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Recommended Local Restaurants

The Old Ivy Restaurant, Reminiac
The restaurant is just a two minute quiet walk from La Maison Crème, and a one minute from La Maison Violette. It's two minutes drive from Les Maisons Blanche, Bleue and Orange and ten minutes from Verte -photos below

It`s a traditional French auberge and a great place to eat. The menu changes all the time and includes everything from snails, to langoustines and steak to venison. All perfectly prepared and served in a fantastic friendly atmosphere. The owner (Julie) speaks English and you can call her to reserve a table in advance if you like on 00 33 2 97 93 27 87

The full menu is chalked up on a blackboard inside and outside and you choose a main, starter and pudding from the selection

If you'd rather just have a cool drink then why not have it on their newly installed outside terrace bar You can sit there and take it easy

The Bonnes Joues at Monterrein is a traditional French auberge set in the corner of the church square in Monterrein just 200m from La Maison Rouge. Everything about it is good from the interior decor to the warm welcome you`ll receive from the English speaking owners right through to the regional food they serve

As you can see from the pictures below the place has real charm, character and atmosphere. The menu starts at about twelve pounds for a three course `plat du jour` or you could treat yourself to one of the other menus (about 16 pounds a head for four courses) There`s a great selection of things to try including (should you be feeling brave) snail pie

At Monterrein head for the church and you`ll see the restaurant on the far side. There`s a green sign on the wall

If you`d like to book in advance (although it`s not usually necessary) ring 00 33 2 97 93 74 63 53 and ask for `Magali`. If she answers it's then no problem as she speaks fluent English and is very friendly

There is another restaurant in Monterrein called the D8 which does `workers` lunches only and it`s well worth a visit at lunchtime

The Megaliths Restaurant in Montenuef is about one km from Crème and Violet and three km from Bleue, Orange and Blanche. It`s a really nice place with a great selection of traditional food served up by the two sisters who own and run the restaurant. The menu is large and all of it's lovely. The whole feel of the place is friendly and welcoming, we recommend a visit

Little Italy restaurant in Guer is a pizza parlor. However, they also offer all types of Italian food as well as a traditional English roast on Sundays -I`ve no idea why. There`s a great takeaway menu and we definitely recommend the pizzas which are about eight Euros each for a ten inch

Also in Guer is Le Mewen which is a nice friendly restaurant with an extensive menu. They do everything from Plat de Jour, to pizzas to a full A La Carte menu

The town of Malestroit –12km away has lots of restaurants and cafe's. Whether you just want a drink and a snack sitting outside in the cobbled town centre overlooking the church or you want a full meal then Malestroit is a great place to go

Try the really nice Pizzeria in the square which has got a huge menu from ranging from pizzas to seafood and steaks. Alternatively check out one of the towns great auberges which are a must to try. The Mill au Poivre which a large `help yourself` starter buffet and a really warm friendly atmosphere. The Grain de Sel is really nice and offers a really nice choice. Try the frogs legs. Nip in to the Cantonier and work your way through the menu there. If you`d prefer to eat overlooking the canal then check out the terrace at Le Pont 9 restaurant

Don`t forget the Creperie Mael Trech. Have a seafood galette for the main course followed by a banana and melted chocolate crepe for pudding. There`s a big choice to be had !!

If you just want a takeaway then why not try the Vietnamese, the Moroccan or the takeaway pizza parlour. All are great

If you just want a takeaway then why not try the Vietnamese, the Moroccan or the takeaway pizza parlour. All are great

Just up the road from Malestroit is St Marcel where the Brittany Resistance Museum is located (see museum page in things to do). There`s a great auberge here on the corner of the square.

At lunch time you pay ten Euros then help yourself to as much as you can eat from the huge buffet (seafood, beef, fish, you name it and it`s probably there) and that`s just the starter ! Next comes a set main course, cheese and then a pudding.

There`s also a litre of wine included...all for the ten Euros

Drive on another ten minutes and you'll come to the village of Molac and `La Bonne Table` restaurant. All we can say is that it certainly lives up to its name. If you like seafood, you must try the platter for a starter. There is also plenty of more traditional Breton fare on the menu. You might like to sample a bit of local cheese and wine while you're there........

At Chapelle Caro you`ll find the Petit Keriquel. This small restaurant opposite the church has a great selection of half a dozen menus which start at 18 Euros. There is also an a la carte and children's menu -8 Euros. The choice is excellent, from fillet of sole to scallops, oysters, pheasant and rabbit. There`s loads of choice. The owner is a very good chef and makes use of mostly organic products on his menu. If you`d like something a bit different then this is definitely the place to go

L`Escale aux Saveurs at Ambon
This restaurant is fantastic and we try to visit as often as possible. It`s location in Ambon is perfect as it`s only ten minutes from the beach at Damgan -see `the beach` page. We tend to go to L`Escale on the way to the coast, have lunch then move onto the beach itself afterwards.

The restaurant itself is a traditional auberge but with a modern twist and the surroundings and ambiance are spot on. The decor has been really well done to feel cosy but bright and contemporary at the same time

The most important bit -the food- is second to none. The menus are extensive. You can opt for a set menu of three courses including wine for only 10 Euros a head where you choose from the cold buffet for starters -eat as much as you like. Then select from the choice of three main courses -one of which could be a wood fired pizzas. Finish up with a selection from the dessert tray and a pitcher of red or white wine or soft drink all included. We tend to opt for this choice and come away stuffed.......but if that's not enough............

Try the eighteen euro menu...snails, venison and all sorts of other choices. Then there`s the `a la carte` offering everything from the humble omlette right up to large seafood platters. The choice is huge and it's all fresh, there`s definitely something for everyone. Don`t forget the pizzas, they are second to none

To find it head for Damgan -the coast, South East of Vannes. Go from through Malestroit and Questembert. After a while you will come to Ambon: 3 miles from Damgan. Ambon is a small town and you`ll arrive at the top of the hill at a roundabout. Straight on is Damgan. To get to the Escale aux Saveurs turn right instead of going straight on and you`ll see it after about 100 yards on your right. If you arrive at midday or early in the evening then you wont need to book but if you prefer to you can call the owner -Fabrice, who speaks English on 02 97 41 11 67 and reserve a table. Believe me it`s well worth a visit, especially if you`re going to the seaside

Also at Ambon is Le Fournil, a really nice traditional creperie. There's dozens from the simple ham and cheese up to scallops and snails

Then for pudding why not try a sweet crepe.? We'd recommend the banana and melted chocolate with cointreau. Ok, it's a bit rich but you're on holiday !

You could go to La Roche Bernard and take one of the restaurant boats down the river Get an excellent meal and a boat trip all rolled into one

A five course dinner plus a four hour cruise is about 35 Euros. If not then maybe try the fantastic auberge in the town centre square. There`s plenty of other restaurants to choose from here as well

A trip to the nearby mediaeval town of Lizio -where the Insectarium is- will take you to The Leglaneur restaurant. This is a traditional Auberge with a great selection. Menus range from 8 Euros for a simple lunch right up to 25 Euros for the full works. Here`s a sample menu..

Kir maison, Gourmandise périgourdine du Glaneur et feuilleté de St Jacques, Côte de boeuf grillée à la cheminée, Grillade de porcelet à la cheminée, Garniture de légumes, Brie sur salade, Délice aux poires, Gâteau breton, Vin: Muscadet et Bordeaux

The Jardin des Saveurs at Ploermel is a really nice restaurant serving such things as snails, smoked duck, scallops and Crème brulee
If you just fancy a quick snack or a coffee then pop into the Cafe de La Tour Brasserie in the square

Also in Ploermel is the Retour de Peche. This restaurant is open every evening and Sunday lunchtime. You choose from a huge starter buffet -see below- packed full of everything you can imagine. Then you decide on your main course which is grilled over an open fire in front of you.

The options are 'meat' i.e steak, lamb, kebabs etc or a selection of various whole fish. Then it's back to a different buffet table to select your cheese course and onto another large buffet for the puddings. You can eat as much as you like and go back as often as you want. In fact they encourage you to do so. But beware you will come out stuffed !!!

If you're after something a bit less French you can always try the Vietnamese & Thai restaurants in Ploermel............ they are both very good

.....or the more 'American' Buffalo Grill does a great steak. Plus It's open seven days a week 11 am to 11 pm

Below La Grange aux Moines at St Gravé is a traditional auberge which specialises in fantastic home cooked food

Also in St Grave the
auberge: Chez Antoine

It's a really nice
restaurant that isn't expensive

Rochefort en terre is full of great restaurants and a really nice old town. You could go for the rather sophisticated Pelican restaurant in the centre

If you prefer something laid back then go to the Pont d`Arz, on the way into Rochefort. It`s great value and always really busy. Alternatively drive on to La Gacilly and check out the Pizza Rooms or you could always sample Le Gacilien and eat outside down near the river

The Pre Gallo overlooking the lake in Carrentoir is excellent and a favorite haunt of a few of our French friends -so it must be up to scratch ! Not only is the food really nice and the views across the lake fantastic but you can walk it all off afterwards with a gentle stroll around the lake shore in the sunshine

L'Oree de la Foret is a rather nice restaurant at Campeneac. There`s a good choice of set menus and also an a la carte which isn't to pricey

At Ruffiac you'll find Le Coup de Fourchette -see below photo- Try it for lunch, we recommend it and we go there ourselves. You pay 10.50€ for four courses. A pitcher of red wine is included and you get a great meal. Help yourself to the buffet- eat as much as you like, then choose from one of three main courses, have the cheese as well and then the pudding. Don't forget the coffee as it's all included ! There's also other menus at different prices and an 'a la carte' as well. If you want to you can sit outside and eat in the centre of the village opposite the church

Also at Ruffiac is a great pizza restaurant- La Grange. We've been there lots but each time I forget my camera, no photos yet, sorry. They are open every lunchtime and evening except Monday and Tuesday. Really nice surroundings and ambiance plus really nice pizzas as well !

If you`re at the coast then you really must visit the Bistro de la Mer at Penerf . It's very nice- have the mussels or the salad. There's also Le Pecher at Penerf. They are only a couple of hundred yards apart so you wander between them, check out the menus and see what you fancy !

Try the creperie just off the seafront at Damgan. In the summer you can sit outside and soak up the sun whilst you`re eating

When you`re at Auray -see local towns- visiting the beautiful old port then you`ll be rather overwhelmed by the choice of good restaurants all around the quay side. Just try any of them; we've sampled most and they've all been great. Lots of choice of well presented food at really good prices. - mussels and chips are about nine Euros. If you want something more simple you can opt for a simple omlette or just a club sandwich

Should you be in Rennes -less than 40 minutes drive- we recommend La Brasserie, just down the side street opposite Galerie Lafayette. It's a great little place with a fantastic menu and is what real France is all about- it's authentic !

Still hungry ? Try: Josselin -Hotel de France, Ploermel -La Table Rond, Neant Yvel -Bonne Table, Mauron -Le Brambily, Serent -La Taverne, Carrentoir -The Old Oak Caro -Les Bruyers, Lizio -Le Glaneur, Guer -Le Bistro

Slightly further afield La Creperie at Larmor Baden is a lovely restaurant and really place nice to sit outside in the the village square and eat

There are also the famous Breton crepes. Almost every town has a créperie or two and you can even buy them at the markets and on roadside stalls The créperie `Chez Marie` at Carnac is not to be missed. Visit La Riveraine at Malestroit as well. Failing that, just pick one up hot from a stall on market day or at a fete and eat it on the hoof

Buffet a Volonté.... You will often see this on the menu particularly at midday. It's normally offered as a starter and you need to go up and help yourself. You can return as often as you like but don't forget to leave room for the rest of the meal !

Did I mention the local specialty... seafood ? If you like eating fish, crab, lobster, mussels and oysters then you've come to the right place. Not only that, but as it's all locally caught and prepared it's inexpensive as well

Beer, cider and wine.............a few words

Brittany has many small breweries and you can visit some of them such as Lancelot in Le Roc St Andre. The `biere`( lager) is divided up into three main sections; black, brown and white (Noir, Bruin and Blanche). White is normally lager (i.e Stella or 1664) although it can sometimes be like some of the specialty white German frothy beers. Brown is the closest they have to bitter although it`s not exactly the same. Black tends to be more stout like but not as heavy. It does tend to be strong though and is traditionally brewed with various bits floating in it. On tap you will usually only get lager but bear in mind that if you do want it on tap as opposed to in a bottle you must specifically ask for it. Ask for `biere pression` (pronounced `be air press e on`) or 'un demi'

Cider is also a local rage with a lot of it about. It`s nearly always sold in jugs in restaurants and can be quite nice. It`s also very cheap

Wine is not really made much in Brittany but naturally there is an unending supply from elsewhere in France. Bottles start at about 80p and go up to about £7 normally. A good Bordeaux red will set you back about £2.50. Best bet is to try a few and see what you find

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