5 Best Restaurants in Bordeaux and the Wine Country, France

Dine smack dab in Blaye's historic center in the 17th-century citadel's officer's mess hall, where a warm welcome and a pleasantly unpretentious setting await you. A tantalizing menu of French classic dishes made with whatever is fresh and in season includes favorites like housemade foie gras, copious salads, entrecôte de boeuf with crispy fries, and an ample wine list featuring the local favorites. Three-course prix-fixe menus at lunch and dinner, including wine, are some of the best deals in town.

A local favorite (the town pool club meets here), this casual café-brasserie's friendly, laid-back atmosphere belies a more sophisticated fare that includes a good selection of salads, local specialties, grilled meats and frites, and a copious fresh seafood plate all served with the local wines. The two or three-course prix-fixe lunch menus are a true bargain. Live music on weekends makes it one of the town's few lively night spots.

Set at the foot of the ramparts, this family restaurant draws a loyal crowd that comes for the friendly atmosphere, tried-and-true French food, and impressive quality-to-price ratio. Hearty dishes like steak-frites and confit de canard, along with a good choice of fresh salads, suit just about any appetite.

A laid back atmosphere prevails in this tapas-bar-cum-art-gallery, where locals gather to share small dishes or more conventional fare—cheeseburgers, steaks, and enormous salads—over a bottle of Côtes de Bourg. Evening wine tastings feature local vitners and can be a lot of fun. The terrace is a great place to take advantage of Blaye's abundant sunshine.

For a quick and tasty bite, this quaint Italian eatery with outdoor seating specializes in a range of well-priced pizzas, salads, and simple pasta dishes, some featuring fresh seafood. A warm welcome, attentive service, and its location minutes from the port and castle entrance make this an attractive choice.