Bordeaux France: Best Restaurants, Where to Eat, and Must-Try Foods

It is no doubt that food adventures play an incredible part in the overall experience while traveling. And this is particularly true in France! During this one-and-a-half day trip to Bordeaux [full itinerary here], I was lucky enough to stumble upon a few incredibly delicious and affordable restaurants that I absolutely recommend for Bordeaux!

The food research journey actually began before we arrived in Bordeaux. I had a list of about 8 restaurants that I wanted to pick from to try from my research before the trip, but unfortunately none of those were open during Sundays or Mondays! (apparently that’s quite common? I suppose a lot of restaurants take their break during those 2 days??).

Luckily, Bordeaux does not run short of great restaurants so here was my overall experience and what I recommend!

For a more detailed account of my experience in Bordeaux, check out my youtube channel!

Chez Thérèse

A traditional French restaurant, Chez Thérèse is my absolute favorite! The food was just so so so good! One of my most memorable meals during this particular trip and perhaps ever in a restaurant in France. Definitely will be going back next time I’m in town!

Location: 28 Place Meynard

Next to the famous Basilique Saint Michel and its Tour de Pey-Berland

Ambiance: Both indoor and outdoor seating is available. Excellent outdoor seating overlooking the Plaza and church. Great for people watching. The interior is also very cutely decorated in a French country cottage vibe. We sat outside and enjoyed a long leisurely lunch overlooking the plaza, its market of the day, and people walking and biking by.

*Coffee with a View at Chez Thérèse, Bordeaux, France*

Food: I adored all 3 dishes we ordered! They were all so good and made with fresh ingredients! I seriously have 0 complaints about the restaurant.

Pâté de Thérèse

Very well made staple! And I love the creativity of serving it with pickled chili on the side that added an extra kick!

Coquillettes Sauce Truffée Chips de Jambon Sec

(Mini Macaroni Pasta with Truffle Cream Sauce and Crispy Ham)

So smooth and rich! The unique flavor of the truffle mixed with the crunchy and saltiness of the ham is a perfect pairing! It’s one of the most popular dishes in the restaurant.

*Coquillettes Sauce Truffée Chips de Jambon Sec, Chez Thérèse, Bordeaux, France*

Razor Clams in Pesto White Wine Sauce

My favorite dish! My god, these razor clams were so fresh and tender. The olive oil with the fresh pesto brought out the sweetness of the clams even more. They were also very generous with the amount of clams in our serving! Loved this dish so much but I think it’s seasonal on the menu.

I cannot recommend this restaurant enough! Go check it out if you are in Bordeaux!!! And enjoy the magnificence of the towering Basilique Saint-Michel afterwards!

*Razor Clams in Pesto Sauce at Chez Thérèse, Bordeaux, France. My absolute favorite dish!*

Le Michel’s

A traditional French bistro, we came here to grab a snack and some wine. Another one of my favorites discovered during this trip to Bordeaux!

Location: 15 Rue du Pas-Saint-Georges

At the corner of a bustling part of the old town and 3 minutes walking distance to Place de la Bourse, this cute restaurant was packed with people enjoying a glass of wine (such as ourselves), and ladies taking a coffee break to read a book :)

Ambiance: Both indoor and outdoor seating available. This place embodies the epitome of a typical French bistro! It felt much more local and gave me the impression of a neighborhood spot.

Food & Wine

Excellent selection of wine - goes without saying.

Because we came during the late afternoon hours prior to dinner time (*Tip: by the way most of the good restaurants do not open during 4pm-6pm. This was one of the rare ones that served a decent amount of food! Albeit more like appetizers and not full size entrees but they were really good appetizers!)

Melon with Jambon

So fresh and of course, one of the classics!

Terrine with Cornichons

Another classic! Thoroughly enjoyed this flavorful terrine with our bucket of baguettes!

Restaurant I DO NOT Recommend

La Terrasse de Saint Pierre

Excellent location as it is right next to Place de Saint Pierre. The restaurant has a beautiful outdoor space under the trees next to the St. Pierre Plaza. However, the food was very mediocre! It was edible but definitely not good.

We had a fish of the day in cream sauce and the Magret de Canard. Both were so bland and unexciting that I definitely do not recommend wasting a meal here when you have so many other wonderful choices in Bordeaux!

Last but Not Least: Try a Canelé!

There are two main chains in Bordeaux that make these cute little dessert pastries, which according to legends, originated in Bordeaux sometime between the 15th -18th century. These rum filled vanilla flavored crusted mini dense cakes are very famous, as they should be, in their city of origin.

Canelé Baillardran

The more high-end chain across Bordeaux, this Canelé pastry shop is literally everywhere! Boxes of Canelés range anywhere between 25 euros to 200 euros

Canelé de Bordeaux La Toque Cuivrée

The more affordable Canelé chain of the two, this shop sells by individuals of various sizes and boxes. Prices range from 0.40 euros to 3 euros per Canelé.

*La Toque Cuivrée, Traditional Canelés Chain in Bordeaux, France.*

We tried the ones for La Toque Cuivrée. I don’t think Canelés are really my favorite type of pastry...too sweet and too dense for my liking! But it’s still worth a try if you are ever in Bordeaux!