Calais and the surrounding area have an amazing range of delicious restaurants available for visitors to explore. If you are limited on time on your day trip, or looking to try some authentic French cuisine, then you will definitely find something suitable and tasty right here, in and around Calais.
As Calais is a coastal town, there are a number of popular seafood restaurants which specialise in serving freshly prepared fish, mussels, and oysters - which are all perfectly accompanied by a glass of white wine.
Many of the restaurants in Calais depend on sourcing their ingredients from the surrounding coastal areas and from whatever is in season with the local fisherman in the nearby ports. This means that you are guaranteed to find fresh, delicious food which draws on French, English and Flemish influences.
Where should I eat in Calais
Below we have put together some of the finest restaurants here in and around Calais:
LE BISTROT DE LA PLACE
If you are looking for some classic French dishes, try this family run brasserie. In the summer, it’s the perfect restaurant to dine al fresco while contemplating the slower French lifestyle - with low prices and big portions.
Situated in Marck, a small village just 4 minutes drive from our store.
Telephone: 0033 321 82 71 39
Open Monday - Friday for lunch only
LA BELLE EPOQUE
If you're staying near Montreuil-sur-Mer, do not miss this fantastic restaurant in Hesdin. Maryline loves going here! The food is traditional French comfort food at its very best, served up in an art nouveau restaurant by an extremely welcoming and charming host, Christophe. You'll find the restaurant full of both French and English diners so it pays to book in advance to secure a table. La Belle Epoque is open from Tuesday - Saturday for lunch and dinner. Check out details of their forthcoming seafood soirées on their facebook page here.
Latest News: La Belle Epoque awarded the "Qualité Tourisme" label! June 2018
The restaurant itself is just across the road from the birthplace of the famous French author l’Abbé Prévost, of Manon Lescaut fame. Honey aficionados can stop by Bouin-Plumoison, the neighbouring village, and pick up a pot or two at the Museum of Honey. Hesdin is also not far from Azincourt (heading towards St Omer) and its famous Battle Museum. Immerse yourself in history!
Address: 30, rue Daniel Lereuil, 62140 Hesdin, FRANCE Telephone: 0033 (0)3 21 86 42 89
LE CHANNEL
A great traditional cuisine with a modern twist and an unforgettable wine list!
Address: 3, boulevard de la resistance, 62100 Calais FRANCE Telephone: 0033 (0)321 34 42 30 Website: www.restaurant-lechannel.com
LA MAISON DU CHEF
This restaurant was opened in 2015 by young well-known chef Frédéric Douilly - he owns a string of restaurants and has previously worked at Jamie Oliver's Italian. It serves regional produce in a modern style and has English waiters. We would recommend booking ahead if you plan to visit. If you show a receipt from The Calais Wine Superstore, you will receive a free coffee.
Visit this Parisian-brasserie chic restaurant to try its speciality dishes from Lyon.
Address: 20 Rue Royale, 62100 Calais FRANCE Telephone: 0033 (0)321 34 11 20 Website: www.histoire-ancienne.com
LE RELAIS DES RANDONNEURS
In Boulogne, Le Relais des Randonneurs offers traditional French cuisine in a bucolic setting and off the beaten track. It’s situated by a town Desvres which is well-known for its faience ceramics.
Close to the A 26, when you take the exit for Saint Omer, lies the pretty little village of Wisques. Here you can visit the local ceramics shop, the Benedictine Abbey of Saint Paul and, at the top of the village, the Abbey of Moniales (Notre Dame). Continue on a little further from here, you’ll find Hôtel-Restaurant "La Sapinière", which is highly recommended by Maryline.
It’s an elegant traditional restaurant, which is classified with the maximum of three "Cocottes Logis de France", La Sapinière is perfect for a relaxing evening with panoramic views of the countryside towards Saint Omer and the Mont Cassel. For great savings, simply quote The Calais Wine Superstore here and receive 15% discount on the room price when you book.
Address: 12 Route de Saint Omer 62219 Wisques, FRANCE
Telephone: 0033 (0)3 21 38 94 00
L'AUBERGE DE LA BRIQUE D'OR
This traditional French restaurant is situated on the road to Dunkirk, about 20 minutes from The Calais Wine Superstore. It is set in 4 hectares of farmland with animals- perfect for those travelling with families to keep the children entertained. The decor of the restaurant is stylishly rustic and the food is simple and convivial. The manager is an award-winning sommelier, perfect for discovering the perfect wine for your meal.
Address: Ancien chemin de Bergues, 59630 Bourbourg, FRANCE Telephone: 0033 (0)3 67 14 21 60
LE COSY COZA
If you are visiting Calais with friends and looking for a great evening, try Cosy Coza which is just opposite the Town Hall in Ardres. The Brasserie is on the first floor of a busy bar and lounge. It does get really busy so it’s advisable to book a table as the soirées can get pretty raucous!
The owner Steven's dad is a local legend, having owned hotels in the Ardres area, and can regale you with stories. Just quote The Calais Wine Superstore and receive a FREE Kir au vin or the daily aperitif!
Address: 79, rue des Lombards, 62610 Ardres, FRANCE Telephone: 0033 (0)9 54 04 73 62
RALLYE DE L'ARTOIS
If you've "sampled" too much Genièvres, never fear! Further down the same road is the Rally de l'Artois, serving up delicacies such as potjevleesch and scallops - and the fixed menus start from just 15€.
If you're part of a large group, they can accommodate you in their private dining room if you book in advance.
Address: 31 Route de Watten 62910 Houlle, FRANCE Telephone: 0033 (0)321 93 12 82 Email: [email protected]
HÔTEL LE CLERY
Looking for a romantic and cosy restaurant? Then you need to discover this gastronomic gem. The hotel is situated in a castle which was built in 1766 surrounded with 12 acres of garden which can be viewed from the restaurant.
From Calais, it’s a 30 minute drive but worth the trip.
Address: Hesdin l'Abbé, 62360 Hesdin-l'Abbé, FRANCE
Telephone: 0033 (0)321 83 19 83
LA FINE BOUCHE
Don't miss this excellent delicatessen in Ardres, devoted to the finer things in food. Festive appetizers, marshmallows with fruit, chocolate and coconut, soft caramels, gift boxes, and a superb selection of cheeses, (although you won't be needing them for wine of course).
They also stock organic produce, including what has been dubbed "the world's healthiest oil" for cooking - coconut oil. Delight your taste buds with fine biscuits and tea, and flavoursome local vegetables from Sophie, a local producer. Well worth visiting not only for the quality of produce, but for the welcoming smile of Patron Cyrille.
It’s recommended that if you are visiting Calais for lunch, that you should book in advance and try to arrive before 1.30pm. Lunch is served during set hours and tends to last for the whole afternoon. If you turn up after 3pm, there is a small chance you will be served.