THE LOIRE - France 2014 - page 558

La Reserve feels like a wine bar-bistro with modern but tasteful decor, good menu
choices at fair-enough prices, and a loyal clientele ( menus from €17-35, daily, 28 Place
Michel Debré, tel. [phone]).
Anne de Bretagne offers typical, inexpensive café fare in a good location with
charmingambience—come forthesetting,notthecuisine.Theoutdoortablesareidealfor
surveyingthestreetscene(nonstopservicedaily12:00-22:00,PlaceduChâteau,tel.0247
57 05 46).
Elsewhere in Amboise
(See “Amboise” map, here . )
La Fourchette is Amboise's tiny family diner, with simple decor inside and out. Hard-
working chef Christine makes everything fresh in her open kitchen, offering a limited se-
lection at good prices. The place is popular, so call ahead—the morning of the same day is
fine (€16-27 menus, closed Sun-Mon, on a quiet corner near Rue Nationale at 9 Rue Mal-
ebranche, mobile [phone]).
Le Lion d'Or has a chef who takes his job seriously and delivers quality regional
cuisine at affordable prices. You'll dine in a contemporary indoor setting (€22-28 menus ,
closed Sun-Mon, where the bridge meets the town at 7 Quai Charles Guinel, tel. 02 47 57
00 23).
L'Ancrée des Artistes is Amboise's reliable and central crêperie . It's a young-at-
heart place with music to dine by and easy-going servers (€9 dinner crêpes, €14 three-
course crêpe menus , good meat dishes grilled on stones— pierres, 35 Rue Nationale, tel.
02 47 23 18 11).
La Scala isgoodforinexpensiveItalianfoodwitheasygoingserviceandabroadter-
race (daily, near the TI at 6 Quai du Général de Gaulle, tel. [phone]).
Hôtel la Brèche serves good-value €20-35 menus in their warm, traditional dining
room and large garden. Stretch your legs and cross the river to the restaurant, then enjoy
floodlit castle views on your walk home (daily; for details, see “Sleeping in Amboise,”
earlier).
Near Amboise
These options merit the short drive. For an elegant and exquisite castle dining experience
(best on a warm evening), consider making the quick drive to Château de Pray —call
ahead to reserve (see here ) . In summer, head to Chenonceaux village for dinner, then en-
joy a floodlit walk through the château grounds (try any of the places listed under “Eating
in and near Chenonceaux,” later).