France Guide
Poitou-Charentes and the Atlantic coast
Cafés and restaurants
1 Café des Arts 138 cours Victor-Hugo This café-brasserie on the corner of rue Ste-Catherine is one of the city's few old-style cafés, its unique ambience created from faded relics of the 1940s and jazz music often playing in the background. The food is good, too, with a plat du jour for around €12, and the kitchens stay open till 1am.
2 Baud et Millet 19 rue Huguerie 
05.56.79.05.77 The ultimate cheese-and-wine feast consumed around a few tables at the back of a wine shop where you choose your own bottle from the shelves. Portions are generous and the food rich, so one dish goes a long way. You can have a platter of cheese and cold meat with wine for €12.50, while raclette is another option. Opening time: Closed Sun
3 
Le Bistrot d'Édouard 16 place du Parlement 05.56.81.48.87 In a great position on a lovely square, with outdoor seating in summer, this is as good value as you'll find anywhere. There is a three-course menu for €13.50, with lots of choice – their salads are particularly worth trying.
4 Le Bistrot des Négociants 4 place des Quinconces 05.56.52.84.56 Popular, modern brasserie. In fine weather locals vie for the outdoor tables, in a great spot facing the fountains. The modern, eclectic carte includes oysters and steak tartare and dishes cost roughly €16.
5 Chez Dupont 45 rue de Notre-Dame 05.56.81.49.59 Bustling, old-fashioned restaurant in the Chartrons district, with wooden floors, old posters and waiters sporting colourful waistcoats. Prices are very reasonable, with a plat du jour, fresh from the market, on the slate for €8.50.
6 Crêperie du Moulleau 20 rue du Parlament Ste-Catherine 05.56.51.65.79 A lively restaurant whose kitchen is in one corner of the dining room. It also has seats outside on a pleasant pedestrian street. Galettes are €8 or you could go for the lunchtime menu for €9.
7 Le Mably 12 rue Mably 05.56.44.30.10 Informal, friendly and popular restaurant with a warm, homely atmosphere. The food is of excellent quality and very traditional, most dishes featuring either duck or rabbit. Price: Menus from €22 Opening time: Closed Sun, Mon & three weeks in August
8 Café Régent 46 place Gambetta. Certainly the place to be seen in Bordeaux, the interior is all sparkling mirrors and starched white tablecloths. A good place to have a drink and feel the city's pulse, but the food is a perhaps a touch expensive, with the cheapest menu now at €23.