What Food To Try in Nantes and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Nantes for 2024.
National currency: Euro, symbol — € (international currency code EUR).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Nantes cafes and restaurants
$14.7
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $13.1
$54.6
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $43.67
$10.9
Combo Meal
Starting from $8.73
What to Try in Nantes
Must-try Dishes
Galettes de Sarrasin - Buckwheat Crepes - Thin and savory, these crepes are made from buckwheat flour and are typically filled with ham, eggs, and cheese. Locals savor them for lunch, often shared at casual crêperies with friends.Les Barres de Fruits de Mer - Seafood Sticks - This street food features marinated seafood skewered and grilled to perfection, often served with a drizzle of lemon. It's a popular grab-and-go option at outdoor markets; I love snagging one while strolling along the banks of the Loire.
Le Canard aux Cerises - Duck with Cherries - Tender duck cooked in a rich cherry sauce, served with seasonal vegetables. This is a common choice for dinner, often enjoyed in small family-run bistros, filling your evening with warmth.
Quernons d'Argoat - Local Specialty - These vibrant blue almond candies have a crisp exterior and a chewy center. Often enjoyed as a nostalgic treat, they're great with coffee after a meal, although I made the mistake of expecting them to be chocolate-covered!
Salmon and Lentils - Saumon et Lentilles - This hearty dish combines perfectly cooked salmon with a bed of flavorful lentils, often drizzled with a light vinaigrette. It's frequently found on menus in local cafés, particularly during the colder months.
Crêpes Suzette - Flambéed Crepes - Delicate crepes served with a buttery orange sauce, flambéed to bring out the flavors. You’ll find them around dessert menus, but locals enjoy them as a light lunch on sunny afternoons, especially during festivals.
Oysters - Huîtres - Freshly shucked oysters from the nearby coast, served with a tangy mignonette. Locals often indulge in these delicacies during chilly months at seafood stalls, savoring them with a glass of white wine.
Peas and Prosciutto - Pois et Jambon - A simple yet popular dish featuring fresh peas cooked with a touch of prosciutto, highlighting the region's seasonal produce. It’s often enjoyed in early summer at farm-to-table restaurants, embodying the flavors of the season.
Desserts & Drinks
Le Café - Café Nantais (Nantais coffee) - A delightful blend of strong coffee mixed with locally produced rum and topped with whipped cream. It's commonly enjoyed in the afternoon as a pick-me-up, especially during colder months; the warmth of the rum is comforting! Muscat - Muscat de Nantes (sweet white wine) - This luscious sweet wine is made from late-harvest grapes and boasts a fruity, floral flavor. Locals often sip it during special celebrations or as an aperitif during long summer evenings, and it pairs perfectly with a light cheese board.
Chocolat Liégeois - Chocolat Liégeois (chocolate sundae) - This indulgent layered dessert features rich chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and chocolate ice cream, all coming together for a creamy delight. Perfect for enjoying after a meal on a warm day; it's typically found at street vendors during local festivals!
Gâteau de Mamie - Gâteau de Mamie (grandma's cake) - A moist, buttery cake often featuring a hint of almond and served warm, reminiscent of family gatherings. It's a popular treat during special occasions like birthdays or local festivals, usually enjoyed with a cup of tea in the afternoon.
Granité de Figue - Figue Granité (fig granita) - This refreshing frozen dessert is made from ripe figs puréed and blended with a touch of lemon juice for a tangy twist. It's a summer favorite, often served at outdoor markets, and is a delightful respite from the heat, bringing back memories of hot summer afternoons in Nantes.
Food and Groceries in Nantes
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.5 |
| Bananas | $1.91 |
| Oranges | $2.98 |
| Potatoes | $2.84 |
| Apples | $3.28 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.47 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $2.05 |
| Imported Beer | $2.55 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $7.1 |
| Milk 1L | $1.13 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $21.09 |
| Chicken | $10.59 |
| Cigarettes | $11.14 |
| Rice | $2.15 |
| Local Cheese | $18 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Strolling through the bustling Île de Versailles right around noon, one can’t help but notice the flurry of activity as locals gather for their midday meal. In Nantes, lunch typically kicks off around 12:00 PM and stretches until 2:00 PM, with many enjoying a lengthy break from work to savor their food. The city’s restaurant scene thrives during these hours, especially in popular districts like Bouffay and Graslin, where bistro tables overflow with people delighting in long conversations over lunch.
When it comes to dining expenses, you’ll find a wide range of prices across the city. In the heart of Bouffay, a classic lunch menu can run anywhere from €12 to €20, whereas a similar meal might cost you around €25 in the fancier Graslin area. Of course, prices can further fluctuate depending on the season; for example, seafood can be less expensive in spring when the catch is plentiful.
It’s also crucial to consider the payment methods commonly accepted here. While cash is still a trusted option in many places, credit and debit cards are widely used, especially among younger crowds. Interestingly, some local eateries, particularly those focused on take-out, might only accept cash, so it's always a good idea to have some on hand.
Now, tipping habits in Nantes are a bit different from other places. While the service charge is included in your bill, rounding up your payment or leaving small change is appreciated if you’ve received outstanding service. However, don’t feel obligated; it’s more of a personal touch than a requirement.
Another noteworthy local dining custom is the “apéritif” ritual, where locals gather for drinks before the main meal, particularly around 6:00 PM. This can often lead to a migratory dining experience where food is consumed later than expected. Visitors often make the mistake of not adjusting to these later hours and find themselves struggling to find dinner after 9:00 PM, when many kitchens are closing for the evening.
Reservations are advisable during busy periods, particularly on weekends when locals tend to dine out more frequently, flocking to well-known spots for dinner. Many restaurants only accept reservations a few days in advance, so plan accordingly.
Seasonal changes bring about noticeable shifts in dining preferences as well. As the weather warms, outdoor patios become prime real estate for evening meals, and access to fresh farm produce extends to café menus.
In summary, Nantes is a vibrant food hub with a rhythm all its own, reflecting the leisurely pace of life. There’s a real appreciation of food here, from the bustling lunch scenes to the cozy dinner gatherings that lead into the night. The nuances of dining add to the authentic experience, shaping how locals and visitors alike enjoy the city’s culinary delights.
When it comes to dining expenses, you’ll find a wide range of prices across the city. In the heart of Bouffay, a classic lunch menu can run anywhere from €12 to €20, whereas a similar meal might cost you around €25 in the fancier Graslin area. Of course, prices can further fluctuate depending on the season; for example, seafood can be less expensive in spring when the catch is plentiful.
It’s also crucial to consider the payment methods commonly accepted here. While cash is still a trusted option in many places, credit and debit cards are widely used, especially among younger crowds. Interestingly, some local eateries, particularly those focused on take-out, might only accept cash, so it's always a good idea to have some on hand.
Now, tipping habits in Nantes are a bit different from other places. While the service charge is included in your bill, rounding up your payment or leaving small change is appreciated if you’ve received outstanding service. However, don’t feel obligated; it’s more of a personal touch than a requirement.
Another noteworthy local dining custom is the “apéritif” ritual, where locals gather for drinks before the main meal, particularly around 6:00 PM. This can often lead to a migratory dining experience where food is consumed later than expected. Visitors often make the mistake of not adjusting to these later hours and find themselves struggling to find dinner after 9:00 PM, when many kitchens are closing for the evening.
Reservations are advisable during busy periods, particularly on weekends when locals tend to dine out more frequently, flocking to well-known spots for dinner. Many restaurants only accept reservations a few days in advance, so plan accordingly.
Seasonal changes bring about noticeable shifts in dining preferences as well. As the weather warms, outdoor patios become prime real estate for evening meals, and access to fresh farm produce extends to café menus.
In summary, Nantes is a vibrant food hub with a rhythm all its own, reflecting the leisurely pace of life. There’s a real appreciation of food here, from the bustling lunch scenes to the cozy dinner gatherings that lead into the night. The nuances of dining add to the authentic experience, shaping how locals and visitors alike enjoy the city’s culinary delights.