Where to Eat and Drink in Bordeaux: A Local’s Guide

A Warm Welcome to Bordeaux’s Food and Wine Scene

Bordeaux has a way of pulling you in slowly. The city wakes up with the smell of bread from corner bakeries, café tables filling with people starting the day over espresso, and vendors at the Marché des Capucins setting out their displays of oysters and fresh herbs. By midday, glasses of crisp white wine appear alongside plates of seasonal food, and the pace seems to settle into a rhythm that feels easy to join. Evenings mean more time outside — a stop at a wine bar, a stroll past the Garonne River, and dinner at a bistro where the menu changes every day.

If you’re planning a Bordeaux food and wine trip, this guide will help you eat and drink your way through the city like someone who belongs here. It’s not just about the wine (though yes, the wine is exceptional). It’s about tasting and finding the places that make you want to linger a little longer.

And if you’d rather skip the planning, our Gastronomy and Culture in Bordeaux & Saint-Émilion package takes all of this and turns it into a ready-to-book itinerary with guided tastings, market tours, and stays that keep you close to the action.

Why Bordeaux Is a Culinary Capital

Bordeaux has earned its spot on nearly every food and wine traveler’s list — and for good reason. The city has been a wine powerhouse for centuries, sending barrels down the Garonne to ports all over the world. But it’s not just about what’s in the glass. Bordeaux’s chefs and bakers keep old recipes alive while reinventing them in playful ways. You might taste a classic entrecôte à la Bordelaise one night, then try a modern tasting menu inspired by local produce the next.

The charm of Bordeaux is in how it blends its deep history with fresh ideas. The old market halls are still busy, the wine bars still full, but you’ll also find natural wine pop-ups, artisan bakeries, and creative chefs using local ingredients in ways that feel exciting. This is a city where you can taste tradition and innovation on the same day. And if you’re looking for a six-night Bordeaux food and wine itinerary, we’ve got one waiting for you.

Must-Try Dishes in Bordeaux

Bordeaux’s food is worth traveling for on its own. The city has its staples, and tasting them in their home region is part of the joy of being here.

• Entrecôte à la Bordelaise: This classic dish is a favorite for good reason. The steak is grilled and served with a sauce made from Bordeaux red wine, shallots, butter, and bone marrow. It’s rich, silky, and deeply satisfying. For the best version, look for bistros that specialize in meat — locals will happily point you in the right direction if you ask.

• Oysters from Arcachon Bay: These are a must if you’re in Bordeaux, especially in the cooler months. They’re briny, clean, and usually served with a squeeze of lemon and a slice of bread. The Marché des Capucins is the perfect spot to slurp a few on the spot, paired with a glass of white wine before continuing your day.

• Canelés de Bordeaux: Small, caramelized pastries with a custard-like center, canelés are a sweet souvenir from Bordeaux. They’re perfect with an afternoon coffee. La Toque Cuivrée and Baillardran are two bakeries locals trust for the best versions.

• Lamprey à la Bordelaise: This one’s for adventurous eaters. Lamprey, a type of eel-like fish, is cooked slowly with red wine, leeks, and herbs. It’s an old dish and not something you see often outside the region.

• Seasonal Specials: Bordeaux eats with the seasons, so timing matters. In spring, look for white asparagus at the market. Summer is perfect for tomato salads and fresh herbs. Autumn is all about wild mushrooms and the grape harvest. Winter brings black truffles and hearty game dishes.

Bordeaux’s Wine Scene for First-Timers

You can’t come to Bordeaux without exploring its wine — but knowing where to start makes a big difference.

Understanding Bordeaux Wines

The region is split into Left Bank and Right Bank, each known for different blends. Left Bank wines (think Médoc and Graves) focus on Cabernet Sauvignon, while the Right Bank (Saint-Émilion and Pomerol) lean into Merlot. White wines are here too, especially from Pessac-Léognan, and they’re crisp and fresh.

Best Châteaux for Tastings

Mix well-known names with family-run estates. Big houses like Château Margaux are legendary, but you’ll find just as much charm at a small château where the winemaker is the one pouring your glass.

How to Book Tastings

Reservations are usually required, especially at the more famous châteaux. Many visits can be booked online in English, and you can choose between group tours or private tastings depending on how personal you want the experience to be.

Best Places to Eat and Drink in Bordeaux

Marché des Capucins

Known as the belly of Bordeaux, this market is lively every morning. Order a dozen oysters, grab a baguette, and people-watch while you snack. The market also sells cheeses, cured meats, and fresh produce — perfect if you want to make a picnic.

Wine Bars and Casual Spots

Bordeaux has dozens of cozy wine bars where you can try wines by the glass. Go for a flight of Left Bank reds one night, Right Bank the next, and see which style you love.

Michelin-Recommended Restaurants

For a special evening, splurge at a Michelin-recommended table. You’ll find chefs taking Bordeaux classics and turning them into something artful. It’s worth it for a night you’ll remember.

• La Table de Pavie (Saint-Émilion): Two Michelin stars, creative takes on Southwest French terroir, parked in Hôtel de Pavie with killer views over vineyards.

• Les Belles Perdrix de Troplong Mondot (Saint-Émilion): One star, set in a Grand Cru Classé château. Dishes combine local produce with modern finesse and sweeping vineyard panoramas.

• Logis de la Cadène (Saint-Émilion): Historic restaurant in the heart of town, Michelin-starred; elegant interiors, food that blends tradition with subtle innovation.

• Le Pressoir d’Argent (Bordeaux): Two stars; Gordon Ramsay’s Bordeaux flagship, high style plating, luxury ambiance, with dishes that feel indulgent and refined.

• L’Observatoire – Le Gabriel (Bordeaux): Two Michelin stars, dramatic setting in a luxury hotel, artistic execution of French cuisine, ambience feels like entering someone’s artful dining room.

Pairing Tips for Bordeaux Wine and Food

Bordeaux reds love steak and lamb, but try them with mushroom dishes too — the earthy flavors match perfectly. Dry whites pair beautifully with oysters, goat cheese, and anything with citrus. Sweet Sauternes wines go with desserts but are also amazing with salty blue cheese. Reading a Bordeaux wine label might feel tricky at first, but look for the region (Médoc, Saint-Émilion, etc.) and grape blend; you’ll start to recognize what you like after a few tastings.

Living Bordeaux Like a Local

Give yourself time here. Spend a morning at the market, an afternoon biking along the river, an evening with a tasting menu that stretches over four or five small courses. Wander through wine shops, ask questions, let the staff guide you to bottles you might never have picked yourself. Stop by the quays at sunset when the city glows and locals gather by the water. Four or five days is enough to get a feel for the rhythm — longer if you can, so you can explore Saint-Émilion or the coast too.

If you’re still deciding when to come, check out our guide on the best time to visit Bordeaux so you can catch the city at its most beautiful.

Turn This Inspiration Into a Trip

We’ve done the work of pulling together a trip that’s as easy as it is exciting. Our Gastronomy and Culture in Bordeaux & Saint-Émilion vacation package takes this guide and turns it into a plan you can just show up and enjoy. Think guided tastings at top châteaux, market visits with time to shop and snack, tables reserved at the city’s best bistros, and stays at boutique hotels that feel like a treat after a full day.

You won’t have to think about booking transport between Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion, where to eat, or how to schedule winery visits. We handle all of it, so you can just focus on the fun part: tasting, exploring, and collecting new favorite wines.

Ready to make it happen? Explore our Gastronomy and Culture in Bordeaux & Saint-Émilion package and start planning your own Bordeaux food and wine adventure today.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is Bordeaux expensive for dining?

  It can be, but it doesn’t have to be. Lunch menus at bistros often cost less than dinner, and the markets are full of affordable food you can eat on the spot.

• Do you need reservations at châteaux?

  Yes, most visits require booking ahead, especially in summer. Weekday mornings tend to be less busy.

• What time do locals eat dinner?

  Most restaurants start serving dinner around 7:30 or 8 p.m., and the busiest time is closer to 9 p.m.

• Are there vegetarian-friendly options?

  Absolutely. Many restaurants have veggie mains, and markets have plenty of produce, cheeses, and breads you can turn into a meal.

• Can you drink wine in public spaces?

  Yes, it’s generally allowed, especially along the river. Just be respectful and keep things low-key.