Arces-Sur-Gironde
Le Cottage
Our “local” – chef Doug is Irish & his wife & front-of house Axelle is French (with an Irish accent). The food is modern, market-led, & using local suppliers where possible. The Guinness is cold, the welcome is warm and the food is excellent. Le Cottage has monthly music nights.
Talmont
La Promontoire Traditional French farmhouse-style interior, with matching food. New Year’s Eve festivities last from 9 till dawn with a 9 course menu, & family-orientated disco.
La Kaz
After a change of ownership and a makeover, some main course options including steaks and moules have been added to the galettes, crepes & ice-creams. They plan to stay open until 11pm from June to September.
Meschers
There are several fish restaurants & a pizzeria at the port, as well as another pizzeria in the high street.
Tina’s Café – Plages des Nonnes – legendary Tex-mex & music venue. Buffet style in high season, out of season Tina burgers & gambas are on the menu. Tina herself sings mostly jazz & blues, and there are frequent visiting musicians. Popular with groups of families, as children can be let loose on the beach while the grown-ups continue to eat, drink & be very merry.
Benny's Café - Tina's son Benjamin has opened a café opposite the Meschers' church. Chill out after the market with a laidback late breakfast or a coffee & cookie.
Les Vergnes – Plages des Vergnes (1st turning). Tapas, moules, brochettes, steaks, crepes & sunset views.
Royan & beyond
At Pontaillac Beach
La Jabotière – probably the best restaurant in the area, and has lovely views over the beach.It has a cheaper annexe – Le Petit Jab, and an outside terrasse at lunchtime.
O Sole Mio - Upmarket, fashionable, Italian – again with great views. Unusual pizzas & more expensive meat & fish dishes. Booking is essential for a sea view.
On the Corniche near the Novotel
Koud à Koud - Restaurant & late bar with a lounge ambience & occasional DJs, outside terrace, with streps down to the beach.
Nauzan
La Maison Blanche – with pool & terrace – another hip hangout.