Of course there is great wine from Saint Emilion and this is likely why you are visiting, to see some of the chateaux and go wine tasting! Did you know Saint Emilion also has some great restaurants, some of the best in the SW? So where to eat when you go to Saint Emilion and have a tight schedule full of wine tastings? Here are some of my favorite restaurants you can dine at if you are doing lots of chateaux visits…and all are around 50 EURO pp or less for lunch! These have been chosen for their relatively efficient service and proximity to town, all can be reached by foot and you can be done in about an hour and a half. Do be sure to advice all restaurants of any food allergies or aversions at time of booking and be sure to cancel any bookings at least 48 hours in advance. Some restaurants will require a card when you make your reservation, this has become standard practice for many high end / Michelin restaurants. This list is not exhaustive.
Where to Eat in the village of Saint Emillion?
L’huitrier Pie is still one of my favorites and has a beautiful dinning room and outdoor patio. The chef couple, Camille and Soufiane, make some incredible plates with hints of molecular, seasonal produce, and stunning plates. The lunch menu is a good value, starting at 49 EURO. Take the first seating if you are wine touring and remind them you have a visit when you are seated. You can read more here Chefs – Camille of L’Huitrier Pie in Saint Emilion – Aquitaine Travel Guide and their website L’Huitrier Pie – Restaurant à Saint-Émilion [OFFICIEL] (lhuitrier-pie.com) / l’Huitrier Pie is closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Reservations required / 11 r PRTE Bouqueyre, 33330 Saint Emilion / +33 5 57 24 69 71
Le Tertre is a chef owned restaurant on one of the most charming (abet a rather steep) street in Saint Emilion. The couple, Catherine et Julien ELLES, have created a charming dining room with a unique setting in their wine cave for the wine lovers. Gracious service and beautifully crafted plates in the ‘locavore’ style, with three courses at 48 EURO for lunch. Take the first seating if you are wine touring and remind them you have a visit when you are seated. / Accueil – Restaurant Le Tertre à Saint Emilion / Closed Wednesday and Thursday, reservations required / 5 rue du Tertre de la Tente, 33330 Saint Emilion / +33 5 57 74 46 33
L’Envers du Decor is owned by Chateau Pavie and is the causal sister restaurant to two star Michelin ‘La Table de Pavie‘ which is also in Saint Emilion ( La Table de Pavis is amazing but will take at least three hours of your day so book accordingly). L’Envers du Decor has the classic French bistro style and some great seasonal menus. Of course the wine list is excellent as well. Located near the tourism office, service is relatively fast/efficient. / Restaurant Saint-Émilion | l’Envers du Décor | Au cœur du village L’Envers du Décor | Restaurant Saint-Émilion (envers-dudecor.com) / Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended / 9, rue du Clocher 33330 Saint-Émilion
O 3 Fontaines is a more casual option with plenty of variety, with outdoor (patio) and indoor dining. This is a good option as well if you are short on time and do not need a three course meal as they are ‘a la carte’. Casual and more kid friendly options, dine inside for the low seats/tables if you come with children as outdoor patio tends to have bar stools. Restaurant O 3 Fontaines : restaurant-o3-fontaines.fr / Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended, can book on The Fork / 19 Rue De La Porte Bouqueyre, 33330 Saint-Emilion / +33 9 81 85 76 04
Chai Pascal is another good, casual restaurant with seasonal menus and a great daily menu – also offer menus in English. I had a nice piece of braised lamb and a cafe gourmand for dessert. Service is efficient. Book in advance. chaipascal.fr / Open for lunch and dinner daily / 37 rue Guadet, 33330 Saint-Emilion /
Need more ideas or want restaurants located outside of town? Interested in a food tour of Saint Emilion? Email me aquitaineguide@gmail.com
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