L'Épicerie — Cave-Dining in Amboise
Tucked into a vaulted tuffeau cave on Rue de la Tour, L'Épicerie is the kind of unpretentious, ingredient-obsessed bistro that Loire locals keep for themselves. The menu changes with the season, the wine list is almost entirely regional, and the stone walls keep it cool even on the hottest August afternoon.
What to Order
The kitchen leans heavily on classic Touraine cooking: expect a silky velouté of white asparagus in spring, duck confit with lentils from Le Puy in autumn, and a tarte Tatin made with local Reinette apples that is worth the visit alone.
The cheese board is sourced almost entirely from the Friday market — the Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine is always on it, alongside a rotating cast of chèvres and a wedge of aged Comté. Ask the server which wine they'd pair with it; they always know.
The Wine List and Atmosphere
The list skews heavily toward Vouvray, Montlouis-sur-Loire and Chinon, with a handful of natural-wine producers from the broader Loire thrown in. Glasses are generous and prices are honest — a three-course lunch with wine rarely tops €35 per person.
The cave setting — low arched ceilings, exposed tuffeau stone, mismatched vintage chairs — makes the room feel like a secret even when it's full. Booking ahead for dinner is essential; lunch walk-ins are usually possible on weekdays.
More of Amboise
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Amboise →
