere and culinary execution, making it a notable destination for those seeking an elegant dining experience.
Ideal for diners seeking an elegant castle setting and refined creative cuisine, with attention to pacing preferences.
€€€Modern Cuisine
The windows of the dining room of this inn tucked away between Saint Etienne and Le Puy en Velay overlook a magnificent landscape of valleys, as you wonder where the family’s immense 5000m² kitchen garden, orchards and hives that supply most of the kitchen produce are located... The chef, who is from the hills of Le Puy and a fan of bold, crisp flavours and premium produce, works with his pastry buff wife, who hails from Marseille. Their gourmet repertory is two-fold: tomato, courgette and mousseline of smoked sardines; duck, cabbage stuffed with walnuts and honey roasted squash; rice cracker,
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.9/5 · 80 reviews
Lou Pinatou in Retournac offers modern cuisine with an impressive 4.9/5 average rating from 80 TripAdvisor reviews. Diners consistently praise the refined food quality, highlighting original flavors, high-quality ingredients, and precise plating. Service is generally described as warm, professional, and well-organized, though a minority noted occasional pacing issues or a less welcoming attitude. The atmosphere is frequently cited as pleasant and beautiful. While most guests found the experience exceptional and worth repeating, a few minor criticisms regarding service demeanor exist. Overall, it delivers a cohesive gastronomic journey focused on taste and presentation.
Suitable for diners seeking refined modern cuisine and attentive service.
€€Creative
This stately stone manor is aptly named. Inside, a certain Scandinavian simplicity reigns – with exposed stone walls, light oak tables and grey upholstered chairs. This is the first venture of a young couple of professionals who honed their skills in starred establishments: Mickaël Marcoux in the kitchen and Marie-Jeanne Rault in the front of house. Playing on the full spectrum of textures, the dishes showcase savvy combinations (green asparagus, buckwheat, smoked pike roe and wild garlic sabayon) and punchy flavours (stuffed morels, fregola risotto, vin jaune emulsion). Slick, polished servic
€€Country cooking
The twin of the Lyon Café Terroir, this restaurant is located in the grounds of Domaine Saint-Cyr, the wine estate in Anse, on the edge of the Beaujolais area. A new take on Lyon specialities, excellent roast meats for sharing and an extensive wine list, on which the estate takes centre stage alongside vintages from Beaujolais and other terroirs, all from independent winegrowers. The place has a rustic and welcoming bistro feel and a terrace looking out onto the surrounding countryside.