The 10 Best Restaurants In Le Havre Normandy

Le Havre was heavily bombed during World War II, destroying a significant portion of the city, which was later rebuilt by Auguste Perret. Now on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List, Le Havre is located in France‘s Normandy region, where the Seine and the English Channel meet. Brimming with history, the city is also home to many fine-dining venues along with laid-back places, with something to suit a variety of tastes. Here’s our guide to ten of the tastiest spots in Le Havre.

1. Le 404

Brasserie

Le 404

Le 404 is a modern French brasserie complete with art-adorned brick and grey walls and colorful lighting. Guests will be presented with a menu featuring soups, salads, dishes highlighting meat and fish, plus much more, with many of the options changing often in order to reflect the freshest seasonal ingredients. Choices include the rabbit with mustard sauce; and the duo of burgers – one with beef, chorizo and raclette and the other with turkey, braised endives, and Maroilles sauce. Pair your savory dishes with house fries, rice, or ratatouille, and wash it down with one of Le 404’s famous mojitos.
Le 404, 93 Quai de Southampton, Le Havre, France, +33 9 67 34 88 49

Mojito |© Pixabay

2. Bagatelle

Bistro, Restaurant, French, European, Vegetarian, Vegan

Bagatelle can be found in the heart of the Saint François quarter. A chic and stylish bistro, Bagatelle features several different prix-fixe menus along with an a la carte menu. If you’re craving a burger, you’ll find several options including the ‘Force Basque’ version with duck breast, ground beef, a slice of foie gras, smoked pork, tomatoes, pickles, onions, and bleu cheese all on organic bread and served with fries. You’ll also find traditional French dishes.

3. La Bouche à Oreille

Restaurant, French, European

Tucked away on a quiet street, La Bouche à Oreille is a family-run venue serving traditional French cuisine. Elegant yet casual, the atmosphere is perfect for a leisurely lunch or dinner. The restaurant offers several prix-fixe menus, which include dishes such as friend prawns served with risotto with truffle oil; seared tuna steak with sesame seed wasabi and pepper cream; and tantalizing vanilla crème brûlée.

5. Jean-Luc Tartarin

Jean-Luc Tartarin

Located on Avenue Foch, Jean-Luc Tartarin has been awarded two Michelin stars. Procuring the freshest ingredients daily, the culinary team, headed by Chef Jean-Luc Tartarin, creates new, exciting dishes to tantalize the taste buds of guests. The prix-fixe menus offers recipes such as Black Angus beef with béarnaise sauce and potato purée with fresh butter; roasted turbot (fish) with mango, zucchini, and coconut; and steamed cod with leeks and currants.
Jean-Luc Tartarin, 73 Avenue Foch, Le Havre, France, +33 2 35 45 46 20

Avenue Foch, Le Havre |© Esther Westerveld/Flickr

6. L’Orchidée

L’Orchidée

L’Orchidée is a lovely family-owned establishment brimming with warmth and serving delicious meals. The menu changes frequently in order to showcase the freshest ingredients available, but diners will often find highlights such as the entrecôte française with camembert cream and roasted potatoes; magret de canard with green pepper and potatoes; and the crème brûlée with orange zest. They also offer a children’s prix-fixe menu, plus one featuring a classic burger.
L’Orchidée, 41 rue Général Faidherbe, Le Havre, France, +33 2 76 25 38 03

Magret de Canard |© Frédérique Voisin-Demery/Flickr

7. La Petite Gourmandise

Restaurant, French, European, Vegetarian

La Petite Gourmandise is a charming, cozy restaurant. You’ll find dishes such as the fish of the day, which is selected from the St. François market, the entrecôte de boeuf with camembert sauce and the vegetarian plate, which changes daily. Finish your meal with something sweet like the île flottante or profiteroles.

8. Le Lyonnais

Restaurant, French, European

A classic French restaurant, Le Lyonnais exudes charm. It offers several prix-fixe menus dependent on your hunger level; typical dishes include the cassolette de la mer, the chef’s specialty, and the profiteroles maison for dessert.

9. La Taverne Paillette

Brasserie, Restaurant, French, Seafood

La Taverne Paillette is family-friendly brasserie. Although located in France, the interior space will transport you to Bavaria with its honey-toned woods and spacious feel. The menu is brimming with a variety of fresh seafood, including four types of moules (mussels) – marinière, crème, Roquefort, and à la Normande. You’ll also find plenty of sausages, salads, hot and cold entrées. Try the famous La Bière Paillette – a local brew and a definite must-try when visiting La Taverne Paillette.

10. Fifty’s American Diner

Diner, Restaurant, American, French

For something a little different and fun, head to Fifty’s American Diner. With a love of everything 1950’s Americana, you’ll find an eclectic venue decorated with red-and-white vinyl seating, including booths, pictures and neon signs. The menu features an array of juicy burgers named after various locales in the USA, salads, bagel sandwiches, side dishes, and desserts. Try the Route 66 burger topped with smoked bacon, cheddar, potato pancake, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and cream cheese paired with some fries. For an unusual drink, opt for a boozy milkshake like the Cadillac with vanilla ice cream, bananas, and rum.

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