Alliance Pornic Hôtel Thalasso & Spa

On the south bank of the Loire estuary, this imposing contemporary building overlooks the small port of Gravette. Talented chef Mathieu Guibert, a local lad from the Retz region and a farmer’s son, has forged solid ties, founded on respect, with producers from the region who are as passionate about what they do as he is. It is no surprise that seafood plays a star role here. Depending on the catch of the day, the menu might feature lightly cooked prawns, pommes soufflées (‘puffed potatoes’) and an infusion of green cardamon; risotto of haddock, langoustine carpaccio and parmesan emulsion; stuf

Facing the Grande Plage de Tharon, this bright seaside bistro is an offshoot of chef Mathieu Guibert's restaurant, Anne de Bretagne. You can get a taste of the sea, both in the dishes (some of which, such as the seafood platters, are for sharing) and in the surrounding scenery. Vegetarian and meat options are also served. The impeccable quality of the dishes benefits from the chef's network of suppliers. From the fried prawn amuse-bouche to the new take on vitello tonnato, and not forgetting the smoked trout, everything is on point. The service, provided by a young, smiling team, is the epitom

This restaurant enjoys a truly enviable location overlooking Plage de la Birochère, whose sandy cove surrounded by rocks is visible from the restaurant. Chef Sylvain Belouin and his wife Valérie, an oenologist and sommelier, are the brilliant duo behind this 21C Pornic institution. The chef cooks up modern cuisine with an emphasis on precise cuissons and the quality of the terroir – the perfectly crispy sole meunière is testament to this. His authentic approach places the emphasis on flavour. The extensive wine list homes in on biodynamic wines, and friendly, down-to-earth service contributes

La Marine has had a facelift. In the elegant new setting, opt for the extensive tasting menu, which is constantly updated depending on the season's produce. It showcases the finest ingredients with a noble touch and a simplicity only attained by the world's top chefs – who know what and where to strip back and pare down to release the flavours and tantalise the diner's imagination. The quality of the fish, seafood and vegetables is exceptional. Alexandre Couillon's other talents include cooking over a fire, harvesting coastal plants, preparing fruit coulis, vegetable pickles, stock reductions

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.

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.

In this charming little town on the Atlantic coast, this restaurant with pared-back interior decor has a light and bright atmosphere. A native of the area, chef Maxime Roullier (who previously worked for Éric Guérin at La Mare aux Oiseaux and Le V in Paris) refurbished his parents' brasserie, where he now serves creative market cuisine: pea tartlet and burrata espuma; 48hr pork belly confit glazed with raspberry vinegar, honey and soy sauce. The service – under the guidance of Johanna, the chef's wife – is diligent and nicely paced.