The Top 10 Restaurants In Quartier Du Lac Bordeaux

The northernmost quarter of Bordeaux city, the Lac district, is a mellow neighborhood known mostly for its large manmade lake that locals flock to in Summer, as well as being home to numerous big-box hotels. Despite its mostly residential character, those living in the Quartier du Lac have plenty of great options for eating out in the area, and now thanks to this list, you can dine like a local, too.

L’Aquitania

L’Aquitania specializes in traditional cuisine of the Aquitaine (Southwest France), with a particular focus on Bordeaux’s own famous dishes. Think confit de canard (slow roasted duck), richly flavorful fois gras, and locally foraged mushrooms. Pair these delicacies with a full-bodied Bordeaux red, and you’ll have a meal fit for Eleanor of Aquitaine herself. The atmosphere is understated yet elegant, and the prices are quite reasonable for the quality of the cuisine.

Les Artistes Brasserie and Cave

Brasserie, Wine Bar, French

On the main floor of the Casino Théâtre Barrière de Bordeaux, Les Artistes is a spacious and inviting venue in the heart of Bordeaux’s hotel district. Their menu offers a versatile mix between international classics and traditional French fare, all using high quality, fresh ingredients. They also put out a large buffet at both lunch and dinnertime, so you can try a little bit of everything this eclectic menu has to offer. You can also partake in a leisurely wine tasting from their extensive cellar.

La Ferme

Restaurant, French, European

Nestled in a patch of peaceful greenery beside the lake, La Ferme feels as though it’s a world apart from the hustle and bustle of the city, despite being just five minutes from the downtown center. This restaurant has a rustic, almost kitschy charm all its own, and serves authentic regional country cooking such as fois gras, gesiers (duck gizzard), fresh fish, and various hearty meat dishes. In the warmer months, their terrace is a particularly lovely spot to enjoy a sumptuous three-course lunch while basking in the Southwestern sunshine.

Au Bouchon des Chartrons

You’re sure to have a a pleasant time dining on the banks of the Garonne at Au Bouchon des Chartrons. From the charming riverside view and friendly servers to the delectable three course menu, you’ll be left satisfied every step of the way. The kitchen specializes in traditional Lyonnais cuisine and is famous for their prized ‘andouillette’ sausage in house sauce. Keep an eye out for exciting seasonal specials as well, like the gambas flambées au whisky (lobster flambéed in whisky).

Le Gravelier

Relax and enjoy a dreamy view of the Garonne from your table at this exceptional bistro. Le Gravelier serves a concise, fresh menu that is constantly changing to make the best use of whichever local ingredients are in season, served in three course meals that are pleasing to the eye and to the taste buds as well. Their carefully curated wine list is also kept brief to pair optimally with their menu, but the staff is extremely knowledgeable and will help you make an informed choice.
Le Gravelier, 114 Cours de Verdun, Bordeaux, France, +33 5 56 48 17 15

Verre o Vin

Bar, Restaurant, Pub Grub, French, Wine, Beer, Cocktails

The red brick wall, the French cave-like ambience, the candlelight, the wine, what’s not to love about Verre o Vin? This cozy wine bar is the perfect place to spark intimate conversations over a superb bottle of Bordeaux. The servers are experts in helping you choose the right wine for your tastes and mood, and will help you find the perfect pairing for any food you order off their excellent menu of French-style small plates. With sharable snacks like local charcuterie and honey roasted Camembert, copious salads, oysters, and sushi, Verre o Vin is ideal for a night out with friends, or for a more romantic evening.

L’Air de Famille

L’Air de Famille is Bordeaux to the bone: the moment you walk inside, the bold burgundy tablecloths and impressive display of local wine will leave no doubt of this restaurant’s rich regional roots. While the menu changes frequently here, keep an eye out for the popular rillettes de canard, any of their expertly prepared seafood specials, and an array of sumptuous desserts. Selections off a recent dessert menu include parfait glacé au caramel, crumble cacahuètes et coulis cacao (caramel ice cream parfait with crumbled peanuts and cocoa sauce) or compotée de fruits exotiques et émulsion Pina Colada (exotic fruit compote and Pina Colada emulsion).
L’Air de Famille, 15 Rue Albert Pitres, Bordeaux, France, +33 5 52 13 69

La Tupina

Restaurant, French, European

Named after the Basque word for ‘pot’, La Tupina offers the very best of slow-cooked regional cuisine. One of the finest establishments in Southwest France for decades, this restaurant will give you a proper taste of rustic French homestyle cooking: expect juicy, flavorful pulled meats, simmered to perfection so they fall right off the bone, and the best wines Bordeaux has to offer. Make sure to reserve a table in advance, as La Tupina’s reputation precedes it and seating can be scarce.

Garopapilles

If you’re looking for a dining experience that holds up to the highest culinary standards, Garopapilles is a must. From the inventive amuse bouche to the sommelier’s thoughtful wine pairings, meticulous attention to detail is clear in every plate’s presentation, and in the careful selection of their ingredients. Chef Tanguy’s innovative spirit shines through in a consistently bold menu, and any diners with dietary needs will find that this kitchen will confidently accommodate whatever you throw at them. This is the sort of French restaurant tourists fantasize about finding in their travels; if you come here for a special night of your own, you’re sure to have something to rave about back home.
Garopapilles, 62 Rue Abbé de l’Épée, Bordeaux, France, +33 9 72 45 55 36

Rest’O

For all vegans, vegetarians and gluten-free folks visiting Bordeaux, Rest’O is the place to visit. While many restaurants in the region focus on hearty meat dishes and grains that can pose a challenge to those with special dietary needs, this charming establishment has got you covered with a menu of lush, organic plant-based cuisine. Rest’O’s inspired dishes are prepared with an artful eye on each plate’s aesthetic, employing a wide variety of spices, bright pops of color, saucy swirls and sweet garnishes. The wine list stands up to the superb quality you’d expect in this town, and the staff is warm and welcoming.

Resto’O, 16 Quai de Bacalan, Bordeaux, France, + 33 9 52 36 71 38