Hôtel Le Gois

Imagine a small cheerful bistro-style dining room whose shelves are laden with fine deli produce, a pretty conservatory and a small terrace. The scene is set to sample tasty food in which tradition is cleverly paired with wayfaring influences: Asian and North-African notes flank the Fujiyama oyster (house specialty), the catch of the day and a seasonal vegetable tajine, or “A night in Essaouira” dessert based on dates, fresh dairy ice cream and honey. Delightful.

Located in a village nestled in the Marais Breton, this restaurant is run by a couple of young industry professionals: Mathieu Blanchet in the kitchen and Pauline Merceron front of house. The seasonal cuisine makes the most of high-quality local produce – think courgette panna cotta, lemon condiment, lamb's lettuce and onion pickles, or skate wing terrine, caper butter, leek maki and black sesame. In an understated, minimalist setting, the open kitchen is laid out behind a long, pale-wood counter. Friendly service with a smile. Lunchtime set menu, à la carte options and a tasting menu in the e

This endearing family-run restaurant is popular with a crowd of locals. The chef, at the helm for over twenty years, painstakingly rustles up French staples, albeit with a tasty new twist and the odd hint of exoticism (curry, sobrassada, nori, mafé, coconut).

Originally from the Lyon area, Véronique and Gilles have been at the helm of this pretty regional building at the foot of the Château de Noirmoutier for some 10 years. The quaintly quirky interior sports red Skai banquettes, bistro furniture, mirrors and old wooden floorboards. The menu stars charcuterie from Lyon and Vendée delicacies in a reasonably priced set menu that changes frequently. The vibe is suitably buzzy and casual and reminiscent of a “bouchon lyonnais” that has been uprooted to the island of Noirmoutier, much to our delight!

Aurore and Sébastien Duchenne share the same passion for top-quality regional produce, often organic, which they transform into delicious recipes that capture the zeitgeist and are inspired by market availability. As you enter, you are greeted by a colourful, modern interior whose blue and white walls are adorned with artwork, providing the perfect foil to elegantly plated ingredients such as lobster, local oysters, John Dory or royal Charmilles pigeon. Booking highly advisable.

Well-travelled young chef Samuel Duchêne aligns his cooking with the seasons. His short menu, which changes every month, showcases first and foremost local Pays de Retz farmers and artisans – fish, free-range eggs, sea salt. Beetroot marinated in cider, confit egg yolk, watercress coulis or fillet of sea bass, carrot, coconut emulsion, turmeric: hard work, audacity and flavour. The house-made bread is very good, too. Limited capacity, so it's best to book in advance.