Restaurants and Bars

Bordeaux is a city in the southwest of France and, as such, a place where people spend a lot of time outside the whole year round. The historic city center of Bordeaux is packed with cafes, bars and restaurants where you can discover numerous different atmospheres and savor food from all over the world—not forgetting, of course, the marvelous French cuisine.

The Victoire quarter Bordeaux never rests, for the town is constantly full of all kinds of people: students who meet at the Plana or at the Bodegon on La Victoire square. For a drink or a night out with friends, stop by Down Under, an Antipodean bar.

The Saint Jean quarter It's nice to have drink or a snack in the small restaurants situated on the banks of the Garonne river (le Port de la Lune and Viandocks).

The Meriadeck quarter In this area you may meet football supporters who have taken up residence in the Nulle Part Ailleurs or the Cafe Populaire, two very fashionable cafes. Eventually, everyone meets up in the liveliest places that one can find in town: Bodega Bodega for tapas and the Adidas Cafe. Indulge yourself with a seafood restaurant: a. Thibeaud, le Bistrot de l'Embarcadère, le Cabane Cafe or with some traditional cuisine: la Cheminee Royale or Lou Magret. In this area of Bordeaux, the selection of food on offer is impressive. You will find numerous Chinese, Indian and Tex-Mex restaurants and a large variety of crêperies. This city boasts great cultural diversity and mixes, and consequently you will be able to taste and discover new cuisines. For great Indian, try le Taj Mahal, and for a delicious taste of China, visit l'Etoile d'Or.

As you can see, eating out in Bordeaux has only one drawback: the diversity is such that you will be faced with a Cornelian dilemma: how will you be able to choose between so many delights? Let yourself be guided by your desires and our advice, and it will be your turn to enjoy the warm welcomes offered by the restaurant owners.

If after dinner you have decided to go to the cinema or the theater, don''t go to bed before having a last drink or a good hot chocolate in one of the numerous cafes that can be found in Bordeaux. You will be welcome until late at night since, in Bordeaux, you will never find anyone who goes to bed early. At Chez Ducon or at Cafe Gourmand there will always be a table where you can enjoy a hot drink. If you are a coffee or tea fanatic go to Cafe Reno (be careful, it closes at 7p), and if you like to see and be seen, take a seat on the terrace of le Regent.

As far as bars are concerned, there are plenty of them. Think about the ones named above and favor the Meriadeck district and the banks of the Garonne river if you want a lively atmosphere. Most restaurants, bars and cafes are open midday and evening and even, many of them, on Sundays. At lunchtime, you will have no problem getting food because everything is organized for tourists, travelers and people passing through Bordeaux. Head for the Allees de Tourny and le Grand Theâtre if you want to sample fine Bordelaise (Bordeaux) cuisine. L'Entrecôte is a good place to try.

As you have probably gathered, the people of Bordeaux spend a lot of time outside. It's hard not to meet other people, make friends and even fall in love in Bordeaux's cafes, bars and restaurants. The citizens like being together and partying, and this city is perfectly suited for that.