Published: 2 February 2024
Craving a good meal in the French city of La Rochelle? Check out these 10 affordable eateries with tasty food and halal options.
1. Un Voyage à Damas (Syrian Restaurant)
It’s been a little over a year since this Middle-Eastern restaurant welcomed its first guests in La Rochelle.
“Un Voyage à Damas” is a roomy yet cozy place, offering a delightful culinary experience that’s both tasty and visually pleasing. The meticulous attention to detail in the decor and the diverse menu immediately caught my eye. However, what truly stood out was the impeccably seasoned halal meat cooked over charcoal. Pair that with creamy hummus and flavorful spiced rice, and you’re in for a real treat!
My order: a mixed grilled dish (replace the lamb with chicken wings), a plate of mezze and a cup of Ceylon tea with the angel hair/walnuts dessert.
Where? 13 Quai de Marans, 17000 La Rochelle
2. Island Poké (Poké Bowls)
How can one not appreciate the interplay of contrasting colors, flavors, and textures in poké bowls?
Located near La Rochelle’s Old Market, “Island Poké” offers a fantastic selection of toppings that, when combined, create a delightful medley of flavors.
Whether you opt for a classic combo or craft your own, every bite adds a touch of Hawaiian flair to your experience in La Rochelle.
My order: Create your bowl (White rice, yuzu salmon, mango, ginger carrots, edamame, grilled corn, seaweed-sesame mix and marinated ginger). Then, I season it with my own sweet soy sauce at home.
Where? 3 Rue Pas du Minage, 17000 La Rochelle
3. Tak-Tak (Asian Street Food)
Conveniently located nearby the university library, “Tak Tak” fully embraces the flavors of Asian street food while providing excellent value for your money.
One of its most popular menu items is the “Tak Tak Panko”. The latter features crispy panko chicken paired with Thai rice, fried onions and a generous drizzle of sweet chili sauce and homemade white sauce. It is also worth noting that all the meats served are halal.
And for “cheese pull” lovers, definitely check out their mozzarella corn dog, available for just 5 euros.
My order: Tak Tak Panko Carrot and a mozzarella corn dog.
Where? 11 Rue du Cerf-Volant, 17000 La Rochelle
4. CSB by Tak-Tak (Korean Hamburgers)
Just a short 5 km hop from La Rochelle, check out “CSB by Tak Tak” in the small commune of Lagord. They’ve got some tasty, fun twists on burgers!
The UFO Bulgogi, crafted with halal bulgogi beef and a zesty coleslaw, is genuinely delightful. And the cherry on top? It’s just 8 euros. Quite a good deal, especially in times like these, don’t you think?
PS: CSB also offers Panko bowls like those from Tak Tak in La Rochelle.
My order: UFO Bulgogi Burger with twisted fries.
Where? 51, avenue du fief Rose 17140 Lagord
5. Bagelstein (Bagels & Coffee Shop)
Source: @bagelstein_larochelle sur Instagram
For quite some time now, France has warmly embraced the North American love for bagels. Personally, I’m a big fan of bagels, and the idea of transforming them into tasty sandwiches sounds absolutely wonderful to me.
Perfectly situated in the heart of the city, on a street parallel to the port, “Bagelstein” in La Rochelle is an ideal spot for refueling after a day of shopping.
The poppy seed bagels remain one of my favourites. They pair wonderfully with cheese and smoked salmon. The menu also has North American classics such as cheesecake and carrot cake.
My order: Léontine Bagel (Bagel with smoked salmon, cream cheese, red onions, cucumber, salads and lemon yogurt sauce) and I pay extra for some avocado.
Where? 30 Rue du Temple, 17000 La Rochelle
6.Big Fernand (Burgers)
If you’re looking for burgers in the heart of downtown La Rochelle, check out “Big Fernand”. The meats aren’t halal but there is a vegetarian option called “Le Lucien”. It features a large Paname mushroom, tomme cheese with raw milk, dried tomatoes, candied onions, and an artisanal cocktail sauce.
Expect a bit of a mess while eating this burger. But no worries! Every order includes ‘rince coudes’ napkins to handle spills, even up to your elbows! It’s all part of the experience, you know?
My order: “Le Lucien” Burger with fries, ketchup and BBQ sauce.
Where? 9 Rue de l’Archimede, 17000 La Rochelle
7. Pizza e Basta (Pizza)
“Pizza e Basta” is a charming spot that opened back in March 2023 and has already become a hit! The vibes are friendly, and their pizzas are made with love and top-notch ingredients. The dough is all light and fluffy, and the cheese? Simply irresistible!
With pizza prices ranging from 8 to 16 euros, it’s a discovery you don’t want to miss.
My order: A vegetarian pizza with tomato sauce instead of crème fraîche and red peppers instead of grilled eggplant.
Where? 41 Bd Joffre, 17000 La Rochelle
8. O’Tacos (Fast Food)
Source: @otacos sur Instagram
Are you a fan of fries in your sandwiches? If so, then “O’Tacos” is right up your alley.
This French fast food chain started in the suburbs of Grenoble in 2007 and has since expanded its network to more than 320 restaurants.
With halal meats and vegetarian options, there is something for everyone. The restaurant is perfectly located near the La Rochelle university library, providing an ideal place to feast after a long day of studying.
My order: O’Tacos size M chicken cordon bleu with ketchup or samourai sauce and mushrooms or peppers.
Where? 23 Av. Amerigo Vespucci, 17000 La Rochelle
9. Le P’tit Bleu (Grilled Seafood)
Don’t miss “Le P’tit Bleu” at La Rochelle’s port during the summertime!
Open from March to October, this boat-themed restaurant offers a fantastic atmosphere with a waterside terrace and incredibly fresh seafood. A meal that satisfies both food lovers and keto diet enthusiasts.
My order: Grilled sardines, grilled prawns and squid.
Where? Quai des Sardiniers, 17000, La Rochelle France
10. L’Asiane (Asian Cuisine)
Source: @lasiane.aytre sur Instagram
Located in Aytré, Asiane is a restaurant that offers a variety of different Asian delicacies, spanning from sushi and fried noodles to delectable curries and spring rolls.
I find the prices a bit high, but the rich flavors are worth it. When dining in, the garden-side ambiance adds a nice touch.
My order: The octopus and salmon mixture, the vegetable mixture with black mushrooms and some plain rice.
Where? 34bis Av. Roger Salengro, 17440 Aytré
Still to be discovered?
La Rochelle offers plenty of enjoyable and affordable dining options. Here are a few places I’m yet to explore:
- Planète sesame – World cuisine at a good price. The menu changes daily.
- Hattori sushi – Sushi that you get to enjoy by the port. A little expensive but apparently high quality.
- L’Italien – Pizzas and pastas at good value for money.
- La Fabuleuse cantine – A restaurant across from the Maritime Museum that focuses on reducing waste and serving creative cuisine.
- Koya – For only 20 euros at lunchtime, you can enjoy nikkei cuisine, which combines Japanese and Peruvian influences.
- Théo Chereau Pâtisserie – For an elegant afternoon tea. The Oursin really peaks my curiosity! It is essentially a soft almond biscuit with seaweed from Ile de Ré, pineapple compote, pineapple marmalade, creamy yuzu and a light black sesame cream. Sounds so interesting!
- Santosha – Asian restaurant on St-Nicolas Street with well-priced dishes and vegetarian options. Apparently the chicken is halal.
Any restaurant recommendations to share? Leave a comment or let me know on Twitter!
Have a sweet tooth?
- Ernest Glacier If you’re a fan of nuts, you’ll absolutely adore the roasted pistachio ice cream! Additionally, Ernest offers raspberry sorbet sticks coated in dark chocolate, a personal favorite for my mom.
Where? 48 Cr des Dames
- Traiteur Maison Martius – It’s definitely on the pricier side, so I wouldn’t suggest a full meal, but consider grabbing one of their pastries for dessert. The fruit charlotte is exceptional, and the pear tart is also a delightful discovery!
Where? La, 66 Av. Coligny
- Le Comptoir Charentais – Nestled discreetly along the quay, this delightful specialty store is a haven for anyone with a sweet tooth, eager to explore the flavors of Poitou-Charente. From salted butter caramels and Charentais cakes to fleur de sel shortbreads and canned snails, it’s a true taste of the region! Keep an eye out for the welcoming donkey statue – a sure sign that the store is open!
Where? 119 Quai Louis Prunier (en face de l’Espace Encan)
- D’Jolly – This bakery has delicious pastries and chocolate éclairs. They also sell sandwiches and a variety of breads. Little tip: stop by the D’Jolly on Rue Chef de ville after 7 PM for reduced prices!
Where? 13 Rue Chef de ville (pas loin de la Grosse Horloge)
- Boulangerie Mie Aytresienne -I really like their cake called “soleil levant” (“rising sun”).
Where? 59 Av. Roger Salengro à Aytré
- Ile de Ré chocolat -An artisan chocolatier with a whole range of products to discover for chocolate and caramel lovers. The fleur de sel spreads make excellent gifts for friends and family. And, of course, there’s always the option to treat yourself 😉
Where? 55, boulevard Joffre
Thanks for this valuable work. It also helps those who are living in La Rochelle. It can be tricky to find the right place considering there are over 300 restaurants in this beautiful city.