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 3 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 Le Margote: creative bistronomic cuisine from a chef who loves Normandy produce
- Restaurant Jean-Luc Tartarin: Michelin-starred gourmet cuisine with precision and mastery
- Restaurant Calice et Mandibule: Claire and Manu’s canteen, with a menu that blends local Normandy produce with Senegalese and Moroccan flavours.
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 cosy, neutral beige-toned setting intensifies the refinement of the dishes. Formerly awarded 2 Michelin stars, the restaurant now boasts 1. Service is carried out in an academic manner, following a precise protocol to offer us a gastronomic moment of choice.
The chef offered us a menu sublimating the products of the sea, where he revisits the terroir of his native region and subtly combines it with the modernism of Le Havre. Dishes included Red mullet confit with olive oil and Turbot wrapped in bacon with colombo oil, accompanied by steamed peas with pistachio and white asparagus respectively. For dessert, crunchy herbs, red berries and rhubarb 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, conceived by a chef who loves Normandy produce. This charming duo, who work like clockwork in the kitchen and in the dining room, give pride of place to Normandy’s terroir. We also appreciate their ethical approach, using local produce and responsible fish and meat. .
Awarded a Bib gourmand, Restaurant Le Margote won us over with its fine, clever and creative culinary style. The combination of flavors 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 the 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 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 much at ease. Recognized for their professionalism and efficiency, the staff in the dining room will be able to advise you. It’s also a pleasant, quiet place for a family meal.
The menu is short, ensuring the freshness of the dishes. It goes without saying that all starters, main courses, desserts and bread are homemade. Living up to its name, our perfect egg with parsnip and cardamom mousseline, 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 jus. The quinoa and Brussels sprouts brought a touch of color to the plate and softened the flavors of the dish. The pan-seared 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 accuracy and taste. 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.
We were intrigued by the fusion of sweet and savory flavors. The pace of service was just right, with dishes served in measured time. Like us, you’ll appreciate this 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 table has turned the pairing of exceptional meats with unique wines into a veritable culinary art! The restaurateur’s promise is to use only the freshest meats and produce to guarantee quality and freshness on your plate. We enjoyed an intimate setting with a musical backdrop, adding a cosy, elegant touch to our dinner.
From wine to dessert, your taste buds will be stimulated and delighted by the subtle combination of flavors and textures. If you’re a meat lover, you’ll fall for the tender, melt-in-your-mouth cuts on the à la carte menu. A particular highlight of this gourmet menu is the Burger Sucré dessert, designed by renowned pastry chef Clément Mazzoni. A native of 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 everything you could wish for, and we’ll be sure to return!
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
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Le Havre’s best delicatessens and wine cellars
6. Restaurant Chez André
Charming delicatessen, wine cellar with numerous references and 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, a market gardener in Les Halles Centrales.
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. Fans of vegetarian cuisine? Don’t worry, you won’t be outdone, with large salads, hot dishes and gourmet desserts.
Like us, you’re sure to love the originality of these culinary combinations. Lots of aromas, lots of different tastes on the plate, and above all, lots of imagination!
A little sentimental note: the restaurant is named after Claire and Manu’s maternal grandfather, André Bisserier. He was a glove-maker in Le Havre for several decades, working 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 tasting experience unfolds, combining a fine wine list, classic and signature cocktails, as well as quality lunchtime catering. . In our opinion, the short menu is a guarantee of freshness for tasty, original dishes, all at good value for money. We had a choice of savory tapas such as crunchy vegetables, seafood, hummus and comté gougères, as well as a wide selection of Iberian and Italian cold cuts 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, there is such a place in Le Havre! Visit Restaurant Le Grand Quai, opposite Southampton Quay and the cruise terminal. We love its pretty terrace near the Port of Le Havre, and its seasonal home cooking. Fresh, local produce and short circuits 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! The attentive staff, the wines, the tapas, the friendly exterior… in short, all you need to have a great time at this address, and put it 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)
How could we forget to mention the Restaurant de la Taverne Paillette, a veritable institution in Le Havre since 1596! Did you know that this historic brasserie 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, little string lights, 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 little noisy, but in our opinion that’s what makes taverns so charming! Don’t forget to make a reservation, 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. Classic bistro dishes are revisited with brio. Every week, this attractive restaurant offers a new dish, adapted to the season and the inspiration of the team behind the stove. 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 rather magical setting. Service is provided with a smile, contributing 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. There’s also a menu for your children!
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’s cosy ambience is 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 meticulous attention to detail. We were delighted to taste dishes that were both sophisticated and inspiring, and for which presentation 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 berry seaweed and a fruit mishmash. So, are you ready to indulge?
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
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Best seafood restaurants in Le Havre
12. Restaurant La voile bleue (open Sundays)
Take a stroll around Le Havre’s marina, from where the small speedboats leave for a boat tour of the famous Port 2000. Here, take a seat at one of the city’s best places for mussels: Restaurant La Voile Bleue. Behind its 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, all the while savoring good 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! The seafood platters are plentiful 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 the town of Sainte-Adresse, on the outskirts of 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 restaurant is nestled in the heights of Sainte-Adresse, overlooking the sea. In our opinion, the 180-degree panorama of the sea is truly superb.
On the spot, you’ll find that the staff are very attentive. The menu was recently renewed in 2024. We enjoyed the restaurant’s traditional cuisine, which brought back memories of our childhood. Fish and seafood lovers, you’ve come to the right place! Sole is highly recommended, as are lobster and Isigny oysters. The seafood platters are plentiful and tasty. Do as we do and take to the sea 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 Rue de Paris, Restaurant Calice et Mandibule promises a culinary experience of a lifetime. The cuisine is ultra-creative, blending local Normandy produce with Senegalese and Moroccan flavors. It’s sure to tantalize your taste buds and ensure you have an excellent time at the table. In fact, the establishment has become Claire and Manu’s canteen! Whether you’re comfortably seated on the terrace or at one of the indoor tables, surrounded by the colorful decor and abundant 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’s Tiep fondant with fish and roasted cabbage served with lemon chutney, caramel and peanut butter brookie… We’re big fans of this original fusion cuisine. This creative and committed place also organizes several events to encourage alternative modes of consumption. It’s also a great tea room. Finally, opt for the gourmet brunch at weekends.
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 that will delight young and old alike, the Crêperie Au petit Breton has it all. We love the melt-in-the-mouth buckwheat galettes and wheat crêpes with generous fillings, as well as the family-friendly atmosphere. In fact, we fell in love with the “terroir” buckwheat galette with camembert and apple with salted butter. A treat!
The place honors Breton traditions, while also combining several essential regional products from Normandy, such as cheeses (Camembert, Pont-l’Évêque) and calvados. In our opinion, it’s the ideal place for a serene, balanced family 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 awaits you in a sober, subdued setting. 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 fine 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
