11 Best Michelin Restaurants in Bordeaux

If you are a foodie, eating at Le Pavillon des Boulevards should be at the top of your list, if not already. The excellence of the food and service will dazzle you. The amuse-bouche will surprise your taste buds, the well-balanced dishes will satisfy your appetite and the on-hand sommelier’s mastery will surely impress you. The ceps are delicious and a must-try, but any pick from the menu is a good idea.

Stepping in La Grande Maison Bernard Magrez is a unique experience in and of itself; eating Pierre Gagnaire’s exquisite cuisine takes the whole experience to another dimension. Indeed, the menu only reflects the best of what’s on offer. The clean flavours, the perfectly crafted dishes and the outstanding and attentive wait staff are some of the many reasons why this fabulous restaurant has two stars in the Michelin Guide.

Le Saint-James is at the pinnacle of refined gastronomy. In the middle of a formidable green and serene space, you will surely appreciate this wonderful and joyful moment, slightly apart from the tumult of the city. The chef, Nicolas Magie, is famous for his strict observance of seasonality and his terroir-inspired recipes, which will enchant you. The chef and his team brilliantly reinvent classics of French cuisine.

Le Chapon Fin is a refined, elegant and prestigious place you should visit when you are in the mood for a special celebration. The food is exquisite and paired with exceptional wines. You should not second guess yourself and opt for the ‘Menu Mystère’ (the mystery menu), combining an extraordinary ensemble of the best products of the region. The in-house maître d’hôtel is world-class and will satisfy all of your needs.

Le Prince Noir is ideal for those who love spectacular settings. On the one hand, you will immediately feel at ease in this magnificent castle, while having a direct view of the Pont d’Aquitaine, one of the city’s most iconic bridges where thousands of rushed workers speed through each day. Despite the grandeur and the historical pedigree of the restaurant, the atmosphere is warm and relaxed. The chef, Vivien Durand, brought the laid-back vibe of his native Basque region to the kitchen, which allows him to prepare creative dishes for his guests. But do not be mistaken, the chef’s relaxed demeanour certainly does not trump his focus, as every dish is executed with sheer precision.

Who would pass on an opportunity to enjoy a meal from a renowned chef in Bordeaux’s most astonishing building? Certainly not you – and that is why you should book a table at Philippe Etchebest’s restaurant Le Quatrième Mur. Located in the Grand Théâtre, you will be mesmerised by the beautiful architecture but mostly by the exceptional cuisine. The chef shows his deep knowledge of the local gastronomy and deserves all the credit and praise he gets.

Gordon Ramsay’s excellent reputation is usually what draws people to Le Pressoir d’Argent and what the overwhelming majority will tell you after dining here is that all the hype around it is greatly deserved. From the moment you enter this splendid venue, the staff ensures that you have the most pleasurable experience. Saying that the food is exquisite is an understatement. Ramsay and his formidable team reinvent the Aquitaine region’s cuisine for your greatest pleasure. The meat and seafood dishes on offer are fantastic (try the Bazas beef or the turbot) or if you would prefer, go for the ‘Menu Mystère’ and the blind wine tasting. You will not regret it.

While walking around the beloved Saint-Pierre district, make a halt at Le Davoli and indulge in an extraordinary culinary experience. You will be pleased with the warm welcome and top-notch service. The chef’s cuisine is a combination of rich gastronomy mixed with surprising but tasteful ingredients. It is a must-do for all food lovers who are in search of different flavours.

If you take the time to go to Saint-Émilion while in Bordeaux (which you should definitely do), you are in luck: not only will you get to taste some of the best Grands Crus of the region but you will also have the chance to eat at the Hostellerie de Plaisance, one of the region’s finest restaurants. The chef, Ronan Kervarrec, uses his network of local producers to serve the best of the best. You should definitely go for the white truffles, one of the restaurant’s specialties. It’s definitely worth its two Michelin stars.

Cross the bridge and set yourself up for a treat at La Petite Gironde while watching the river running smoothly. For a very reasonable price, choose among a fantastic selection of meat and fish-based dishes. To complement your meal, the wine menu is pretty good, too. The service is fast and very professional, which makes it ideal for a business lunch or for those who want to pause for a while in a hidden gem before pursuing their visit of Bordeaux.