Bordeaux, located in the southwest of France, is a city known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and world-renowned wine. But beyond the picturesque streets and wine cellars, Bordeaux offers an exceptional culinary scene that will delight any food lover. During my recent visit, I had the pleasure of tasting some of the region’s most iconic dishes, and I’m excited to share my gastronomic journey with you. In this blog post, I’ll take you through the must-try local dishes of Bordeaux and the best places to enjoy them, giving you insider tips and personal recommendations.
1. Entrecôte à la Bordelaise – The Classic Bordeaux Steak
Bordeaux is a city that takes its meat seriously, and nothing embodies the region’s love for steak more than Entrecôte à la Bordelaise. This dish features a juicy cut of rib-eye steak, traditionally served with a rich, flavorful Bordelaise sauce made from red wine, bone marrow, shallots, and demi-glace. It’s a dish that’s both indulgent and comforting, perfect for anyone craving a hearty meal.
Where to Try It: One of the best places to savor this dish is at Le Chapon Fin, a Michelin-starred restaurant located in the heart of Bordeaux. The restaurant’s elegant ambiance and refined service make it the perfect spot to enjoy classic French cuisine. As I entered the restaurant, the inviting aroma of sizzling steak filled the air, and I knew I was in for a treat. The Entrecôte was perfectly cooked to medium-rare, and the Bordelaise sauce was exquisite—rich, velvety, and balanced with just the right amount of red wine flavor. It was a meal to remember.
For a more casual option, Le Bouchon Bordelais is another excellent choice. This bistro-style restaurant serves traditional Bordeaux dishes in a cozy, laid-back setting. The steak here was just as delicious, with tender meat and a perfectly executed Bordelaise sauce. Both of these places offer an authentic taste of Bordeaux’s love for meat.
Personal Tip: Pair your Entrecôte with a glass of local Bordeaux red wine. The deep, full-bodied wines of the region complement the richness of the dish perfectly.
2. Magret de Canard – The Tender Duck Breast
If there’s one thing the southwestern region of France is known for, it’s Magret de Canard, or duck breast. This tender and flavorful dish is a staple in Bordeaux, and it’s often prepared with a simple yet delicious seasoning of salt, pepper, and sometimes a hint of honey or fruit sauce. The duck breast is seared to perfection, leaving the skin crispy and the meat tender and juicy.
Where to Try It: For an exceptional Magret de Canard, Le Pressoir d’Argent is the place to go. Located within the Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux, this upscale restaurant offers a refined dining experience that celebrates the region’s culinary traditions. The Magret de Canard here was outstanding—crispy on the outside and perfectly cooked on the inside. The subtle sweetness of the accompanying sauce, made from local cherries, elevated the dish to a whole new level.
If you’re looking for a more casual dining experience, head to La Tupina, a renowned Bordeaux institution that serves rustic southwestern French cuisine. Here, the duck breast was cooked to perfection, with a smoky flavor that paired beautifully with the rich sauce. It was hearty and satisfying, just as a good Magret de Canard should be.
Personal Tip: Don’t skip the side dish of pommes sarladaises (sautéed potatoes with garlic and duck fat) that often accompanies the dish. The crispy, golden potatoes are the perfect complement to the rich duck.
3. Canelé – A Sweet Bordeaux Tradition
No visit to Bordeaux would be complete without indulging in Canelé, a small pastry that’s one of the city’s most beloved treats. These little cakes are crispy on the outside, with a soft, custard-like interior flavored with vanilla and rum. They’re the perfect balance of sweet and rich, making them a beloved dessert or snack among locals and visitors alike.
Where to Try It: To get the best Canelé in Bordeaux, you must stop by Maison Dufour. This bakery, located near the Bordeaux’s Place de la Bourse, has been making Canelé for over 30 years, and they’ve perfected the recipe. I had the chance to sample their Canelé, and I was immediately impressed by its texture—the outer crust was perfectly caramelized, while the inside was moist and bursting with flavor. Maison Dufour’s Canelé is a true Bordeaux classic.
Another great spot for Canelé is Baillardran, a famous patisserie with multiple locations in Bordeaux. They’re known for making these pastries fresh daily, and their Canelé is always top-notch. The consistency of their Canelé is unparalleled, and I couldn’t resist picking up a box to take back to my hotel.
Personal Tip: Be sure to enjoy your Canelé with a café au lait or a glass of sweet Bordeaux wine for the ultimate local experience.
4. Huîtres de Marennes-Oléron – Fresh Oysters from the Atlantic Coast
Bordeaux is situated near the Atlantic coast, and fresh seafood is an essential part of the local cuisine. Huîtres de Marennes-Oléron, oysters from the nearby Marennes-Oléron region, are considered some of the best in the world. These oysters are prized for their clean, briny flavor and tender texture, making them a must-try for any seafood lover.
Where to Try It: If you’re an oyster lover like me, a visit to Le Comptoir du Huitre is a must. Located in the heart of Bordeaux, this seafood restaurant specializes in oysters, and they offer a wide variety of different types. The oysters were freshly shucked, and the taste was incredible—sweet, briny, and refreshing. The restaurant also serves a selection of other seafood dishes, such as mussels and prawns, which perfectly complement the oysters.
Another fantastic place to enjoy oysters is at Le Petit Commerce, a charming seafood bistro with a laid-back atmosphere. Here, I sampled their Huîtres de Marennes-Oléron, and I was amazed by their freshness. The oysters were served with a simple lemon wedge and a few drops of vinegar, allowing the natural flavor of the oysters to shine through.
Personal Tip: Oysters are best enjoyed with a glass of chilled white Bordeaux wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, which perfectly complements the briny taste of the shellfish.
5. Pâté de Canard en Croûte – A Hearty Duck Pie
A classic dish in the Bordeaux region, Pâté de Canard en Croûte is a savory pastry that combines duck, foie gras, and spices, all encased in a rich, flaky pastry crust. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy hearty, flavorful comfort food. The combination of tender duck and smooth foie gras makes it an indulgent yet satisfying meal.
Where to Try It: For an excellent Pâté de Canard en Croûte, head to La Table de Pottoka, a cozy restaurant located in the heart of Bordeaux. The dish here was exceptional—rich and flavorful with a perfectly golden crust. The pâté was well-seasoned, and the balance of duck and foie gras was just right.
Another great option is Le Bouche à Oreille, a local bistro that offers a range of traditional French dishes. Their version of Pâté de Canard en Croûte was deliciously hearty, with just the right amount of spice and a buttery, flaky crust.
Personal Tip: Pair this dish with a glass of Bordeaux’s full-bodied Merlot, which complements the richness of the duck and foie gras beautifully.
6. La Lamproie à la Bordelaise – Eel in Red Wine Sauce
For the more adventurous foodies, La Lamproie à la Bordelaise is a dish that showcases Bordeaux’s regional flavors. This dish features eel cooked in a rich red wine sauce, often paired with vegetables and served with potatoes or rice. While it’s not for everyone, it’s a unique and traditional dish that highlights the culinary diversity of Bordeaux.
Where to Try It: La Tupina is the place to go for an authentic taste of this dish. Known for its rustic and hearty southwestern French cuisine, La Tupina serves up Lamproie à la Bordelaise in a way that honors tradition while delivering exceptional flavor. The eel was tender and infused with the deep flavors of the red wine sauce, making it a memorable dish.
If you’re feeling adventurous, Le Chapon Fin also serves Lamproie à la Bordelaise in a refined, Michelin-starred setting. The dish here was elegant, with perfectly cooked eel and a rich, savory sauce that was balanced by the acidity of the red wine.
Personal Tip: If you’re not familiar with eel, be open-minded! This dish is an acquired taste, but for those who enjoy unique, rich flavors, it’s an unforgettable experience.
Bordeaux is not only a haven for wine lovers but also a paradise for food enthusiasts. From the tender duck breasts of Magret de Canard to the delicate sweetness of Canelé, the city offers a culinary experience that is second to none.
