Le Havre’s culinary scene is broad and popular, with a varied choice to suit all tastes. Irrigated both by imports from the port and by the rich agricultural production of the surrounding countryside, our hometown of Le Havre is a great place to eat. As the culinary experience is an integral part of the journey and the discovery of the destination, let yourself be surprised by its gourmet halls and their food shops, its roasters, its tea rooms and its fine restaurants!
In this article, discover our selection of the best restaurants in Le Havre, which combine characterful gastronomy with traditional craftsmanship. Find out more about our experiences with all our advice in pictures.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Best restaurants in Le Havre: our 2 favourites
In this article, you’ll find detailed reviews of each of our selected establishments. But we couldn’t resist sharing our favorite restaurants with you right now:
- Restaurant Calice et Mandibule: Claire and Manu’s canteen, with a menu that blends local Normandy produce with Senegalese and Moroccan flavours.
- Restaurant Jean-Luc Tartarin: Michelin-starred gourmet cuisine with precision and mastery
WHERE TO STAY IN Le Havre
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
On the waterfront:
Hilton Hotel with its modern decor and balconies – see prices, photos and availability.
Downtown, in the heart of Perret architecture:
Hôtel Pasino, for ultra-spacious rooms – See prices, photos and availability
Hotel Vent d’Ouest, a charming place to stay – See prices, photos and availability
Best starred gourmet restaurant in Le Havre
1. Restaurant Jean-Luc Tartarin (1 star)
In our eyes, Restaurant Jean-Luc Tartarin epitomizes French excellence with its masterful precision cuisine. The establishment’s cosy, neutral beige surroundings intensify the refinement of the dishes. Formerly awarded 2 Michelin stars, the restaurant now boasts 1. The service is performed in an academic manner, following a precise protocol to offer us a gastronomic moment of choice.
The chef offers us a menu that sublimates seafood products, revisiting the terroir of his native region and subtly combining it with the modernism of Le Havre. Among the dishes, we enjoyed Red mullet confit in olive oil and Turbot wrapped in bacon with colombo oil, accompanied respectively by steamed peas with pistachio and white asparagus. For dessert, a crunchy herb, red berry and rhubarb dish delighted our taste buds and rounded off a delicious meal. The wine list also contained some fine references, with a wide selection of ciders and calvados to match our dishes.
Practical information:
- District: downtown (Square Saint-Roch), 10min walk fromÉglise Saint-Joseph
- Restaurant type: Michelin-starred gourmet (1 star)
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: no
- Price range: lunch menu €55 per person (excluding drinks), tasting menu €149 (excluding drinks)
- Normandy specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- We advise you to book online here
Best bistronomic restaurants in Le Havre
2. Restaurant Le Margote
Contemporary cuisine set to music by chef Gauthier Teissère and his wife Marguerite Chalon, Restaurant Le Margote is one of our favorite restaurants in Le Havre, facing the Bassin du Roi.. The dishes are creative and generous, created by a chef who loves Normandy produce. This charming duo, with a perfect balance between the kitchen and the dining room, puts the spotlight on Normandy’s terroir. We also appreciate their ethical approach, using local products and responsible fish and meat..
Awarded a Bib gourmand, Restaurant Le Margote won us over for its fine, clever and creative culinary style. The combination of flavours and textures is sometimes surprising, and that’s what we loved about the many times we dined there! The menu evolves with the seasons.
Let yourself be tempted by langoustine accompanied by leeks with turmeric and Ribo milk, pig’s cheek with candied peppers and a lightly tomatized jus, or eggplant caviar with roasted feta, hazelnuts and yuzu mousse. Note that our à la carte wines are a perfect match for these delicacies!
The design of the interior room is elegant and warm, and we also love the bright terrace. In this friendly atmosphere, you’re sure to feel right at home.
Practical information:
- District: downtown, 10min walk from the Catène des conteneurs andPasino Hotel
- Restaurant type: bistronomic (Bib gourmand Michelin)
- Capacity: approx. 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: lunch menu 34€ per person (drinks not included), 3-course menu 41€ (drinks not included), 4-course menu 52€ (drinks not included)
- Normandy specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- Reservations recommended here
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Normandy
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
3. Restaurant Le Bouche à oreille
Located on a quiet street in Le Havre, stop in front of the Restaurant Le Bouche à oreille. We were pleasantly surprised that this sober glass façade concealed a table of great value. A renowned establishment in the Cité Océane, we enjoyed a sophisticated culinary experience orchestrated by chef Alexandre Durel. He offered us gentle, finely-executed market cuisine. We appreciated the elegant setting, which exuded a kind of serenity, creating a gentle ambience. The staff gave us a warm welcome and we felt very comfortable. Renowned for its professionalism and efficiency, our team will be happy to advise you. It’s also a pleasant, quiet spot for a family meal.
The menu is short, ensuring the freshness of the dishes cooked. It goes without saying that all starters, main courses, desserts and bread are homemade. Living up to its name, our perfect egg and parsnip mousseline with cardamom, parmesan cream and tuile was truly… Perfect! For the main course, we succumbed to the Pluma de porc, a tender and exceptional piece of pork, with its oregano gravy. The quinoa and Brussels sprouts brought a touch of color to the plate and softened the flavors of the dish. The pan-fried scallops and their pumpkin mousseline with glazed turnips are also worth a detour!
Tasty dishes, fine wines, a welcoming team and elegant decor: that’s the recipe for this fine Le Havre address. The ingredients of a sure bet!
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: near the waterfront, in an alley parallel to Avenue Foch, 10-minute walk from Appartement Témoin Perret
- Restaurant type: bistronomic (Bib gourmand Michelin)
- Capacity: approx. 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: menus from €32 to €46 per person (excluding beverages), lunchtime menu at €25 (excluding beverages)
- Normandy specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: yes
- Reservations recommended by telephone on +33 (0) 2 35 45 44 60
4. Restaurant La Tablée
Located in the old rue de la soif, 2 steps from the beach in Le Havre, Restaurant La Tablée welcomed us in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Chef Jonathan Crayon shared his passion and love of local produce with us. Whether you’re simply curious or a lover of good food, this table showcases the products of regional artisans and producers with taste and precision. During the meal, we even had the pleasure of chatting with the chef at our table, who shared some of his cooking tips with us.
The fusion of sweet and savoury flavours intrigued us. The pace of service was just right, with dishes served in measured time. Like us, you’ll appreciate the fresh, tasty cuisine, awarded a Bib gourmand by the Michelin Guide in 2023. After tasty appetizers to awaken our taste buds, we opened the meal with pearly langoustines with parsnip cream, followed by white fish with crispy gnocchi, all accompanied by an excellent red Sancerre recommended by the sommelier. The icing on the cake, our dessert concluded this delicious moment in style with a beautiful spiced poached pear with Earl Grey jelly and chocolate sorbet.
Treat yourself to one of Normandy’ s succulent cheeses if you see the appetizing wooden cheese cart passing by your table!
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: near the waterfront, 5min walk to Le Havre Beach
- Type of restaurant: bistronomic
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: no
- Price range: between €30 and €50 per person (excluding drinks)
- Normandy specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: yes
- Reservations recommended online here or by telephone on +33 (0) 2 76 25 86 66
5. Beef and Wine Restaurant (open Sunday lunchtime)
In the immediate vicinity of the Oscar Niemeyer-designed Volcan cultural stage and the Halles Centrales market in Le Havre, the Beef and Wine Restaurant has become a city landmark. This bistronomic restaurant has turned the pairing of exceptional meats with unique wines into a veritable culinary art! Short supply chains for meats and fresh produce: this is the restaurateur’s promise to guarantee quality and freshness on your plate. We enjoyed an intimate setting with a musical backdrop, which added a cosy, elegant touch to our dinner.
From wine to dessert, your taste buds will be stimulated and enchanted by the subtle combination of flavors and textures. If you’re a meat lover, you’ll love the tender, melt-in-your-mouth cuts on the à la carte menu. The highlight of this gourmet menu is the Burger Sucré dessert, designed by renowned pastry chef Clément Mazzoni. Originally from Le Havre, he opened his own pastry shop and tea room with his wife Yoko, a pastry chef who trained in Tokyo. The Beef and Wine Restaurant has it all, and we’ll definitely be returning!
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: downtown, 5min walk from the contemporary cultural scene le Volcan and Les Halles Centrales
- Restaurant type: bistronomic, meat specialties
- Capacity: approx. 25 place settings
- Terrace: no
- Price range: between €15 and €95 per person (excluding drinks)
- Normandy specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- Reservations recommended by telephone on +33 (0) 2 35 53 84 84
USE OUR GUIDE TO PLAN A
DREAM TRIP TO Normandy
All the information you need for your trip:
- 8 maps that make planning easier
- 160+ pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- 300+ photos to help you choose
Le Havre’s best delicatessens and wine cellars
6. Restaurant Chez André
A charming delicatessen, an extensive wine cellar and a gourmet table, you’ll find that Restaurant Chez André on Rue Louis Philippe has more than one string to its bow! In a bistro atmosphere, we liked the short but elaborate à l’ardoise menu, featuring fresh, seasonal produce. The establishment favors short circuits from local suppliers: meat is supplied by Ferme de la Motte in the commune of Talcy, fish by Mahi Mahi fish and seafood producers, and vegetables by Maison Argentain, the Halles Centrales market gardener.
In addition to its gourmet dishes, we were seduced by the artisanal products in the delicatessen and wine cellar section. There’s something for everyone: smoked salmon, homemade foie gras, a wide range of beverages, terrines and homemade butter. Are you a fan of vegetarian cuisine? Rest assured, you won’t be outdone by our large salads, hot dishes and gourmet desserts.
Like us, you’re sure to love the originality of our culinary combinations. Lots of aromas, lots of different tastes on the plate, and above all lots of imagination!
A sentimental note: the restaurant is named after Claire and Manu’s maternal grandfather, André Bisserier. For several decades, he worked as a glove-maker in Le Havre for Maison Bisserier, a family business founded in 1870.
Practical information:
- District: downtown (Square Saint-Roch), 10min walk fromÉglise Saint-Joseph
- Restaurant type: bistro, delicatessen, wine cellar
- Capacity: less than 25 covers
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €10 and €45 per person (excluding drinks)
- Normandy specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- Reservations can be made here
7. Le 101 cocktail and wine bar
In the heart of Le Havre, in a district listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, discover Bar le 101. The establishment stands out for its friendly atmosphere, homemade cocktails and privileged location in the pedestrian streets of the city center. We loved the modern, sleek and chic setting, where a singular taste experience unfolds, combining a fine wine list, classic and signature cocktails, and quality lunchtime dining.. In our view, the short menu is a guarantee of freshness for tasty, original dishes, all at good value for money. We had a choice of savoury tapas such as crunchy vegetables, seafood, hummus and comté gougères, as well as a wide selection of Iberian and Italian cured meats and cheeses.
A winemaker’s wine fountain is also available on site, allowing you to discover new flavours. On sunny days, you can also take advantage of the terrace. You’ll feel the passion and professionalism of the front-of-house team as they strive to provide attentive customer service.. Bar Le 101 has established itself in our eyes as the address of choice for wine and cocktail lovers in Le Havre.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: downtown (pedestrian streets), near Place Auguste Perret
- Restaurant type: wine and cocktail bar
- Capacity: less than 25 covers
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €12 and €30 per person (excluding drinks)
- Normandy specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- Reservations can be made by telephone on +33 (0) 2 35 21 51 45
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities in Normandy
- Helicopter flight over the cliffs of the Côte d’Albâtre
- Book your time to visit Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey
- Take a microlight flight over Mont-Saint-Michel
- Climb the Via Ferrata in Switzerland Normandy
Best cheap restaurants in Le Havre
8. Restaurant Le Grand Quai (open Sundays)
Are you looking for a pleasant place to enjoy delicious tapas in the sunshine on sunny days? Yes, this place does exist in Le Havre! Meet at Restaurant Le Grand Quai opposite Southampton Quay and the cruise terminal. We love the pretty terrace near the Port of Le Havre and the seasonal home cooking. Fresh, local products and short distribution channels are the promises that punctuate the entire menu, both savory and sweet.
Do you prefer breakfast or brunch? At Le Grand Quai, treat yourself to breakfast or brunch every day on the terrace, and enjoy a convivial moment at any time! Helpful staff, wine, tapas, friendly exterior… In short, a great time at this address, one to put on your list!
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: waterfront on Southampton Quay facing the cruise port
- Restaurant type: traditional
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €10 and €25 per person (excluding drinks)
- Normandy specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: yes
- Reservations can be made here
9. Restaurant La Taverne Paillette (historic institution)
The Taverne Paillette Restaurant, a veritable institution in Le Havre since 1596! Did you know that this historic brewery takes its name from the former brewer who owned his factories just across the street? Generous cuisine, a restaurant with old-world charm, good value for money… That’s what we love about Taverne Paillette. The welcome is always courteous and professional. Like us, you’ll love the typical Bavarian brasserie decor: large wooden tables, small string lights and a cosy, warm interior.
Sit out on the light-filled veranda or enjoy the fine weather on the outdoor terrace.
You’ll find that the place is quite lively and sometimes a bit noisy, but in our opinion that’s what makes taverns so charming! Don’t forget to book, as the place is very popular.
Practical information:
- District: downtown, opposite Square Saint-Roch, 10-minute walk fromHôtel Vent d’Ouest
- Restaurant type: traditional brasserie
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €12 and €30 per person (excluding drinks)
- Normandy specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: yes
- Reservations recommended here
10. Restaurant Les Fauves (MuMa – sea view)
Nestled in the heart of the MuMa on Boulevard Clémenceau, Restaurant Les Fauves is also part of our selection. After strolling through the museum’s unique collections of Impressionist artists, this establishment not only offered us a fine culinary experience but also a breathtaking view of the sea.. Run by the same chef as Restaurant Le Margote, we appreciate the short, carefully-crafted menu created by chef Gauthier Teissère. The classics of bistro cuisine are revisited with brio. Every week, this pretty table will offer you a new dish that adapts to the season and the inspiration of the moment of the team in the kitchen. Quality regional products, generous plates and an exceptional view of Le Havre are the promises of this well-placed brasserie.
The colors of the sky mixed with the shades of blue of the sea, which you can observe through the large picture windows, create a magical setting. Service, provided with a smile, contributes to the warm atmosphere of the place, although the atmosphere can get a little lively when the restaurant is full. On Saturdays and Sundays, we like the relaxed brunch formula, to try before or after your cultural visit. This café-restaurant is a good option for combining culture with a gourmet break. Your children will also get their own menu!
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: seaside within the MuMa Museum
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: no
- Price range: between €15 and €30 per person (excluding drinks)
- Destination specialties: yes/no (please specify destination)
- Particularly suitable for children: yes
- Reservations can be made here
11. Restaurant L’inspiration (opposite Les Halles centrales)
In an intimate setting opposite Les Halles Centrales, let yourself be tempted by a refined and colorful meal at Restaurant L’inspiration. Behind the Bibliothèque and Théâtre du Volcan designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer, we made this succulent discovery where the food and wine pairings are excellent. The restaurant offers a cosy atmosphere ideal for a meal for two. This is the advantage of a restaurant with a small capacity, but which can be somewhat noisy when the establishment is fully booked. Service is also attentive and pleasant.
As for the dishes, each plate reveals subtle, refined flavors, the fruit of the chef’s great inventiveness and testimony to his meticulousness. We took pleasure in tasting dishes that were sophisticated and inspiring, and for which dressing is as important as taste. The fish from the fish market with miso and yuzu lacquered fish accompanied by braised baby vegetables with sorrel espuma seduced both our eyes and our taste buds! You probably know us as gourmets, and how important gastronomy is to us, even on vacation! So we went for a dessert, Délice de Caroline, with all-chocolate pebbles on almond and pecan shortbread. Sprinkled with red fruit seaweed and a fruit mishmash. So, are you ready to feast?
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: downtown opposite Halles Centrales du Havre and Le Volcan
- Type of restaurant: original and inexpensive bistronomy
- Capacity: less than 25 covers
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: menus per person (drinks not included) lunch starter/main course/dessert €25.90, lunch starter/main course or main course/dessert €22.90, evening menu Alice €35.90 and menu André €42.90 (wine and food pairings not included).
- Normandy specialities: yes, revisited
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- Reservations recommended online here or by telephone on +33 (0) 6 43 57 05 00
Subscribe to our Newsletter
- Get away from it all with Region Lovers’ beautiful destinations!
- Once a month
- Advertising-free
Best seafood restaurants in Le Havre
12. Restaurant La voile bleue (open Sundays)
Take a stroll around Le Havre’s marina, from where small speedboats depart for boat tours of the famous Port 2000. Here, sit down to one of the best places in town to eat mussels: Restaurant La Voile Bleue. Behind this poetic name, the establishment promises a selection of fresh fish and seafood while you admire the sailboats and boats docked in the harbor. We love this place for listening to the gulls sing, smelling the sea air and listening to the sound of the waves while enjoying delicious seafood.
The plates are colorful and well-stocked, the wait staff friendly and the value for money very good. If you like mussels, shellfish, fish and molluscs, go for it! Seafood platters are provided and delicious. It’s a pleasure to enjoy them on the restaurant’s charming little terrace in the Normandy sunshine, looking out over the sails and the blue sea!
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: Le Havre marina, 10min walk from the beach
- Restaurant type: seafood and fish brasserie
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €16 and €40 per person (excluding drinks)
- Normandy specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: yes
- Reservations recommended by telephone on +33 (0) 7 54 39 12 12
13. Restaurant Le Grand Large (sea view – open Sunday lunchtime)
In Sainte-Adresse, near Le Havre, enjoy breathtaking sea views from Restaurant Le Grand Large. This Le Havre institution is a must for Sunday family meals in the area! The establishment is nestled in the hills above Sainte-Adresse, overlooking the sea. To our eyes, the 180-degree panorama of the sea is truly superb.
On site, you’ll find that the staff are very attentive. The card was recently renewed in 2024. We enjoyed the restaurant’s traditional cuisine, which brought back childhood memories. If you love fish and seafood, you’ve come to the right place! Sole is highly recommended, as are lobster and Isigny oysters. The seafood platters are plentiful and tasty. Join us and take to the open seas for a meal. You’ll also be a 5-minute walk from the famous Estacade des Régates, depicted in paintings by many Impressionist artists, not to be missed before or after your meal at Restaurant Le Grand Large.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: Sainte-Adresse, bordering Le Havre beach to the north
- Restaurant type: traditional
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: no
- Price range: 3 lunch menus from €15 to €28 per person (excluding drinks), 3 dinner menus from €36 to €56 per person (excluding drinks).
- Normandy specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: yes (children’s menu available)
- Reservations recommended by telephone on +33 (0) 2 35 46 16 25
Best family-friendly restaurants in Le Havre
14. Restaurant Calice et Mandibule (weekend brunch)
At the end of the Rue de Paris, Restaurant Calice et Mandibule promises you a culinary experience to remember. The cuisine is ultra-creative, blending local Normandy produce with Senegalese and Moroccan flavors. Enough to tantalize your taste buds and ensure you have a great time at the table. In fact, it’s now Claire and Manu’s canteen! Whether you’re comfortably seated on the terrace or at one of the indoor tables, amidst the colorful decor and abundance of details, you won’t regret your visit.
We love everything about this charming restaurant: the friendliness of Oumou and Fanny, who thought up this unique place, their eco-responsible approach, the pretty, colorful dishes combining old-world motifs and modern design, the unique tastes and flavors, but above all the originality and finesse of the dishes.
The weekly menu is entirely homemade, with products sourced from very short, seasonal circuits. For vegans and vegetarians, there’s something for everyone! Chef Oumou can adapt certain dishes to suit your needs. Eggplant or fresh Harfleur tomato soup with burrata and basil, sprinkled with pine nuts, Oumou-style Tiep fondant with fish and roasted cabbage served with lemon chutney, caramel and peanut butter brookie… We’re fervent admirers of this original fusion cuisine. This creative and committed venue also organizes several events to encourage alternative modes of consumption. It’s also a great tea room. Finally, opt for a gourmet brunch at the weekend.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: downtown, 5min walk from the cathedral
- Type of restaurant: very elaborate canteen, market cuisine, tea room
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €12 and €32 per person (excluding drinks)
- Normandy specialities: yes, revisited
- Particularly suitable for children: yes
- Reservations recommended by telephone on +33 (0) 9 81 90 78 16
15. Restaurant Crêperie “Au petit Breton” (open Sunday evening)
What could be better than a good Breton galette for a healthy, on-the-go evening meal? Here’s a place to delight young and old alike, the Crêperie Au petit Breton has it all. We love the melt-in-the-mouth buckwheat galettes and crêpes with their generous fillings, as well as the friendly, family atmosphere. We also fell for the “terroir” buckwheat galette with camembert and apple with salted butter. A treat!
The place is a tribute to Breton traditions, combining several of Normandy’s essential regional products, such as cheeses (Camembert, Pont-l’Évêque) and calvados. In our opinion, it’s the ideal place for families to enjoy a calm, balanced meal!
Practical information:
- District: Saint-François, near Bassin du Roi and Maison de l’Armateur
- Restaurant type: traditional creperie
- Capacity: approx. 25 place settings
- Terrace: no
- Price range: between €20 and €40 per person (excluding drinks)
- Normandy specialities: no
- Particularly suitable for children: yes
- Reservations can be made by telephone on +33 2 35 21 44 14
Other good places to eat in Le Havre
We regularly test good addresses and wanted to highlight these places to eat in Le Havre:
- Restaurant Le Quint&Sens: a carefully-crafted menu in a sober, subdued setting awaits you. We liked the wine list, the professionalism of the service and above all the restaurant’s approach, with a panel of regional producers from Bréauté to La Remuée, via Honfleur and Octeville-sur-Mer. A promise of taste and quality on our plates!
- Restaurant L’Anecdote: to treat yourself on a budget, head to this quiet, friendly restaurant in the Saint-François district!
HE MADE THE TRIP Manu
