Pays de la Loire, France

Simplicity and quality are the watchwords here. Seafood ingredients are treated with the utmost respect: appetising when presented on the plate, then nicely prepared by chef Antoine Le Moal. The starter of crab, prawn and lobster is fresh and well seasoned, the skate wing carefully cooked, and the rum baba adds the final flourish of deliciousness. The modern interior is elegant, and the friendly service comes with a smile.

Located in the Manoir de la Mortière, this bistro’s inviting decor mixes textured lime-washed walls, old beams, terracotta floor tiles and a period fireplace. The food smacks of heartwarming sincerity, thanks to carefully crafted comfort food: organic poached egg in red wine; free-range chicken à la basquaise; tournedos of beef cooked over embers with a béarnaise sauce and a warm cappuccino-flavoured soufflé to finish.

In the heart of the historical Doutre quarter, this restaurant hides behind an unremarkable façade. Inside, the small, modern space with exposed stone walls and wooden furnishings exudes an intimate atmosphere. In the open kitchen, chef Kévin Bougard, originally from the Sarthe area of France, embraces tradition, albeit with a slight twist. On the menu: delicate white asparagus velouté, lamb shank confit accompanied by spring vegetables. In the evening, the single set menu, comprising several courses, also draws on local produce and producers.

Anne de Bretagne

On the south bank of the Loire estuary, this imposing contemporary building overlooks the small port of Gravette. Talented chef Mathieu Guibert, a local lad from the Retz region and a farmer’s son, has forged solid ties, founded on respect, with producers from the region who are as passionate about what they do as he is. It is no surprise that seafood plays a star role here. Depending on the catch of the day, the menu might feature lightly cooked prawns, pommes soufflées (‘puffed potatoes’) and an infusion of green cardamon; risotto of haddock, langoustine carpaccio and parmesan emulsion; stuffed monkfish, mushrooms and celery with a beef and lobster jus… Slick, cheerful service by Claire Bâcle. What’s not to like?

This modern and colourful restaurant in the town centre is run by a young couple who have plenty of drive. They have created an evolving menu, never departing from the sacrosanct trio of freshness, tastiness and Vendée ingredients.

The luminous, high - ceilinged interior is decorated in the manner of a contemporary bistro. The same concept extends to the menu, without forgetting tradition and a distinct fondness for charcoal - fired preparations – rib of beef, steak, andouillette, tuna and sole, all of which are cooked directly in the dining room. Simple and generous.

This engaging roadside inn provides an opportunity to sample stripped-back, seasonal fare that relies on fresh ingredients of traditional and regional inspiration (duck foie gras with juniper berries, breast of roast guinea fowl in herbs, etc.). A small cottage garden supplies the kitchen with some veggies and herbs. Take a seat in the conservatory or in the garden, depending on the season.

Well-travelled young chef Samuel Duchêne aligns his cooking with the seasons. His short menu, which changes every month, showcases first and foremost local Pays de Retz farmers and artisans – fish, free-range eggs, sea salt. Beetroot marinated in cider, confit egg yolk, watercress coulis or fillet of sea bass, carrot, coconut emulsion, turmeric: hard work, audacity and flavour. The house-made bread is very good, too. Limited capacity, so it's best to book in advance.

A 30-year-old local culinary landmark, this delightful inn is graced by the cheerful personality of Tania Cudraz. Her hubbie, Michel, is a chef who knows his classics, as he executes a varied, individual repertory that is scattered with herbs from their kitchen garden and spices discovered on their numerous trips to distant lands, Asia in particular. Splendid wine bin. The enchanting terrace is set in the inner courtyard of this former post house.

A riverside location and ivy-clad façade set the charming rural scene for this Vendée inn overlooking the old stone bridge – ideal for a gourmet get-away! The chef works with top produce, aromatic herbs and subtle seasonings and each dish reveals the hallmark of his enthusiastic culinary quest. Make sure you save room for the desserts – to die for! A few attractive rooms overlooking the River Vendée are available.

Close to the famous motor racing track, Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans, this family-run restaurant is decorated with abstract patterns and uses crockery made by a local artist. It was established in 1962 by the current chef's parents, and holds the Sarthe region close to its heart. Bringing to bear solid technical skills, chef Xavier Souffront composes flavoursome dishes that are in tune with the times, without shunning tradition, and highlight ingredients from his beloved terroir. Don't miss the langoustine ravioli, one of the restaurant's classics. The fine wine list is sure to be a hit with wine lovers.

The sprawling terrace, which commands a superlative view of the fairytale Gacherie château, seems to float above the River Erdre. A peaceful, refreshing venue set in the heart of unspoiled countryside. Even better, the floor-to-ceiling windows of the dining room offer the same fantastic view when the weather is less suited to alfresco dining. The owner-chef, Walter Lescot, works only with ingredients he himself loves: Scandinavian gravlax of salmon, lemon cream; loin of cod, celery and chorizo risotto and a piquillos sauce. The tart of citrus fruit and lime sorbet is delicate, flavoursome and fruity – an ideal conclusion to your meal. With over 350 references, the wine cellar adds the final cherry to this appetising portrait.