Au Bouchon des Chartrons

52 Quai de Bacalan

I decided to venture past the newly renovated 'Hangers' and head to this tiny French restaurant on a recommendation from Tim, writer of Invisible Bordeaux. Not having a clue what to expect, it couldn’t have been a more suitable suggestion. The small restaurant is perfectly quintessentially French with its maroon coloured walls, wine bottles scattered everywhere (including already on the table) and attractive bearded waiters.

The food was sublime and presented beautifully. We were told that the menu changes every day depending on what the chef buys in the market and so were treated to a variety of original options. I chose the salmon and goats cheese and couldn’t have been happier, it was absolutely delicious and cleverly put together.

If you’re in the mood for a meal with a touch of charm then Au Bouchon des Chartrons is for you. Fantastic service, beautiful food and plentiful amounts of wine all come at a very fair price and the waiter even bought a jug of water the first time we asked; a very rare thing in Bordeaux. 

Ibaia Café

Quai des Chartrons 

Most people who have visited Bordeaux will tell you that the main Quai is worth a visit. From the chic and recently renovated hangers at one end to the Place de la Bourse all the way towards the station, the Quai is the place to go for a view of the river. Ibaia Café is a swanky restaurant that sits right in the middle of the Quai’s hustle and bustle, allowing you to take in the view while nibbling on sweet potato fries and sipping a glass of Sauternes wine.

As the first restaurant I visited in Bordeaux, I was welcomed into a world of gourmet food and attractive bar staff from the onset. The menu is fairly limited, but the dishes are all well thought out and there are plenty of sharing options, especially for the starters. However, do not let this put you off, as the food that they do serve is delicious and a far cry from home cooked food. The puddings are particularly adventurous, one even incorporates candy floss, but their particularly generous Café Gourmet steals the show every time.

As darkness begins to fall, Ibaia Café turns up the music and the chic restaurant turns into a stylish bar. Strawberry Mojitos are to be drunk as you watch the world roller skate and cycle by from the safety of the covered restaurant. Although it’s not the cheapest dining option, it is definitely the perfect choice for anyone wanting to watch the world go by, while feeling particularly glamorous at the same time.