Food & drink

Eat like a local in Nantes

With a spectacular location on the banks of the River Loire, no more than a half-hour drive from the Atlantic Ocean, the French city of Nantes is perfectly placed to offer the bounty of land and sea. Explore Nantes from Radisson Blu Hotel, Nantes near its best attractions.

With an abundance of fresh seafood landed on the city's docks each day, and a vast array of vegetables, fruits, meats, cheese and more arriving from the rich farmland of the Pays de Loire, there is no shortage of wonderful produce to inspire the culinary imagination.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Nantes' cuisine is focused on showcasing the delicate, pure flavours of its exceptional ingredients. Light, elegant and delicious in its simplicity, this is cooking that doesn't have to try hard to be unforgettable.

Indeed, one of the greatest pleasures of visiting Nantes is dining like a local – read on to find out which dishes and products to sample, and where to eat and drink to make the most of the region's exquisite offerings.

11 Mar 2024 4 min to read

A cuisine of the land and sea

As one of France's foremost ports for centuries, Nantes has a long association with the sea. Fresh seafood – from cod, sardines, mackerel, seabass and eels, to mussels, oysters, scallops and crab – is readily available, and complemented by a colourful range of locally-grown produce – including strawberries, tomatoes, leeks, asparagus, shallots and the popular local green called mâche, often the basis for delightfully crisp salads.

You'll also find locally-reared chicken, beef and pork, and a mouth-watering range of distinctive cheeses, including the creamy, aromatic Curé Nantais and the milder Saint-Paulin. The area is known for its natural sea salt and rich, salted butter, both of which are used liberally to season cooking, and many dishes get an exotic kick from imported rum and spices – a legacy of Nantes' long trading history.

Blog images - 2024 - Eat like a local in Nantes cusine

Nantes specialities

These specialties are local favourites in Nantes, and are a great way to get a taste of the region during your stay:

Fish in a beurre blanc sauce

Fish in Nantes is often served up with the region's most characteristic accompaniment, the beurre blanc sauce, also known as beurre Nantais. This light, creamy and slightly tangy sauce generally consists of unsalted butter, wine vinegar (or sometimes lemon) and white wine (usually local Muscadet), flavoured with shallots and black pepper. The sauce is said to have been invented accidentally by Chef Clémence Lefeuvre in the early 20th century, when she forgot to add eggs to a béarnaise sauce she was preparing.

Blog images - 2024 - Eat like a local in Nantes beurre blanc

Muscadet

One of Nantes' most well-known products is Muscadet, a dry, crisp white wine made from Melon de Bourgogne grapes. It is the most common wine produced in the Loire region, and its fresh, light-bodied flavour pairs perfectly with the local seafood – particularly oysters. Savour a glass or two with your meal, or simply enjoy on a quiet afternoon while relaxing with a view of the river.

Blog images - 2024 - Eat like a local in Nantes muscadet vineyards

Gâteau nantais

A mouth-watering sweet treat that harkens back to Nantes' golden days of trade in the 18th century, the gâteau nantais is a delicious cake made with butter and sugar and flavoured with almonds and rum. Rich, moist, and yet somehow light and never overwhelming, it's an indulgent way to round off a meal in Nantes

Blog images - 2024 - Eat like a local in Nantes nantais cake

Blog images - 2024 - Eat like a local in Nantes Gateau nantais

Where to try authentic cuisine nantaise

Luckily, you don't have to go far to savour typical dishes in Nantes. For instance, the elegant L'Assise restaurant in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Nantes, features a number of delicious local ingredients on its menu – think marinated scallops with clementine and almond flavour, or codfish served with shrimp broth, colourful carrots and vegetables. Or, try one of the following restaurants known for their cuisine nantaise:

Les Chants d'Avril: Enjoy homestyle cooking in a relaxed environment with this bistro's signature "mystery menu" of seasonal delights.
Maison Baron-Lefèvre: Set in a former warehouse and run by an award-winning chef, this restaurant only uses local ingredients, including some it grows itself.
La Civelle: Try a selection of fresh local fish and shellfish at this peaceful riverside restaurant, which also hosts jazz evenings and other special events.
La Cigale: With a stunning Art Nouveau interior and delicious menu of French favourites, this café-brasserie has been serving locals, visitors and celebrities since 1895.
L'Atlantide: Savour Michelin-starred fine dining in this bright and airy restaurant with fabulous views of the Loire.

You can purchase a Pass Nantes which, along with free entry to local attractions, also gives you access to Nantes' public transport – perfect for exploring the city and checking out its many cafés, bars and restaurants.