The Pale - Irish Pub
Fancy a great pint of Kilkenney or Guiness served by friendly staff and perhaps sitting back and catching up with friends or what's happening in Sport. This is a great little pub situated on the rue Colbert which is one of Tours busy and popular streets for restaurants and bars.
Open: Daily from 2pm.
www.thepale.eu
Absolutely worth the drive - ancient Auberge
The Auberge XIIe siècle is opposite the Chateau de Balzac. This is a very popular restaurant so book ahead to enjoy fine french cuisine. No matter where you are staying in the Touraine you won't regret the drive deep into the countryside passing by a number of 'moulins'.
The menu is reasonable from €32pp. The 'Menu de Marche' promotes the best in season from nearby farms. However, it's all the extras, the "mise en bouche' that you are sure to enjoy. If taking children, lunchtime is more suitable and they will be warmly accommodated. Dinners are long and suited for couples and adult groups.
www.accueil.sache.free.fr
1 rue du Château, Saché t: 02 47 26 88 77.
Tours Rive Gauche
Newly opened in mid 2008. Fine food in a modern but relaxed environment. Complete contrast to its neighbour, the Musée de L’Hôtel Goüin, wonder around this Gothic building before a lunch perhaps?
www.toursrivegauche.com
23 rue du Commerce, Tours
Let the sommelier choose your wine at this bistro
Le P'tit Blanc is a great casual lunch bistro that is frequented by locals. There's no 'carte' instead you will be given a choice of daily specials and then your meal will be matched with a perfect wine. Allow 25 euros pp and that includes a glass or two! It is not glamorous but home style French cuisine and atmosphere.
rue Gaston Pailhou, Tours
Zafferano
Good Italian with some Opera sung by the Chef in his open plan kitchen. No pizza but expect excellent pasta and other classic Italian dishes. Good family restaurant as long as the kids are not expecting pizza.
7 Rue Grosse, Tours t: 02 47 38 90 77
Les Saveurs
Similar to a Parisian bistro, a little attitude but service is OK, meals are generally good quality although a little expensive for Tours. The chef focuses on traditional 'plats' and an OK wine list. Wealthy locals flock here for Friday lunch.
30 Place des Halles, Tours t : 02 47 37 03 13
Trois Marchand Cheverny
Review by Ally Wallace:
This is a 2 star hotel but a 3 star restaurant. The food is very good for the price. The 'maison fois gras' in the 'Salade Gourmande' was some of the best I sampled. Perfect temperature. Oysters were also fresh, cold and accompanied with the traditional vingarette. Meals were tradition, I just don't understand all the unnecessary and often tasteless trimming offered in French restaurants, like the ubiquitous stuffed tomato. The quality of the beef and fish dishes were however excellent.
3 courses from 35 or 55 euros or from the 'carte'. Childrens' menu 8.50. Another good bistro for traditional Touraine cuisine is "Le Pichet' opposite the Chateau Chiverny.
www.hoteldes3marchands.com
Route Nationale
Bigot Amboise
A tradition of quality and love in everything they do. Don’t leave town without sampling one of their pâtisseries or hand-made chocolates with some very fine hot chocolate. A cosy tea room in the back section of the shop.
www.bigot-amboise.com
Place Michel Débré, Amboise