Bordeaux called our names in early 2025 and we answered! Booked in February was a luxury wine tour to Bordeaux offered by Fine Vintage Ltd., a WSET provider for whom I poured wine during many of their classes in Chicago. The itinerary was superior to most and my husband and I knew that this would be a memorable adventure-and we were right. Not a media junket for me this time, this was just “us” and eight new friends we met during the week.
What’s more was that three Bordeaux restaurants in which we indulged are worthy of my recommendations. Hopefully, you’ll find your way to this iconic French city sooner than later and experience the wine, food, and overall warmth of these restaurants, too.
As sipped at La Table de Pavie, a two star Michelin restaurant in Saint-Emilion.
Zephirine Urbaine & Comptoir Gourmand Should Receive a Michelin Star
After a perfect fall weekend in Paris, we took the high speed train in Gare Montparnasse for two hours directly to Bordeaux. A quick taxi ride to our hotel was followed by a stroll around the city center where the sights and sounds of history blended with modernity at every step.
Recommended by friends in California, we booked and then dined at Zephirine Urbaine & Comptoir Gourmand, tucked in a side street only a 15 minute walk from the hotel. Zephirine has a “no fuss” attitude and a changing menu written on the chalkboard. Upon entering Zephirine, local and seasonal products are offered for take-away and a large wine collection is displayed. My husband and I were offered a table in the dining area where we received the menu and freshly baked bread (yes, please) along with a French butter curler (Coquillor), one of the many unique pieces I have purchased since returning home.
One of my favorite spots in Bordeaux for dinner – Zephirine.
Chef Romaine Corbiere states, “My dishes, simmered and cooked in accordance with traditions, are reinvented to surprise you. I want to cook the moment to move, without artifice, around my slice table and through a selection of seasonal products.” Our server explained the menu so the chef could tailor the fresh dishes according to our wishes.
Our choice, the “diner entre nous,” included three entrees each: a green salad with “terrine de campagne,” soft boiled farm egg in a mouthwatering, textured sauce, and salad with coconut, onions, tomatoes and chorizo. I chose the succulent fish for the plat, and dessert was the family’s signature dessert, Zephirine a la clementine, just sweet enough to satisfy. This decadence was washed down slowly and deliberately with a luscious bottle of Yann Chave Crozes Hermitage 2023, a brilliant blend of Syrah from the estate’s parcels. Add Zephirine to your Bordeaux playlist for an outstanding experience offering a Michelin star worthy menu coupled with a casual, cozy vibe.
At Zephirine, starters are flavorful works of art.
La Table du Lavoir Showcases Traditional Country Dining with Iconic Vineyard Views
Our first evening at the trip’s host hotel, elegant Les Sources de Caudalie, followed a mid-day Champagne toast with our new friends and a short walk through the vineyards for a tasting at Smith Haut Lafitte.
Dinner was held at Les Sources’ countryside style bistro, La Table du Lavoir, where the original stone washhouse (rebuilt stone by stone) holds court in the center. The frame of the bistro was constructed from 18th century wood salvaged from the cellars of Lafite Rothschild. Our group took advantage of the gorgeous ancient fireplace to add warmth to the chilly night and if I return in the spring or summer, you may find me on the relaxing terrace enjoying up-close views of the vineyards.
Warm and inviting, La Table du Lavoir offers an authentic Bordelaise menu.
Obviously, multiple bottles of Champagne and wine were involved at dinner. But the most delectable food was, too… Our starter was a flavorful soup of butternut squash cream, free-range egg with parsley and chestnuts followed by a melt-in-your-mouth slow-cooked pork shoulder, pressed potatoes, parsnip cream and rich jus. A cheese plate then dessert of Belle Hélène pear, a poached pear with chocolate, rounded out the incredible dinner. I can’t wait to return to this welcoming restaurant where the generosity and all the feels of the French countryside were up front and center.
Autumn is time for luscious soups at La Table du Lavoir.
Creative Cuisine at La Table de Pavie in Saint-Emilion Has Earned Two Michelin Stars – For Good Reason
During the day, our group visited Chateau Pavie where we learned about the property and tasted wines that I continue to dream about. A few hours later, my husband and I leisurely walked around the world-renowned town of Saint-Emilion and and headed over to La Table de Pavie, located next to Hotel de Pavie, once a convent where nuns offered sanctuary to travelers and pilgrims. Our group gathered at the elegant bar area where (you guessed it) bottles of Champagne were opened to celebrate another incredible day.
On our way from the bar to the dining room, we were fortunate to be able to walk through the kitchen where sous-chefs were busily preparing a myriad of delights for guests. Chef Yannick Alleno at La Table de Pavie is at the helm and oversees this 2 Michelin-starred restaurant where superior dining, impeccable service, and a jaw-dropping French wine list with local Premier Grand Cru selections are offered to fortunate guests. Refined and modern dishes focusing on Bordeaux cuisine were ours thanks to Chef Sebastien Faramond and his team.
Absolutely stunning dinner at La Table de Pavie.
Our decadent Aromes de Pavie menu began with steamed omelette with Prunier caviar followed by a colorful “vegetable stroll” with Gascon pork lard. Poached langoustine with vanilla seed and “stew of the heads” in Esprit de Pavie wine led to the next course of Duplantier duck with orange sugar turnip, black clementine, and Bordelaise liver toast. Dessert was a stunning warm chocolate pie over which Maury sauce with Tahitian vanilla was gently poured. Satiated by five superb wines, this dining experience is one that any wine and food lover will appreciate.
Vegetables never looked so enticing!
Will there be a return trip to Bordeaux? Absolutely? And will you find me creating new memories at these stunning spots once again? Yes! I’ll save a seat for you.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
