Le Bistrot Nantais

For a traveller, this is that sweet, small French restaurant that is so hard to find. I don't mean that is hidden: because it is easily seen on a 7 minute drive along the picturesque levy road that tumbles out of Nantes' circling highway system. If you pass it, you will come across a Michelin-rated restaurant further down the road. But don't pass it because you will find an excellent menu of locally-inspired and locally-sourced food at one-third the cost. (We had gone to that rated restaurant and found it was closed that day.) What do I mean by local? Items like freshwater fish and eel. Just looking at the menu, you can tell that the items do not come from the typical restaurant supply chain. The entrees, side dishes, salads and deserts, too, are all creatively prepared with intriguing seasonings and sauces that are genuinely steps above the ordinary. This restaurant of about a dozen well-spaced tables provided a surprising culinary experience.

Dropped in for a light lunch. The portable sign out front advertised a menu du jour but once we sat we were told it was only Mon-Friday. REMOVE THE SIGN. We had a salad plus wine and both were OK ,nothing to write home about. Very nice view of the Loire.

For a traveller, this is that sweet, small French restaurant that is so hard to find. I don't mean that is hidden: because it is easily seen on a 7 minute drive along the picturesque levy road that tumbles out of Nantes' circling highway system. If you pass it, you will come across a Michelin-rated restaurant further down the road. But don't pass it because you will find an excellent menu of locally-inspired and locally-sourced food at one-third the cost. (We had gone to that rated restaurant and found it was closed that day. What do I mean by local? Items like freshwater fish and eel. Just looking at the menu, you can tell that the items do not come from the typical restaurant supply chain. The entrees, side dishes, salads and deserts, too, are all creatively prepared with intriguing seasonings and sauces that are genuinely steps above the ordinary. This restaurant of about a dozen well-spaced tables provided a surprising culinary experience.