What Food To Try in Bordeaux and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Bordeaux for 2024.
National currency: Euro, symbol — € (international currency code EUR).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Bordeaux cafes and restaurants
$16.4
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $16.38
$68.2
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $58.95
$10.9
Combo Meal
Starting from $9.83
What to Try in Bordeaux
Must-try Dishes
Omelette with Chanterelles - Omelette aux Cèpes (rich and savory) - A fluffy omelette made with local chanterelles, creating a woodsy flavor. Locals enjoy it for breakfast in small bistros, often paired with a slice of fresh bread.Caneel Sausage - Saucisse de Canard (hearty and flavorful) - This duck sausage is smoky and slightly spicy, usually grilled to perfection. Found at street food stalls, it's popular for a quick lunch on-the-go, often served with a side of mustard.
Magret de Canard - Duck Breast (succulent and tender) - A seared duck breast served with a cherry or orange sauce, getting that perfect crispy skin. It’s a classic dinner choice for special occasions, typically paired with seasonal vegetables and potatoes.
Confit de Canard - Duck Confit (rich and indulgent) - Duck leg slowly cooked in its own fat until tender, with a crispy exterior. This comforting dish is traditionally enjoyed during family gatherings, steaming on a shared plate.
Canard aux Cerises - Duck with Cherries (sweet and savory) - A unique combination of duck served with a cherry sauce, striking a perfect balance of flavors. You’ll find it on many bistro menus during summer, showcasing the fruit's peak season.
Fritons - Duck Cracklings (crispy and crunchy) - Crispy bits of duck skin and fat, perfect as a bar snack or appetizer. Locals often enjoy them during gatherings, served with bread and pickles, making them a comforting bite.
Truffade - Truffade (hearty potato dish) - A layered dish of potatoes and cheese, sometimes mixed with local wild garlic for flavor. It's especially popular in the winter, often enjoyed as a main course at rustic taverns.
Desserts & Drinks
Vins de Bordeaux - Bordeaux Wines (fine wines) - These exceptional wines, predominantly Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon blends, offer unique terroirs reflecting the region’s rich soil and climate. Locals enjoy sipping these wines during meals or gatherings, especially during the harvest season when the wineries host tastings. Prices can range widely; a quality bottle may start at around €10.Chocolat Chaud - Hot Chocolate (rich hot drink) - This velvety drink is crafted from melted dark chocolate mixed with hot milk, creating a luxurious experience. It’s often ordered in cozy cafés during chilly afternoons, paired perfectly with a buttery croissant. By the way, make sure to specify “no sugar” when ordering if you prefer it less sweet!
Far Breton - Far (custard-like dessert) - A delicious blend of flour, eggs, milk, and prunes, this traditional baked pudding has a custardy texture. Served at family gatherings or during the holidays, it’s often enjoyed at room temperature, and locals may pair it with a dollop of crème fraîche for an extra touch. Don’t confuse it with similar puddings from other regions!
Granité de Bordeaux - Bordeaux Granita (fruity shaved ice) - Made from Bordeaux’s seasonal fruits like cherries or strawberries and finely shaved ice, this refreshing dessert is perfect on a hot day. It’s commonly enjoyed at summertime fairs or picnics along the Garonne River, providing a cooling treat amidst the warm weather.
Pastis - Pastis (anise-flavored spirit) - This anise-flavored liqueur is mixed with water to create a milky, refreshing drink perfect for those lazy afternoons. It’s traditionally served in cafés, often accompanied by savory snacks, and is especially popular during the summer months. Just remember to take it light; a little goes a long way!
Food and Groceries in Bordeaux
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.62 |
| Bananas | $2.21 |
| Oranges | $3.09 |
| Potatoes | $1.44 |
| Apples | $2.91 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.7 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $3.22 |
| Imported Beer | $3 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $9.83 |
| Milk 1L | $1.09 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $16.1 |
| Chicken | $15.75 |
| Cigarettes | $11.46 |
| Rice | $2.24 |
| Local Cheese | $18.83 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
When the evening sun begins to set over Bordeaux, the dining scene comes alive—everyone is out enjoying long, leisurely dinners that stretch late into the night. Forget everything you know about lunch hours; in Bordeaux, lunch is often a more casual affair, starting around noon but really picking up from 1 PM to 2 PM. Dinner, on the other hand, doesn't really kick off until 8 PM or later. This leisurely pace is a world away from the hurried meals I’ve seen in places like New York, where people seem to be constantly in a rush.
Something that often surprises visitors is the cost of dining out. For instance, I paid €20 for lunch yesterday at a local bistro. That got me a hearty quiche with a side salad and a glass of local wine. By comparison, having a similar meal in the chic Chartrons neighborhood might set you back around €30, but the ambiance and vibrant energy of the area definitely justify the difference—it’s where many young professionals and artists congregate.
As for payment customs, don't be thrown off by how leisurely the process can feel. In many places, you’ll find yourself sitting there after you’ve paid, enjoying an extra cup of coffee or a digestive, while locals take their time without feeling any rush to leave. Just a heads up: in Bordeaux, it’s common to leave small change as a tip, usually around 5-10% at sit-down restaurants.
Oh, and before I forget, be mindful of the typical mealtime rush at the popular spots. If you don’t want to be left waiting for a table, it’s wise to make reservations, especially on weekends when locals take full advantage of their evenings.
A charming local quirk is the shared platters; it’s common for groups to order a few different dishes to share, making for a more communal dining experience. This contrasts sharply with the more individualistic dining culture in places like London, where everyone sticks to their own plates.
In recent times, I’ve noticed younger locals gravitating toward more sustainable and organic dining options—this trend showcases a shift in priorities as they seek quality over sheer quantity. It's becoming more common to see seasonal menus that highlight fresh, local produce, which is a delightful change from the overly complex fare you might find elsewhere.
Dining in Bordeaux is truly about embracing the moments shared over meals, where food takes its time and each bite savored reminds you of the region's rich culinary heritage.
Something that often surprises visitors is the cost of dining out. For instance, I paid €20 for lunch yesterday at a local bistro. That got me a hearty quiche with a side salad and a glass of local wine. By comparison, having a similar meal in the chic Chartrons neighborhood might set you back around €30, but the ambiance and vibrant energy of the area definitely justify the difference—it’s where many young professionals and artists congregate.
As for payment customs, don't be thrown off by how leisurely the process can feel. In many places, you’ll find yourself sitting there after you’ve paid, enjoying an extra cup of coffee or a digestive, while locals take their time without feeling any rush to leave. Just a heads up: in Bordeaux, it’s common to leave small change as a tip, usually around 5-10% at sit-down restaurants.
Oh, and before I forget, be mindful of the typical mealtime rush at the popular spots. If you don’t want to be left waiting for a table, it’s wise to make reservations, especially on weekends when locals take full advantage of their evenings.
A charming local quirk is the shared platters; it’s common for groups to order a few different dishes to share, making for a more communal dining experience. This contrasts sharply with the more individualistic dining culture in places like London, where everyone sticks to their own plates.
In recent times, I’ve noticed younger locals gravitating toward more sustainable and organic dining options—this trend showcases a shift in priorities as they seek quality over sheer quantity. It's becoming more common to see seasonal menus that highlight fresh, local produce, which is a delightful change from the overly complex fare you might find elsewhere.
Dining in Bordeaux is truly about embracing the moments shared over meals, where food takes its time and each bite savored reminds you of the region's rich culinary heritage.