5 french bistro spots in Bouffay, editor-picked by TableJourney. All of Bouffay's food · All french bistro in Nantes.

Le Bouchon ★ 4.2

7 Rue Bossuet, 44000 Nantes

Founded in 1986 in the historic centre of Nantes, Le Bouchon spreads several dining moods around a walled inner garden screened from the street.

Tip: There is no Saturday lunch service; ask for a table in the courtyard garden rather than the front room when the weather holds.

La Cachette ★ 4.1

2 Rue du Refuge, 44000 Nantes

La Cachette hides on Rue du Refuge in Nantes with one daily fixed-price menu, half of it vegetarian or vegan, and a doggy bag for skipped courses.

Tip: The full formula costs about €22 whatever you choose; the tiny room fills on word of mouth, reserve.

La Reine Margot ★ 4.1

8 Rue de la Juiverie, 44000 Nantes

A long-standing table on Rue de la Juiverie in the old town, traditional French cooking in a narrow room that turns two short services a day.

Tip: Dinner starts at 19:15 and the kitchen closes at 22:00, so a late booking here means eight rather than nine o'clock.

Chez Maman ★ 4.0

2 Rue de la Juiverie, 44000 Nantes

Chez Maman plays the family-lunch songbook in the old town of Nantes, roast meats and hachis parmentier lightened a little, served every day.

Tip: Bookings are taken by telephone only, between 11:30 and 15:00 and again from 18:30; groups go through the contact address.

Voyage Voyage ★ 4.0

5 Rue de l'Hôtel de Ville, 44000 Nantes

A bistro on Rue de l'Hôtel de Ville that runs later than most of Bouffay, lunch on three days and a kitchen open until two on Friday and Saturday.

Tip: Tuesday and Wednesday are evenings only; if you want the midday card, come Thursday to Saturday.