There’s no shortage of things to do in Bordeaux, but Bordeaux culture is predominantly about good food and good wine. From French to Italian and beyond, this list features the local haunts (even if they do get a lot of recognition) where you are guaranteed to find good food, good wine and a good time. If you’re a big foodie, you’ll love our lineup of the 10 best local restaurants in Bordeaux.
1. Le Chien de Pavlov
Le Chien de Pavlov is a creative bistrot in the historical district of Bordeaux, offering fresh and homemade food. Opened on January 15, 2014, the bistrot is the fruit of Mary and Maxine’s common passions for ping pong and cheesecake. They also offer cooking classes and will help you rediscover the basics of French cuisine. – 45 Rue de la Devise, 33000 Bordeaux, +33 (0) 5 56 48 26 71
2. Le Carreau
Photo Credit: Le Carreau
Le Carreau is the opposite of a formal brasserie and it’s what makes it one of the best restaurants in Bordeaux. It is an open kitchen, a convivial place where you can enjoy a delicious meal. It is an open kitchen, a convivial place, where you can enjoy delicious meals cooked by a passionate chef. The cuisine is based around the roots of the south-west, according to the market and the seasons. – 30 Rue du Pas-Saint-Georges, 33000 Bordeaux, +33 5 57 85 90 13.
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3. The Grill au Thym
Photo credit: @les_caprices_de_paulette (Pauline)
The Grill au Thym is located in the Saint-Pierre district, in the heart of Bordeaux. The front of this charming little restaurant will awaken your nostalgic gourmet instinct of an era that seems to be gone. Enjoy homemade foie gras, leg of lamb, steak or grilled fish by the fireplace in a soft and cosy décor. – 4 Rue des Faussets, 33000 Bordeaux, +33 5 56 51 05 04.
4. Booca a Bocca
Booca a Bocca is a rustic Italian gem in the heart of the Chartons region, perched along the Rue Notre Dame, a street famous for its antique shops. Serving up classic Italian dishes made from the freshest ingredients this restaurant has a constantly changing menu and a wine list with great Italian classics. It is also accompanied by an Italian deli and épicerie, where you can find all the Italian favourites to stock your pantry. Reservations are recommended, as this local favourite can get quite busy – 75 Rue Notre Dame, Bordeaux 33000, +33 (0)5 57 83 69 66.
5. Peppone
Peppone, a local favourite, is a perpetually-busy pizzeria located just next to Gambetta in the heart of Bordeaux downtown area. Walking in past the bar you see fresh rounds of Parmesan and dried legs of prosciutto. One of the things that make it one of the best restaurants in Bordeaux is its menu of delicious pizzas and handmade pastas (the pizza-oven baked lasagna is a personal favourite), and this restaurant’s highly notable wine cellar. Rather than order from a printed wine list, you are invited to wander multi-level underground cellar, filled with classic Italian favourites, and make your own selection. Open for lunch and dinner, be prepared for a bit of a wait as the busy restaurant doesn’t take reservations – 31 Georges Clemenceau, Bordeaux 33000, +33 (0)5 56 44 91 05.
6. Cantina Comptoir Corse
Photo Credit: A Cantina Faceboook
Cantina Comptoir Corse in the heart of Saint-Pierre, brings you a piece of Corsica directly to your plate in the centre of Bordeaux. You can either sit on the ground floor where you can share some tasty tapas based on island products: Mediterranean fish, Nuscan delicatessen, Corsican cheeses or Canistrellis and Nucciola or on the first floor, in a cosy and intimate atmosphere, in the restaurant. Discover a wide selection of Corsican wines in red, white, rosé and muscat, Corsican beers brewed with chestnuts or herbs from the maquis and our Corsican liqueurs and digestives. – 14 Rue des Bahutiers, 33000 Bordeaux, +33 7 87 04 28 97.
7. Le Confidentiel
Want to eat at one of the best restaurants in Bordeaux? Try this place! Located behind a traditional facade of the docks lies Le Confidentiel, an establishment of exceptional proportions. If you are looking for a culinary escapade, Le Confidential is a place not to be missed. The menu offers a wide range of dishes with many specialties of traditional French cuisine. – 80 Quai des Chartrons, 33300 Bordeaux, +33 5 57 87 67 72.
8. La Point Rouge
Photo Credit: La Point Rouge Facebook
La Point Rouge is located on the quay of Paludate, in a wing of the Castle Descas. The place opened in December and features a bar area (cocktails and wine) and restaurant area. The atmosphere is chic without being stilted and the warm decor with touches of red make it a great place to spend an excellent evening with friends. Some nights you can attend jazz concerts, tasting workshops and cocktail classes. – 1 Quai de Paludate, 33800 Bordeaux, +33 5 56 94 94 40.
9. La Brasserie Bordelaise
Photo Credit: La Brasserie Bordelaise
La Brasserie Bordelaise is located in the heart of the historical centre of Bordeaux. Here you will find everything that is expected of a brasserie worthy of the name, from the atmosphere to the plate and the decor. Beautiful ribs of beef Bazas, generous black pigs and thick homemade fries and a sensational map of wines and Armagnacs await you there. – 50 Rue Saint-Rémi, 33000 Bordeaux, +33 5 57 87 11 91
10. At Capperi-Pizzaioli Italiani
Don’t look too far to find one of the best local restaurants in Bordeaux. At Capperi-Pizzaioli Italiani, tradition becomes innovation. Italian know-how and the quality of the products are combined to rediscover a pizza made from a biological and semi-complete French flour, extra virgin olive oil produced by ourselves in Sicily, for four generations (Moresca olive trees) and fresh and seasonal vegetables. Choose from 14 different pizzas, half vegetarian, an organic tiramisu and a large selection of Italian wines certified Slow Wine. – 3 Rue de la Cour des Aides, 33000 Bordeaux, +33 5 56 90 93 05.
More top restaurants in Bordeaux
1.Another Chartrons favourite, the Basque restaurant Le Grat serves up classic dishes with both French and Spanish flair. Rich lamb, juicy duck and succulent fish: the menu here is full of hearty dishes that are a perfect end to a long day of wine tasting. In addition, the daily lunch offer highlights the chef’s creativity. Another small and cozy, family-run restaurant, reservations are recommended, particularly on weekends – Le Grat, 12 Rue Sicard, Bordeaux 33000, +33 (0)5 56 51 11 29.
2. Located in the center of the city on the busy Parliament Square, Bar de Boucher is a local favourite. At its heart a steakhouse, Bar de Boucher, which translates to the “Butcher Bar,” is renowned for the quality of its meat, options include different types of beef, bull, duck and horse (yes horse). But the true pleasure of this restaurant is the actual butcher bar. When you are ready to order, you walk to the bar and choose your meat, the cut, how much you want to eat and how you want your meat cooked. In addition, the restaurant provides a stunning wine list and excellent seasonal accompaniments (Garlic Green Beans, Yum!). The rustic wood communal tables are set with large format wine bottles turned candelabras and decanters shaped like oversized wineglasses giving it a casual and fun vibe. Reservations are recommended, as this local favourite can get quite busy – Bar de Boucher, 5 Rue Parliament Sainte-Catherine, Bordeaux 33000, +33 (0)5 56 81 37 37.
3. A perpetual entry on the Best of Bordeaux lists, Le Petit Commerce is not just a tourist location but also a local favourite and has earned its spot on these lists. A small location in the heart of the Bordeaux center walking only streets, Le Petit Commerce is all about extremely fresh fish. A constantly changing menu, based on the day’s catch, also includes the justifiably famous Arcachon Basin oysters. A busy spot, this restaurant takes reservations, but be prepared for a long-leisurely meal – Le Petit Commerce, 22 Rue du Parliament Saint Pierre, Bordeaux 33000, +33 (0)5 56 79 76 58.
4. Another perpetual Best of Bordeaux list entry, La Tupina is well-deserving of its accolades. A beautiful restaurant in the heart of the historic city, La Tupina has become the reference for Southwestern French cuisine. With locally sourced ingredients the simple food is all about quality and preparation. The open fire and country French decor give the restaurant a unique old-fashioned charm. Reservations are a must, but again be prepared for a long, leisurely meal – La Tupina, 6 Rue Porte de la Monnaie, Bordeaux 33000, +33 (0)5 56 91 56 37.
5. A quaint local location in the center, Belle Campagne has become another reference for Southwestern French cuisine. Featuring only locally sourced, seasonal ingredients that arrive directly from the producers, the menu is creative and consistently on the mark. Laidback and welcoming there is a great selection of wines available by the glass. Sunday brunch is another great highlight. Reservations recommended – Belle Campagne, 15 Rue des Bahutiers, Bordeaux 33000, +33 (0)5 56 81 16 51.
7. The local’s tapas bar, El Sitio is located in the heart of the historic city and is the haunt of the city’s Spanish population. This restaurant has a true Spanish feel complete with hanging ham legs. Offering traditional tapas as well as items with a more modern and exotic feel, the menu also offers sandwiches and deli plates. The adventurous wine list offers a welcome change and brunch on Sundays is always a favourite – El Sitio, 29 and 35 Rue St. James, Bordeaux 33000, +33 (0)9 81 27 59 30.
8. While Bordeaux is justifiably known as a centre for fine wine and great cuisine, sometimes you just need something fast. Known primarily as a late-night Kebab stand, Cappadoce is a citywide favourite and is known as the best Kebab in the city. But the true secret of Cappadoce is the tiny restaurant dining room in the back, open for lunch and dinner. Offering traditional Turkish favourites (Eggplant, Humus, Cumber Salads, Grilled meats, etc) as well as Turkish beer and the famous kebab, the back room is a tiny slice of Turkish hospitality in Bordeaux – Cappadoce, 5 Rue des Bahutiers, Bordeaux 33000, +33 (0)5 56 44 61 64.
Want to do some food and wine tours while you’re in Bordeaux? Check out our selection here. And for our full Bordeaux travel guide with more articles about the wines and the places to go, click here. Cheers!