France Guide
The Loire
Restaurants
1 
Les Antiquaires 2 & 4 rue au Lin 
02.38.53.52.35 Run by a renowned chef, Philippe Bardau, this is Orléans' best restaurant and is well worth a visit. Lobster consommé, wild turbot with girolle mushrooms and pike perch steak are some of its delights. Menus begin at €46, but there's an excellent €38 menu (not available Sat evening or Sun) which includes selected wines. Opening time: Closed Sun evening & Mon
2 Le Brin de Zinc 62 rue Ste-Catherine. Bustling bistro just off place du Martroi in hotel of the same name. The outside tables are packed with a noisy crowd tucking into huge seafood platters (€14–28) and plats du jour (€7.40).
3 Le Dariole 25 rue Étienne Dolet 02.38.77.26.67 Tearoom-cum-restaurant in a picture-postcard half-timbered building that serves good quality food at inexpensive prices (mains from around €10).
4 Les Fagots 32 rue du Poirier 02.38.62.22.79 Wonderfully convivial place that looks as if it has been crammed into someone's grandmother's kitchen. Traditional main courses and grilled meats feature on the €11 and €15 menus. Opening time: Closed Sun & Mon
5 La Petite Folie 223 rue de Bourgogne 02.38.53.39.87 Youthful, designer bar-restaurant serving fresh, light and exciting food – you might have asparagus flan, chicken with sauce Canadienne, then strawberry soup with wine – all for around €20 for the set menu. Opening time: Closed Sun; closed at lunchtime Oct– April
6 La Petite Marmite 178 rue de Bourgogne 02.38.54.23.83. The most highly regarded restaurant on this busy street combines a stylish but homely feel with excellent regional cuisine. The excellent €22 menu du terroir features local products such as rabbit and guinea fowl from the Sologne. Opening time: Closed Tues & Wed