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Angers, in the northwest of France, has long been a cultural hub; from the days of the Plantagenêts to the present. And what would a city with a rich cultural heritage be without lots of restaurants? Read on to discover the noteworthy dining spots in this riverside city.

Angers, France

Au Goût du Jour

Restaurant, French, Dessert

Make a reservation and settle in at a table for some exemplary French cuisine at this welcoming restaurant. Popular with both tourists and locals, with a waitstaff that is eager to help, Au Goût du Jour offers French classics made with fresh, locally grown ingredients. Do save room for dessert, though; the apricot tart with cream and mint is a don’t-miss.

AROMA Sushi

Bar, Restaurant, Sushi

Sushi boat
© Alan Bloom/Flickr
Featuring low lighting, funky hanging light fixtures, and a blond wood-topped bar, AROMA is hipper-by-far than your average sushi restaurant. Maki, sashimi, and nigiri are beautifully plated and topped with artistic garnishes before hitting the tables, and the flavors are as good as the appearance. With an explanatory sushi menu handed to you upon arrival, it’s easy to learn more about what you’re ordering.

Bistrot Matchou

Bistro, Restaurant, French

Tired of heavy, unhealthy food? Look no further for natural, country-style, cooking. Good prices and a lack of pretension mark this cozy bistro, which is notable for its fresh pasta, locally raised meats, and fresh vegetables. If the weather is good, snag a spot on the gorgeous sunny terrace for your meal.

Casa Corneille

Restaurant, Vegetarian, Wine, French

Château dAngers
© Gilles Messian/Flickr
Tucked away in an alleyway in the centre ville, a few blocks from the Cathédrale Saint-Maurice d’Angers, this small and elegant restaurant is worth the search. Start off with a chicken terrine with caramelized onion mousse and choose a drink from the wine list, which consists of whites and reds from the Loire Valley. Though the fish and chicken mains are stellar, vegetarians ought not worry: the veggie risotto is extraordinary.

Les Sentiers du Dakar

Restaurant, French

It’s easy to see why Les Sentiers du Dakar has garnered so many accolades and positive reviews. French-Senegalese fusion is the name of the game at this highly regarded restaurant. The tiep bou dién,Senegal’s national dish of fish, Wolof rice, and vegetables with a delicate herb flavor, is of particular note. Sit inside for an up-close gander at the Senegalese artwork adorning the walls, or sit outdoors facing Place de la Republique for prime people-watching.

Belle Rive

Restaurant, French

Cheese board
© Gio/Flickr
Belle Rive epitomizes the Angers dining experience; located right on the waterfront, it serves up fine French cuisine, high-quality wines, and river views. The decor is chic and minimalist, and the attentive waitstaff speaks good English. Choose from the standard fixed-price menu or from the ‘deluxe’ one, which also includes a cheeseboard at the end of the meal, and enjoy the complimentary amuse-bouche as well.

L'Authentic

Restaurant, French

This reasonably-priced local favorite, not far from the train station and from the château, specializes in fouée, a focaccia-like flat-bread that is a Loire Valley delicacy, the history of which the owner of the restaurant is always happy to explain to diners. Start off your meal by eating your fouée with savory spreads, like salted butter or goat’s cheese or rillettes du porc, and finish off with a dessert of the addictive flat-bread topped with sweet spreads such as jam or salted caramel.

L'Étal Gourmand

Restaurant, French

Panorama of Angers
© James Clark/Flickr
L’Étal Gourmand is classic French fare, unfussy but refined. Take your time with the tasty house aperitifwhich comprises strawberry, vodka, and white wine, and a basket of good bread with tapenades, before ordering mains. The meats are excellent, as is the wine list, but the side dishes are not to be missed as well. With fast service and great flavor, there’s nothing not to love about this restaurant.

Le Dix Septième

Located in the heart of the Old Town, this charming former hotel turned eatery has an elegant ambience and is, without a doubt, a place to be seen. Boasting three floors of tables, yet constantly packed full with diners, chef Richard Celini keeps people coming back for more of his sophisticated dishes, like the chicken filet with Jerusalem artichoke, white wine, and polenta. Let the house sommelierhelp guide you in choosing a wine to pair with your meal.

Restaurant Un Brin Folk

Pizzeria, Restaurant, Wine

With a bohemian vibe of folk music playing in the background, comfortable sofas and chairs, and festive decor, Un Brin Folk is the perfect place to chat with friends over a glass of wine and a light, delicious, meal. The ingredients in the soups, sandwiches, quiches, tartines, house-made cheesecakes, and more, are sourced from local Loire Valley farmers and the freshness is evident. Of particular note is the house-made cheesecake.

About the author

Maddy is in her second year reading English at the University of St Andrews. Born and bred in Washington, DC, she retains an affinity for political intrigue, urban green space, and Ethiopian cuisine despite newly appreciating the British traditions of queueing, apologising, and Wimbledon. Maddy's freelance writing has been published in media such as Matador Network and Thistle Magazine as well as in St Andrews-based publications. She'll travel anywhere, just give her a moment to lace up her Adidas.

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