Updated July 2023
Bordeaux is home to a diverse and renowned culinary scene that is 100% worth exploring.
With several incredible restaurants in the city, the list to choose from is endless.
During my recent stay in Bordeaux with my family, I had the pleasure of checking out some local spots that blew me away. We spent over six weeks living in the city, making for an incredible adventure.
From Michelin-starred restaurants with a fine dining appeal to charming brasseries and cafes, Bordeaux is a foodie haven. In my opinion, many Bordeaux restaurants actually rival some of the best spots in Paris.
I’ve always said that Bordeaux is like a mini version of Paris. And when you’re visiting, be sure to check out these 5 incredible day trips from Bordeaux and my favorite things to do after spending six weeks in the city.
That said, I’ve put together this guide to some of the best Bordeaux restaurants for every kind of traveler.
For those looking for specific coffee recommendations, since the city is full of great options, you’ll want to read this list of the best coffee shops in Bordeaux.
Planning a Trip to Bordeaux? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in Bordeaux:
- Mama Shelter, for the coolest hotel
- Hôtel de Sèze & Spa, for the best luxury hotel
- Hôtel La Zoologie, for the best new hotel
- Yndo Hôtel, for the best boutique luxury hotel
For a more in-depth of where to stay in Bordeaux, read my full list of the best hotels in Bordeaux, France.
20 Best Restaurants in Bordeaux
*Please note: I have been to most of these restaurants. I’m including a few extras in case you cannot get a reservation or ones that I personally couldn’t get either and had on my list.
1. Le Cent 33
Le Cent 33 is a gourmet dining concept by Chef Fabien Beaufour. The interior is modern and sleek, yet still relaxed and inviting.
It was awarded a Michelin star in 2016 and makes for a wonderful date night spot or special occasion. It’s considered gastronomic cuisine in France, and the elevated experience for me is one of the best in the city.
Address: 133 Rue du Jardin public, 33000 Bordeaux, France
2. La Brasserie Bordelaise
La Brasserie Bordelaise is a true Bordeaux institution when it comes to gourmet cuisine and renowned vino. The menu is pretty carnivore-centric, focusing on high-quality cuts of beef and pork.
Address: 50 Rue Saint-Rémi, 33000 Bordeaux, France
3. Chez Dupont
We had the pleasure of eating at Chez Dupont several times in the Chartrons area of Bordeaux. The wine list was impressive and we had a wonderful foie gras dish that was definitely the highlight of the menu.
Address: 45 Rue Notre Dame, 33000 Bordeaux, France
4. Petit Mignon
Petit Mignon should be at the top of your Bordeaux restaurants list if you’re looking for something cozy, quaint, and very local. The creamy sauce-covered burger is famous, as is the steak tartare appetizer.
Address: 33 Rue Saint-Rémi, 33000 Bordeaux, France
5. La Grand’Vigne
La Grand’Vigne is located in Les Sources de Caudalie, which is the hotel that we stayed in.
When it comes to upscale Bordeaux restaurants, this one takes the cake. La Grand’Vigne has two Michelin stars and everything from the wine to the service to the food will blow you away.
I highly recommend making a reservation far in advance here as the restaurant does book out.
For those looking to explore this area, a day trip to Saint-Émilion is a must.
Address: Smith Haut-Lafitte, 33650 Martillac, France
6. Le Bouchon Bordelais
Le Bouchon Bordelais is a beautiful Bordeaux staple that focuses on meat-centric dishes that are paired with seasonal produce from the local farmer’s markets. Everything from the plating to the service is top-notch.
Though it has been around since 2008, Le Bouchon Bordelais is constantly innovating and adding to both the food menu and the wine list. The stone walls and red accents create a very transportive and immersive atmosphere.
Address: 2 Rue Courbin, 33000 Bordeaux, France
7. Papa Lello
During our time in Bordeaux, we enjoyed some delicious pizza from Papa Lello. It is located in a converted garage and has a unique and industrial atmosphere.
This was one of our favorite meals in the city, and if you’re looking for to-go food, this is a great option. We often ordered ahead and picked it up to take back to the apartment.
Address: 35 Quai des Chartrons, 33000 Bordeaux, France
8. Le 7 Restaurant
Le 7 Restaurant is located on the 7th floor of a unique and modern building just above the Garonne River. Diners are able to enjoy stunning views of the city and river while enjoying luxe culinary delights and incredible wines.
Le 7 is definitely more upscale and pricey, but the setting and overall experience make it well worth visiting. If you can, request a table by the window while making a reservation to ensure the best view.
Address: 134 Quai de Bacalan, 33300 Bordeaux, France
9. Symbiose
Symbiose is a one-of-a-kind bar and restaurant that even has an on-site garden from which they source some of their own produce. We ate lunch here and loved it.
The pre-fixe menu was the perfect amount of food and truly took us on a culinary adventure that I would gladly embark on again.
Address: 4 Quai des Chartrons, 33000 Bordeaux, France
10. Restaurant Influences
Coming from the same masterminds behind La Folie in San Francisco, Restaurant Influences uses a surprise menu to wow guests on every visit.
The menu features American fare mixed with French and Italian influences, and freshness is at the forefront of each dish.
Address: 36 Rue Saint-Sernin, 33000 Bordeaux, France
11. Chai Les Copains
Those looking for simple French classics like steak frites will love dining at Chai Les Copains. If the weather is nice, snag a bistro table on the sidewalk for ample people-watching.
Address: 1 Quai de Bacalan, 33300 Bordeaux, France
12. L’Entrecôte
L’Entrecôte is a famous Bordeaux restaurant that is best known for its steak. The steak frites dish features crisp French fries and premium steak smothered in a savory sauce that you’ll want to put on everything.
Address: 4 Cr du 30 Juillet, 33000 Bordeaux, France
13. Lume
With only 14 seats in the entire restaurant, Lume offers a refined dining experience, unlike most others.
The tasting menus center around Venetian classics but add a modern twist to everything from pasta bread that is made with ancient wheat flour.
Address: 3 Rue des Faussets, 33000 Bordeaux, France
14. CASA GAÏA
One of my favorite things about eating at CASA GAÏA was the fact that they had a high chair for Sophie (which can be hard to come by in France). We had a wonderful lunch here and thought the light and airy ambiance was wonderful.
Address: 16 bis Rue Latour, 33000 Bordeaux, France
15. Les doux secrets d’Hélène
Les doux secrets d’Hélène is a charming and intimate wine bar that also serves a solid brunch on the weekends.
If you’re just coming for wine and small bites, definitely order a cheeseboard to pair.
Address: 41 Rue Neuve, 33000 Bordeaux, France
16. Chez Jean-Mi
Chez Jean-Mi is a must-try for seafood lovers. It’s located in the Marché des Capucins which is Bordeaux’s most popular market.
I highly recommend ordering a seafood platter along with a bottle of wine for the full experience. It gets really busy on the weekends, so definitely expect a bit of a wait.
Address: Marché des Capucins, Pl. des Capucins, 33800 Bordeaux, France
17. Le Chicoula Bistrot d’art
Le Chicoula Bistrot d’art serves seasonal fare in a bright and airy dining room. The dishes are presented with art and aesthetics in mind, so expect to take some Instagram-worthy food pics.
Address: 22 Rue de Cursol, 33000 Bordeaux, France
18. Le Prince Noir
Technically located in Lormont, Le Prince Noir is a Michelin-starred restaurant that combines a passion for high-quality and show-stopping cuisine with sustainability.
Address: 1 Rue du Prince Noir, 33310 Lormont, France
19. El Nacional
If you catch a craving for Argentinian food while in Bordeaux, El Nacional is the place to be.
The chargrilled steaks are cooked to perfection every time, and the industrial setting sets the vibe for a cozy and intimate dinner in the heart of Bordeaux.
Address: 23 Rue Rode, 33000 Bordeaux, France
20. Tante Charlotte
Tante Charlotte is known for its impeccable service, chic setting, and classic French cuisine.
Some of the most popular dishes include the delicate éclairs and soufflés, and the champagne cocktails make for a refreshing and light libation.
Address: 7 Rue des Bahutiers, 33000 Bordeaux, France
Planning your trip to Bordeaux?
Check out the 30 coolest things to do in Bordeaux
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Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
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Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
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Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.
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I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
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- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
