Chez Jean-Mi is an oyster bar restaurant in Capucins, Bordeaux.
Chez Jean-Mi in Bordeaux's Marche des Capucins is the legendary morning oyster counter where the line starts at 09:00 and a half-dozen Arcachons with a glass.
Signature dishes: Half-dozen oysters, White wine, Pate maison
Tip: Arrive before 11:00 for a stool at the counter; cash and card both work, closed Mondays with the market.
Address: Place des Capucins, 33800 Bordeaux
Le Ballion in Bordeaux's Golden Triangle is the resto and dancing bar on Rue Mably, with a three-course lunch formula at €25, an evening tapas card from €8.
Signature: Three-course lunch formula, Sharing tapas board, Plat du jour
Tip: The lunch formula at €25 is the quietest visit; book dinner on Wednesday or Thursday before the weekend DJ sets pack the room.
Le Garage Moderne in Bordeaux's Bacalan is the social-enterprise garage and lunch canteen on Rue des Etrangers, with a single set menu cooked by community.
Signature: Daily set menu, Vegetarian plate, Homemade desserts
Tip: Lunch service runs noon to 14:00 Tuesday through Friday only.
Le Bouchon Bordelais in Bordeaux's Saint-Pierre is the small bistro on Rue des Bahutiers with a classic Bordelais menu, a chalkboard wine list and a tight.
Signature: Entrecote shallot sauce, Magret de canard, Cannele
Tip: Book a window seat for the cobbled-street view; the by-the-glass list is around twelve Bordeaux pours from €5.
Le Bouchon Saint-Pierre in Bordeaux's Place Saint-Pierre is the classic French bistro on the medieval square, with a southwestern menu, terrace seating.
Signature: Foie gras, Magret au miel, Plateau de fromages
Tip: The terrace fills early on summer evenings; book one of the inside red banquettes for a quieter dinner.
Les Halles de Bacalan in Bordeaux's Bacalan is the polished food hall beside Cite du Vin with around twenty vendors covering oysters, charcuterie.
Signature: Arcachon oysters, Wine flights, Cannele de Bordeaux
Tip: Apero hour starts at 17:00 and tables are first-come; the oyster vendor at the back has the freshest Arcachons.
Le Petit Gascon in Bordeaux's Saint-Michel is the southwestern French bistro near the basilica, with confit de canard, garbure and a Madiran-heavy.
Signature: Magret seche, Confit de canard, Garbure
Tip: Book ahead on Saturday lunch; the confit is roasted slow and runs out by 14:00 on busy weekends.
