The Best Restaurants In Lorient, Brittany

A warm and inviting restaurant, L’Alsace à Quai specializes not only in Breton cuisine but also Alsatian delicacies. Located next to the harbor, it should come as no surprise that diners will find a menu featuring fresh seafood specialties, and meat lovers will be happy to know that there are plenty of meat-based options as well. Start out with a flammeküche, which is like a flatbread topped with savory ingredients such as cream, formage blanc, onions, lardons and Gruyère, followed by a hearty main dish such as moules frites (mussels and fries) or a variety of sausages and sauerkraut. Complement the meal with a glass of wine or cider. This brasserie is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Saturday.

L’Amphitryon is two-star Michelin restaurant that transforms the freshest of ingredients into beautifully plated works of culinary art. Some of the creations discerning diners might find on the menu include foie gras ravioli with oxtail consommé and truffles, the St. Jacques and truffle ‘club sandwich,’ and rabbit with cranberries. To complete your culinary experience at L’Amphitryon, pair each dish with a complementary wine. They’re open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Saturday, and while it is expensive, it is an experience you won’t forget.

If you have a craving for some hearty Italian dishes, then it is worth seeking out Basilico Bistro when sightseeing in Lorient. The owner is from Naples, so you are guaranteed to have some delicious, authentic eats, plus, it won’t bust your budget. Within a cozy space (it accommodates 30 people), diners can sample a variety of tasty dishes beginning with the antipasto misto followed by the eggplant parmagiana or farfalle with gorgonzola cream. You don’t want to miss out on dessert either, with choices that include tiramisu and affogato au café. Visit for lunch or dinner Tuesday to Saturday and lunch on Sunday.

La Guimbarde is a beautiful yet relaxing restaurant, located in the heart of Lorient. The restaurant has been delighting guests for 20 years, proving that they are doing something right. Before deciding on what to order (there are several prix-fixe menus to choose from), be sure to try the special Breton punch, a combination of lime, white rum, cane sugar and Muscadet served in a ceramic Celtic horn. As for dinner, try the grilled fish with a choice of sauce, the grilled lamb chops with a choice of sauce, or the succulent duck breast with caramel and apples. La Guimbarde serves lunch weekdays and dinner Tuesday to Saturday.

Henri et Joseph, a recipient of one Michelin star, has only eight tables and is perfect for a quiet, romantic evening out. Placing an emphasis on showcasing the flavors of Brittany, Henri et Joseph has three menus from which to choose, including one for lunch and two for dinner (Henri and the more expensive Joseph). Some of the highlights include beef with black truffle jus and seasonal vegetables, roast with masala and coconut-coriander mousse, and the lunch special, Italian risotto with crispy vegetables. Henri et Joseph is open for lunch and dinner Wednesday to Saturday.

Situated next to the Merville quarter in Lorient, Le Jardin des Curés is a lovely restaurant providing indoor and a beautiful shaded terrace, complete with plants and colorful flowers. Serving lunch weekdays and dinner Tuesday to Saturday, Le Jardin des Curés offers wonderful prix-fixe menus. Start with the duo of smoked salmon and mascarpone and reduced cream with chives followed by the creamy risotto with sautéed shrimp, and don’t forget to pick a dessert for the perfect ending.

Open since early 2015, Papy Joe is the place to visit if you’re craving some juicy hamburgers. This American-style restaurant is a modern, sleek version of a traditional diner, and is decked out in black and light colored woods. The diner also features an open kitchen where you can watch your delicious burger, sandwich or salad being prepared before your eyes. The menu has must-try burgers such as The Mountain (with bacon, raclette, caramelized onions, and mayo), El Chochorizo (with fried onions, chorizo, sautéed peppers and mayo), and the veggie option, known as The Little Italy (with mozzarella, zucchini, red pesto, and roquette). Pair your burger with some house fries or onion rings. Papy Joe is open every day except for Monday.

Dining at Le Sabayon, guests can’t praise the restaurant enough; from the warm welcome to the beautifully plated dishes that look like works of art. Procuring the best seasonal ingredients, the culinary team creates classic recipes with a modern touch that are brimming with fresh flavors. Serving lunch weekdays except for Wednesday and dinner Monday to Saturday, Le Sabayon offers highlights such as the fish of the day served with Italian risotto, seared beef tenderloin with shallot-merlot sauce, and for dessert, chocolate crème brûlée. Reservations are recommended.

Le Tire Bouchon is a cozy restaurant with a warm ambience that specializes in seasonal fare. Within an interior decked out in white, black and warm browns with a large fireplace and exposed beams, people can enjoy fresh and carefully plated dishes with an emphasis on seafood recipes. As with other restaurants, you will find seasonal offerings at Le Tire Bouchon, with dishes such as the gratin of Saint-Jacques and vegetables, grilled lobsters with natural butter or kari gosse (Indian-inspired spice) butter, and pollock with seasonal vegetables.

Le Victor Hugo is a wonderful restaurant located near the Palais des Congrès. A vibrant venue, you’ll find art adorning the walls (which changes frequently in order to showcase the area’s artists) and music in the air, adding to the already welcoming ambience. Menu favorites include fish of the day and beef dishes. Of course, a French meal would not be complete without dessert; try the panna cotta with salted caramel.