Much though not all of the current-day Loire Atlantique department was historically part of Brittany. So don’t be surprised to find many Loire coast restaurants offering those traditional Breton favourites cider and crêpes. But Loire coast restaurants have lots more too offer too; seafood is obviously an important part of the cuisine of this coastal area. There are also some wonderful traditional brasseries as well as some seriously upmarket places to eat with the Michelin stars to show for it. Here are a few selections …

Les Sablons
6-7 boulevard René Dubois
44500 La Baule Escoublac
Tel: +33 2 40 11 36 11

Crêpes and seafood near the seafront at La Baule…..sea views, good service and great food.

Auberge de Bréca
352 village de Bréca
44410 Saint Lyphard
Tel: +33 2 40 91 41 42

This atmospheric restaurant is set in the middle of La Grande Brière national park. The menu includes eels, while the children’s menu features poached salmon and quails’ eggs as well as pasta. Dinner menus for around €30.

Anne De Bretagne
Port de la Gravette
44770 La Plaine Sur Mer
Tel: +33 2 40 21 54 72

This two Michelin star restaurant just west of Pornic, has inventive modern cuisine and a superb wine cellar. Perfect for special occasions. Menus start at €38.

Poissonerie le Môle
30 rue de la Marine
44210 Pornic
Tel: +33 2 40 21 04 86

Said by many to be the best seafood restaurant in Pornic, though it also caters for those who are not into seafood. Lunch from €21 and dinner from €29.

Restaurant Le Poictov
43 rue de Nantes 44320
Arthon en retz
Tel: + 33 2 40 64 65 29

Refined French cooking with fresh ingredients. Weekday lunch menus from €10.50, dinner from €42.

L’Amaretto
52 boulevard des Oceanides,
44380 Pornichet
Tel: + 33 2 40 42 77 62

Close to sea, shady terrace, great pizzas and Italian cuisine. Lunch menu from €12

La Cigale
4 Place Graslin,
44000 Nantes
Tel: +33 2 51 84 94 94

Striking late 19th century Art Nouveau brasserie that’s worth a look even if just for an afternoon coffee, breakfast or brunch.

Restaurant de la Vallée
1 rue de la Vallée 44190 Clisson
Tel: +33 2 40 54 36 23

Stunning riverside location with great views; its varied menu is also highly rated too.