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What Food To Try in Brest and Food Prices

How much does lunch and dinner cost

Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Brest for 2024.

National currency: , symbol — (international currency code BYR).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Brest cafes and restaurants
$12 
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $7.64
$43.7 
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $32.75
$9.8 
Combo Meal
Starting from $8.73

What to Try in Brest

Must-try Dishes
Crêpes - Crêpes Suzette (savory pancakes) - Thin pancakes filled with ham and cheese, sometimes flambéed for extra flair. Locals often enjoy these for a relaxed Sunday brunch with friends at a cozy eatery.

Galette saucisse - Sausage Galette (street food) - A savory buckwheat pancake wrapped around a juicy sausage, typically served with a dollop of mustard. You’ll find this popular snack at outdoor markets, perfect for a quick bite while exploring.

Choucroute garnie - Sauerkraut with Meats - A hearty dish of fermented cabbage piled high with various sausages, pork, and often smoked meats, cooked slowly to perfection. Best enjoyed during cooler months, it's a classic that locals love to savor in a warm, inviting bistro.

Far Breton - Almond Cake (local specialty) - A dense custard-like cake studded with prunes or raisins, often enjoyed as a casual dessert-like dish. It's a staple at many family gatherings and pairs well with a cup of tea in the afternoon.

Saumon fumé - Smoked Salmon - Delicately cured local salmon, often served with a subtle horseradish crème. Locals frequently enjoy this at brunch, but make sure to order it on rye bread to avoid the common mistake of simply requesting it plain.

Ragoût de légumes - Vegetable Stew (seasonal variation) - A robust stew packed with root vegetables, beans, and herbs, showcasing seasonal ingredients from local markets. This comforting meal is particularly popular in the fall, when the produce is at its prime.

Croque-monsieur - Toasted Ham and Cheese Sandwich - A classic sandwich filled with ham and melted cheese, often topped with béchamel sauce, then grilled until golden brown. Best enjoyed for lunch, it's a local favorite that pairs splendidly with a side salad or soup.

By the way, don't skip the chance to try it with a side of pickles—they add an amazing crunch and tang!

Desserts & Drinks
Kava - Kava (traditional ceremonial drink) - A beverage made from the root of the kava plant, it's whisked with water to create a calming, earthy drink. Locals often gather to share kava during social events, and they typically drink it from communal bowls.

Cidre - Cidre (apple cider) - This sparkling cider is crafted from local apples, fermented to create a refreshing drink with a crisp, fruity flavor. Often enjoyed as an aperitif during warm evenings, especially at festivals celebrating the harvest.

Far breton - Far breton (custard-like tart) - A delicious pastry made with eggs, flour, milk, and a generous handful of prunes or raisins, resulting in a rich, custardy texture. Served warm or at room temperature, this lovely dessert is a favorite at family gatherings and during celebrations.

Glace au chocolat - Glace au chocolat (chocolate ice cream) - Creamy, rich chocolate ice cream, often topped with a drizzle of homemade chocolate syrup. This sweet treat shines during the summer months when locals flock to artisan ice cream stands.

Tarte Tatin - Tarte Tatin (upside-down apple tart) - This caramelized apple tart, made with buttery pastry, takes a bit of time to prepare as the apples are slowly cooked in butter and sugar before being baked. Perfect for special occasions, this dessert can be surprisingly difficult to find, so be sure to ask around for the best spots!

Food and Groceries in Brest

Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
Bread $1.57
Bananas $2.43
Oranges $3.57
Potatoes $1.53
Apples $2.59
Beverages
Water 1.5L $0.45
0.5L Local Beer $3.28
Imported Beer $2.18
Wine Rating >4.0 $6.55
Milk 1L $1.05

Various Groceries
Meat (Beef or Pork) $13.1
Chicken $9.83
Cigarettes $10.92
Rice $1.55
Local Cheese $19.29

Overview of Cuisine and Specialties

Brest’s dining scene is a vibrant tapestry, reflecting local habits and attitudes towards meals. A typical lunch hour finds many locals filling the cafes around the Rue de Siam from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, where it's common to enjoy dishes like a hearty galette or a seafood platter. Expect to pay anywhere from €10 to €15 for a decent meal in this bustling area, which is the heart of the city’s gastronomic culture.

Visitors often fall into the trap of thinking that all meals in Brest are served later in the evening, but you'll find many locals dining earlier. The dinner rush starts around 7:00 PM, especially in popular quarters like Recouvrance. If you want to avoid crowds, consider showing up around 6:30 PM; it’s much quieter, and you can enjoy a more relaxed meal without the hectic atmosphere.

Payment customs vary slightly from what you might be used to. Cash, especially small denominations, is still widely accepted, although cards are increasingly common. However, do keep in mind that some smaller eateries might insist on cash, so having a few euros handy is always smart. Tipping isn’t obligatory as a service charge is often included, but rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated.

One local eating habit that stands out is the prominence of "le café." After meals, many locals will linger over a cup, often extending the dining experience and encouraging conversation. It’s not uncommon for a meal to last over two hours because of this slow, enjoyable pace.

Seasonality does impact prices, especially for seafood, which can fluctuate depending on the catch. For instance, shellfish prices can soar from around €25 to €35 during peak tourist seasons, while winter months typically see a drop. This seasonal pattern influences where locals dine too; areas like Le Port become bustling during summer with seafood shacks but quiet down in winter.

If you’re visiting for dinner in the busier districts, reservations are highly recommended, particularly on weekends. A quick call a day in advance could save you from long waits.

Brest's evolving food scene indicates a growing emphasis on sustainability, with more restaurants opting for local produce, which reflects a rising trend among younger generations who prioritize environmentally conscious dining options. This shift is definitely something to watch as the food culture continues to develop!