Great restaurants in Les Sables-d’Olonne, as you might expect of a coastal town, mostly revolve around the fruits of the sea. The southern edge of the port, where it borders the Old Town, is practically lined with first-class seafood restaurants. There are plenty more just over the waterway and along Quai George V.
Most of the options around the port are priced towards the upper end of the scale. For more budget-friendly eats, you’ll want to head toward the beach. Just over the road from the shore, you’ll find spots offering a wide selection of international cuisines. There are also plenty of ice cream parlours and crêperies in Les Sables-d’Olonne, if you need a sweet snack during your beach day.
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Cabestan
Michelin-starred meals by the docks
- Gastronomie
- Luxe
Cabestan is a cosy, modern restaurant right by the Les Sables-d’Olonne’s port. It takes full advantage of this location, using fresh seafood from a nearby market to cook up some outstanding takes on traditional French dishes.
Naturally, being a Michelin-starred restaurant with an exceptional reputation, prices are a little higher than the average. However, with great service, a first-class location, one of the most attractive dining rooms in town and the aforementioned food, it ends up being excellent value.
Emplacement : 17 Quai René Guiné, 85100 Les Sables-d'Olonne, France
Ouverture : Tuesday–Sunday from noon to 1.15 pm, Wednesday–Saturday from 7 pm to 9.15 pm
Téléphone : +33 (0)2 51 95 07 50
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L'Estran
Outstanding French seafood with exotic touches
- Gastronomie
L'Estran is noted for its excellent seafood, though its highlights include a fantastic tiramisu and first-rate coffee, too. This remarkable menu is served with great service in a very elegant dining room, all right by the bustle of Les Sable-d’Olonne’s docks.
Standout dishes to look out for include the salmon tataki and veal steak. The wine list is especially well thought out, and the wait staff can recommend labels that pair well with your dishes. Despite the excellent quality, prices are impressively reasonable, giving great value for money.
Emplacement : 8 Quai Emmanuel Garnier, 85100 Les Sables-d'Olonne, France
Ouverture : Thursday–Monday from noon to 1.30 pm and from 7.15 pm to 9.30 pm (closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
Téléphone : +33 (0)2 51 95 44 67
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Le Poisson Rouge
Casual dining on the waterfront
- Familles
- Gastronomie
Le Poisson Rouge is a colourful, casual seafood eatery along the waterfront of Les Sables-d’Olonne’s harbour. A notable highlight is its terrace – a lovely spot to enjoy the sun with a bowl of local mussels or a seafood platter with friends or family.
The menu features a great choice of European dishes. Alongside an excellent seabass and mussels, you’ll find pizza, steak, and a lovely homemade creme brûlée, among many others. Le Poisson Rouge's staff are friendly and efficient, making you feel right at home.
Emplacement : 20 Quai René Guiné, 85100 Les Sables-d'Olonne, France
Ouverture : Thursday–Friday and Sunday–Monday from noon to 2 pm and from 7 pm to 10.15 pm, Saturday from noon to 2 pm and from 7 pm to 10.30 pm
Téléphone : +33 (0)2 51 21 43 61
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Tartines & Co
Fantastic French brunch with a view of the Atlantic
- Familles
- Gastronomie
Tartines & Co is an excellent casual diner just metres away from the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a fantastic spot for a relaxed meal while you take a break from the beach, with homemade soups, delectable desserts and, as the name suggests, excellent open-faced sandwiches.
The excellent-value dishes are made with fresh, seasonal ingredients and taste sublime. These are served with a smile by friendly waitstaff, who will also provide unbreakable cups for children.
Emplacement : 44 Prom. Georges Clemenceau, 85100 Les Sables-d'Olonne, France
Ouverture : Friday–Tuesday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays)
Téléphone : +33 (0)2 51 95 08 63
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Les Régates
Great crepes by the beach
- Gastronomie
Les Régates is a gastropub overlooking the Promenade du Remblai and the beach. While its menu is extensive and varied, the crepes stand out as a highlight. These paper-thin pancakes even help cement the restaurant's status as one of the most popular places to eat in Les Sables-d’Olonne.
Les Régates is known for offering value-for-money meals. The surf and turf salad, for example, is certainly inexpensive, but comes piled high with duck, magret, foie gras, smoked salmon, fresh prawns and, of course, salad.
Emplacement : 11 Prom. de l'Amiral Lafargue, 85100 Les Sables-d'Olonne, France
Ouverture : Wednesday–Monday from 9 am to 11 pm (closed on Tuesdays)
Téléphone : +33 (0)2 51 32 56 96
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