Best Eats in Nantes

After spending a few weeks here, I’ve had a chance to try several different options from Nantes’ vibrant food scene. Nantes has a plethora of options when it comes to food, something I really wasn’t expecting. There is genuinely something for everyone, and food allergies or specific diets do not pose a problem to getting your grub on. The downtown is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, from Turkish, Japanese, Moroccan, Greek, Spanish, Vietnamese, and more. You can really eat your way around the world without ever leaving Nantes. 

La Viennoise

La Viennoise is an IES Abroad Nantes favorite, due to its proximity to the IES Abroad Center and its reasonable prices. It’s about a two minute walk from the center, making it probably the most convenient option for lunch if you have classes there. It’s a bakery that sells sandwiches, pastries, and of course, bread. Their paninis are delicious, and the array of pastries would make anyone’s mouth water. Their prices are super reasonable, they even have a lunch deal for students to get a sandwich, a drink, and a pastry for under 10 dollars. Some people like buying their own ingredients to make sandwiches, and heading to La Viennoise to buy a fresh baguette everyday before taking it back to the center and chefing up something in the kitchen. 

Macatia Sandwicherie

A great place for a sandwich filled with chopped beef, cheese and fries (all in one big bun). Fast, cheap, and super convenient. The guy at the counter just takes your order and calls it out to the people working the grills in the back, and in a few minutes, you have your food! A big plus is that he’s always smiling and super nice. In the middle of a rainy Nantes winter, you need a smile and a hot sandwich filled with beef that reminds you of home (I ordered the “Grand Américain). Good food, good service. Highly recommend it. 

My Gyoza

An Asian restaurant probably isn’t what you’re expecting when you get to Nantes, but there’s a surprising amount of variety in the types of restaurants just in the centre-ville. My Gyoza serves up bowls, soups, and of course, just straight gyoza. I chose the curry pork gyozas to go in my rice bowl with soybeans, carrots, cream cheese and Kyoto Sauce. It was absolutely delicious. That was the basic combination, and it was a perfect dinner option for only €11.50. You can add more gyozas if the mood strikes you, or a pickled egg. Asian street fare at a good price, and centrally located. What more could you ask for?

Soon Café

Soon Café is a great place to get a coffee, a hot chocolate, or any other drink to warm you up while you take in the Place du Commerce (or, as the natives say, Commerce). Outdoor seating is plentiful, and you’ll see that the French will sit outside no matter how cold it gets. They love to have their coffee outside and chat in the square where it’s sunny. Commerce is always bustling, so it is a fantastic place to sit and people watch. 

Le Petit Crebillon

La Petite Crebillon is further down Commerce, a few steps from the Commerce tram stop, making it a great place to grab a bite to eat if you’re on the way somewhere. It is a kebab and fry place, serving up tasty meat in nice doughy buns. They have an array of sauces we don’t see in the U.S., so it’s a great place to find a new favorite for your kebab or fries. My personal favorite is The Berliner sandwich, with a side of Sauce Algerienne for my fries. Hits the spot and prices are reasonable. 

Le Kashmir

Le Kashmir is a sit-down Indian restaurant right near downtown Nantes, about 10 minutes from the IES Abroad center. It is definitely more expensive, but if you have a little extra to splurge on a Friday night meal with friends, the food is amazing and the service is great. They have all the classic Indian dishes, but be warned: it will not be anywhere near as spicy as you are used to. Still very tasty, but if you’re looking for spice, try and ask them to up the spice levels on your dish. The Cheese Naan is absolutely delicious. 

Loco Loca

A hybrid bar/tapas restaurant, Loco Loca can be found just a few minutes from the IES Abroad Nantes Center on the Quai de la Fosse. It’s pretty expensive but there’s a 15% discount for students! It has all the classic tapas offerings as well as some vegetarian options. For a nice sit-down tapas experience with friends it’s definitely the place to go, but don’t expect it to be a full meal. 

Le Bistrot du Port

Le Bistrot du Port has an unmatched atmosphere. It’s not technically in Nantes, but across the Loire River in the old fishing town of Trentemoult. Trentemoult is a must see, and so when you hop over the river on the Navibus (included in your monthly transit pass, also free on the weekends) you should bring a healthy appetite. Visible from the dock, it is a hybrid Tabac / Restaurant, which threw me off at first. The Tabac sign outside gave me the impression that they sold magazines, cigarettes, and candy only. Once you enter, however, you realize that only the front part is a Tabac. The rest of the space is decorated with vintage fishing equipment, pictures of former townspeople, and even a torpedo. “Le Nantais” remains the best burger I’ve had in France to date, and the potatoes on the side were cooked to a perfect golden brown, with crunchy, salty skin. Prices are reasonable considering it's a sit down restaurant, and the ambience, especially on a cold, rainy day is comforting and warm. 

Resto Universitaire

The Restaurant Universitaire, or University Restaurant, is not necessarily the best fare in Nantes, but it certainly is the cheapest. With your student ID for Nantes Université (issued to every IES Abroad student) you can take advantage of amazing price reductions. It is, however, cafeteria food. And if you’re wondering, no, cafeteria food is not better in France. There are actually several restaurants on campus, but the one I go to is right next to the Facultés tram station. There are cold options, but I go for a nice taco (we would call it a burrito) with either chicken and curry or ham and cheese. When they’re out of tacos, I get a Croque Monsieur which isn’t half bad. The best thing about the University Restaurant is the price, and the wonderful workers working the cash register. You can get a sandwich (including tacos and Croque Monsieur) with fries for around $4.20 with your university ID, and adding a fruit doesn’t even take it above $5. If you’re looking for something cheap and you’ve got time to wait in line (or you’re eating early, say 11:00 A.M.) this is the place for you. 

This is just a taste of all the restaurants Nantes has to offer, and I’m looking forward to trying more. Exploring the range of options available in Nantes has made me and my stomach both very happy, and I hope you can benefit from these recommendations to get the perfect meal for you!