Traditional restaurants in Bordeaux
Pauillac lamb, tricandille, entrecôte, lamprey à la bordelaise, foie gras... what would a visit to Bordeaux be without the pleasure of sampling the culinary specialities of the South West?
Whether you prefer the brasserie decor of yesteryear, dishes with traditional flavours or must-try specialities revisited by talented chefs, we've brought together the traditional restaurants of Bordeaux here.
Rustic setting and refined south-western cuisine at the restaurant La Tupina
An institution if ever there was one, La Tupina is a restaurant that stands out in the Bordeaux gastronomic landscape. And with good reason: founded in 1968 by Jean-Pierre Xiradakis, this country inn passionately upholds traditions and celebrates local produce from the South-West. Nestling on the corner of rue de la Porte de la Monnaie, its resolutely authentic inn decor and its fireplace with the cauldron in which the dishes are simmering are as appealing as ever. From lamprey, the legendary fish of Bordeaux cuisine, to foie gras with pears or sweetbreads with Lillet, Chef Franck Audu's cuisine remains faithful to tradition. Celebrated by prestigious critics, this emblematic address continues to shine in the firmament of Bordeaux's culinary scene.
La Tupina, 6 rue Porte de la Monnaie, Bordeaux
Brasserie Bordelaise, a restaurant not to be missed at any time of day
La Brasserie Bordelaise is the place to go for lovers of grilled meat and traditional local dishes. With a meticulous selection of the finest meats from the Florian Gazeau butchery, the restaurant offers a generous menu designed by chef Stéphane Perromat and executive chef Djordje Ercevic. The menu includes a beef cheek confit in wine. In a warm brasserie setting, diners gather around large tables to discover a simple yet lively atmosphere. Not content with being open every day, the restaurant also serves until late, perfect for a dinner after a show. And speaking of shows, it's not uncommon to bump into a celebrity. Some, like Guillaume Canet, Isabelle Huppert and Patrick Bruel, even have their names engraved on the chairs.
La Brasserie Bordelaise, 50 rue Saint-Rémi, Bordeaux
Intimate setting and shared cuisine at Gaūta
Tucked away in a little street just a stone's throw from Place Saint-Michel, Gaūta, which means "mouth" in Gascon, is the latest project to be opened by chef Vivien Durand and his cohorts. A den of "fine gueules", as they like to call it, this intimate address gives pride of place to cuisine from the South-West, Béarn and the Basque country. It offers a friendly and surprising experience, especially if you sit at the counter, where you can watch the ballet of the cooks pressing, seasoning and preparing the plates. Head chef Kevin offers signature dishes such as barbecued octopus with pilpil sauce, a Basque recipe, or Kokotxas. You can also try "vol au vent", a French dish not often found, or sweetbreads. And for larger groups, there's a room at the back with a large table d'hôtes.
Gaūta, 40 rue Traversanne, Bordeaux
The classic Chartrons bistro, Chez Dupont restaurant
Ideally located on the corner of the charming rue Notre-Dame and rue Cornac, this address with its sunny terrace all year round was for a long time the canteen of antique dealers. And with good reason: the Chartrons district was (and still is to some extent) their HQ. Run by the same couple since 1988, this bistro with its zinc counter serves fresh, authentic cuisine that's a cross between brasserie and gastronomy. You'll find the famous tricandilles from Les Halles, as well as their homemade mi-cuit foie gras. The calf sweetbreads are very often requested by the 'old-timers', and at the moment there is also a suckling lamb roasted with thyme. It's worth noting that their annexe across the street is open to groups on a private basis, and that as well as lunch and dinner, you can also spend the night at Chez Dupont, in their guest rooms.
Chez Dupont, restaurant et chambre d'hôtes, 45, rue Notre-Dame, Bordeaux
Chez Pompon, the Bordeaux haunt
Bordeaux locals love the atmosphere at aperitif time at Chez Pompon. Originally located on the corner of Place Tourny, this cheerful bistro has just taken over the quayside of Bordeaux. People come here for the warm, informal atmosphere (and easily festive on Thursday evenings) magically created by founder Anthony, accompanied by Victor Battut and rugby player Baptiste Serin. People come here for a coffee from 8am, lunch in the sunshine and an aperitif from Thursday to Saturday. Three dishes of the day to choose from, the chicken supreme on Thursdays, the recipe hasn't changed in 20 years. The organic mimosa eggs, the small roast beef tied up with bacon, the duck breast and the homemade mash are always a sensation.
Chez Pompon, 17 Quai Louis XVIII, Bordeaux
Brasserie Maillard: The new old-style brasserie
It's hard to miss this address near the Place de la Bourse. And with good reason, the fresco of flowers and the backlit sign catch the eye of shoppers. Here, you enter a modern brasserie with the flavours of yesteryear. With its globe lighting, banquettes and striped wallpaper, the restaurant takes the codes of the brasserie and twists them with colours like green and pink. On the plate, you'll find the classic mimosa eggs, onion soup, 7 o'clock lamb shoulder, grilled beef and duck breast. Special mention should be made of the rotisserie spit on which you can watch the suckling pig turn, as well as the cordon bleu, one of their flagship dishes.
Brasserie Maillard, 17 rue Saint-Rémi, Bordeaux
Stunning décor, history and refined cuisine at Le Chapon Fin
And we end this selection on a high note! Located in Bordeaux's golden triangle, the Chapon Fin, a true gastronomic institution, has continued to seduce the most demanding palates since its creation in 1825. Housed in volcanic rock vaults dating back to 1902, this three-star restaurant offers an unrivalled culinary experience in a listed rococo setting. In fact, it bears witness to the opulence of the Belle Époque. Under the direction of new chef Younesse Bouakkaoui since December 2023, Le Chapon Fin is now positioning itself in an even more upmarket sphere, while preserving its signature dishes such as sweetbreads and lobster. Its cellar, one of the most prestigious in Bordeaux, houses wine treasures including the famous bottle of Château Yquem 1928. Celebrating its 200th anniversary in 2025, Chapon Fin remains an undeniable pillar of Bordeaux gastronomy, brilliantly combining tradition and modernity.
Le Chapon fin, 5 rue Montesquieu, Bordeaux