Bordeaux, known as one of the world’s top wine capitals, is equally full of culinary gems. Whether you’re a foodie or just starving after a day of exploring, choosing the right place to eat can feel overwhelming with endless incredible options at every corner, it can be difficult to know which ones are truly worth the visit.
Does this sound like something you can relate to? Standing in the heart of Bordeaux, hungry, but unable to decide where to go? If so, you’ve come to the right place! It’s a common struggle for visitors trying to pick from the sea of restaurants. But don’t worry—I’ve got the perfect list to help you.
I have family who lives in Bordeaux, so I’ve had the chance to visit this city often and taste my way through the food scene. Each trip has introduced me to new go-to favorites, and now I’m sharing my personal picks for where to eat in Bordeaux. Whether you’re craving a quick snack, a leisurely drink, or a full-course meal, this list has something for every appetite.
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Best places to eat in Bordeaux
The rooftop bar experience: Mama Shelter’s
📍 Address: 19 Rue Poquelin Molière, 33000 Bordeaux
Mama Shelter is a stylish hotel chain found across France and Europe, but their Bordeaux location stands out – I particularly enjoyed its stunning rooftop bar. Offering panoramic views of the city, it’s the perfect spot to sip a glass of Bordeaux red wine or one of their delicious cocktails. And if you’re hungry, their restaurant downstairs also has a fantastic menu. A rooftop drink with a view is a must-do when visiting Bordeaux!
✨ Love a drink with a view? I also highly recommend visiting the Cite du Vin, Bordeaux’s wine museum! A wine tasting is included with your ticket, and you can enjoy it with a panoramic view of Bordeaux. There’s also a fabulous restaurant at the top as well!
A popular dinner destination: l’Entrecôte
📍 Address: 4 Cr du 30 Juillet, 33000 Bordeaux
For a truly iconic Bordeaux dining experience at one of the go-to restaurants of the moment, head to L’Entrecôte—a no-reservations restaurant known for its signature dish: steak frites served with a secret sauce. However, it is also one of the most difficult places to get in due to their no-reservations policy. Be prepared to queue for up to an hour, as it’s extremely popular with both locals and tourists.
But don’t worry if you’re in line, they tend to rotate tables very efficiently by having regular seating windows. When we went, we noticed that they sat between 10-20 tables at one time. But either way, be prepared to wait!
Their concept is pretty unique – they only serve one meal; every customer is essentially eating the same thing. And the quality is amazing (hence the incredibly long line). Its worth the wait – you can find their menu here!
✨ Pair this with a visit to the Bordeaux Opera House. You can go inside for FREE on certain days and at certain times – I’d advise checking the Bordeaux Tourism Website for updated hours when you visit.
A fresh Sunday market: Marché des Capucins
📍 Address: Pl. des Capucins, 33800 Bordeaux
Love local markets? Then don’t miss the Marché des Capucins—one of Bordeaux’s best. It is so lovely to head out on the weekend, tote bag in hand, ready to browse through some local vendors and produce. From fresh herbs to homemade pasta, the market has everything you could ever need. Spend your Sunday morning browsing the stalls and stock up on regional specialties to enjoy later.
The best canelés: La Toque Cuivré
📍 Address: 5 Rue Sainte-Catherine, 33000 Bordeaux
Bordeaux is famous for its the regional speciality, the canelé, small rum-and-vanilla pastries with a caramelized crust. While many tourists visit to Baillardran, a chain that can be found across France, locals swear by La Toque Cuivrée for authentic canelés at a better price. You’ll find their shops all over Bordeaux, but one of our go-to stops is on Rue Sainte-Catherine!
✨ Combine this with a visit to Rue Sainte-Catherine! This famous shopping street in Bordeaux is one of the go-to spots for locals and tourists alike. The street stretches 1.2 km in length and is filled with shops, cafes and restaurants.
A delicious dinner: Berthus
📍 Address: 15 Rue des Bahutiers 33000 Bordeaux
If you’re after fine dining at a reasonable price, Berthus is a hidden gem thats become a new favourite of ours. This cozy restaurant offers a prix fixe menu that was equally as delicious as it was creative. Upstairs, you’ll find a charming dining room where you can enjoy tasty dishes with excellent service. It’s a fantastic option and definitely worth the visit.
✨ Take a tour of the Old Town while you’re there! Like Berthus, and the next few restaurants on this list, there are a lot of restaurants in the Old Town. To get the most out of your visit, take a guided tour to learn about Bordeaux’s unique and beautiful history!
A HUGE selection of ice cream: Maison du Glacier
📍 Address: 1 Pl. Saint-Pierre, 33000 Bordeaux
For ice cream lovers, Maison du Glacier is a must-visit. With nearly 100 unique flavors, from beer to macaron to kiwi, this shop offers some of the most creative ice cream options in Bordeaux. And the best part is that they manage to capture the flavours perfectly! It really does taste the same! I highly recommend checking it out. Also, be adventurous! Be adventurous and try a new flavour while enjoying the charming surroundings of Place Saint-Pierre.
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Some amazing cocktails: La Comtesse
📍 Address: 25 Rue Parlement Saint-Pierre, 33000 Bordeaux
Looking for an eclectic bar with creative cocktails? La Comtesse is your spot. Located in the heart of Bordeaux’s lively restaurant district, this bar features vintage, antique decor and serves up original cocktails tailored to your tastes. From old Victorian sofas to refurbished cinema seats, its a really quirky place to grab a drink with friends and enjoy the atmosphere.
✨ Take a 5-minute detour to the Mirroir d’eau and the Garonne River! Only a short walk away from the bar is Bordeaux’s most iconic landmark – the Mirroir d’Eau. While you’re there, take a cruise of the Garonne River, its an especially fun thing to do in the warmer months!
A unique experience: Café Utopia
📍 Address: 5 Pl. Camille Jullian, 33000 Bordeaux
Once a church, Café Utopia now serves as a cinema and cafe, making it one of the most unique places to visit in Bordeaux. Even if you don’t catch a film (most are in French), stop by the cafe for a coffee in this one-of-a-kind setting. It is a really interesting and peaceful place, right in the heart of Bordeaux so why not check it out?
Some tasty cookies: Be my cookie
📍 Address: 55 Rue des Remparts, 33000 Bordeaux
On each visit to Bordeaux, I spend some time researching new and interesting places I wanted to check out and on my most recent visit, I stumbled across Be My Cookie. If you have a sweet tooth like me, you have to visit. Its a gourmet cookie bar with ethically sourced, organic ingredients that offers a variety of delicious flavours. And they don’t skimp on the portion sizes either. So if you’re ever out and about in Bordeaux and craving something sweet, I’d recommend stopping by!
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✨ Pop by Cathedral Saint Andre while you’re there. Only a 3-minute walk away is one of Bordeaux’s cathedrals – you’ve probably already seen their tall steeples popping above Bordeaux’s skyline.
Tapas from Pays Basque: TOPA Comptoir Basque
📍 Address: 7 Rue du Palais de l’Ombrière, 33000 Bordeaux
Not sure what Pays Basque is? It is an unofficial region in France south of Bordeaux on the Spanish border nestled in the Pyrenees Mountains. It is a beautiful, unique area of France I recommend checking it out at some point. In Basque Country, they have their own language, culture, traditions and food! The Basque culture is like a mix of French and Spanish cultures with their own little flare of independence.
Experience a taste of the Basque Country in the centre of Bordeaux at TOPA Comptoir Basque. Known for its traditional Basque dishes, this restaurant offers tapas and a relaxing terrace, it also sells many local products from the Basque region. Don’t miss their Gateau Basque, a traditional dessert you’ll love!
Where to eat in Bordeaux: MOBILE-FRIENDLY GUIDE
Looking for a mobile-friendly version of this list? Check out my frequently updated FREE Thatch guide!
🔎 Want expert help while planning your trip to France? I’ve helped several travelers, just like you, craft their dream trip to France. One client said, “We let Caity know the types of activities we were interested in and she delivered! This was my first time using a pre-planned itinerary, and it was such peace of mind having everything already done for us.” Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or as a couple, I’d love to help you make the most of your trip. Click HIRE ME to learn more about my travel planning services!
Tips for visiting Bordeaux
🚙 Do not drive in the city. Bordeaux is becoming increasingly pedestrian-friendly, with a strong push toward using public transport. If you’re staying in the city, the tram system is convenient and efficient, allowing you to explore without worrying about parking or traffic. If you’re travelling with a group or a lot of luggage you can also pre-book a taxi using Kiwitaxi – its great to have the peace of mind knowing your transportation is already paid for and sorted before you arrive!
🏨 Where to stay in Bordeaux. Finding the right accommodation can be a challenge, so I’ve curated a list of 5 top hotels and places to stay in Bordeaux. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly options, luxury stays, or something in between, you’ll find a variety of choices based on price, location, and amenities. Find my recommendations here! If you need more choices, remember to look for something in the downtown, ideally near a tram stop to help you get around the city easily!
🍷 Don’t miss a visit into the wine country! Without a doubt this is my top recommended activity when visiting Bordeaux! Exploring the vineyards is a must-do when in Bordeaux! While the city’s Cité du Vin wine museum is a great introduction to global wine culture, nothing beats an authentic day trip to the Bordeaux wine regions, exploring the vineyards to taste some of the best wines in the world.
READ MORE: Best Bordeaux Wine Day Trip Guide
Feeling hungry yet?
If you’re looking for even MORE dining options in Bordeaux (because I have plenty of more suggestions), I’ve got you covered! My FREE guide on Thatch is regularly updated with the latest places to eat, including hidden gems and local favorites that I discover with every visit.
The guide also comes with an interactive map, which is perfect to have at your side while navigating the city. Whether you’re seeking a cozy café, a rooftop bar, or the best spot for a Bordeaux specialty, this guide is designed to help you make the most of your time here.
Why grab the guide? Because I continuously update it after each trip, so you’ll always have the most current, firsthand recommendations. Plus, having the map right at your fingertips makes it easier to find the perfect spot, no matter where you are in the city. So save FREE the guide to have my most recent suggestions of Bordeaux’s top restaurants and must-visit spots!
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