Galettes are a must-try in Brittany — savoury buckwheat pancakes filled with local flavour.

Where to Find The Best Food in Brittany

Brittany is a beautiful region in France, rich with history, traditions, beaches and stunning natural landscapes. There’s no shortage of cities, towns, and villages to explore. But beyond its well-known highlights, Brittany also offers a treasure trove of culinary delights that visitors sometimes overlook.

From freshly caught seafood to traditional cider, the region’s food and drink tells its own story. During your travels, you’ll have the chance to savour incredible local specialities shaped by centuries of tradition.

To help you make the most of your trip, let’s explore some must-try Breton dishes — and the history behind them.

The History of Brittany Food

Brittany’s food traditions are deeply shaped by its geography and history. With a vast coastline, the region is a haven for seafood lovers, offering fresh catches in its many seaside towns and villages.

The Celtic heritage of the Bretons also leaves its mark on local cuisine. For centuries, the region’s economy relied on agriculture and fishing, giving rise to hearty, rural dishes that reflect a working-class way of life.

Brittany’s salt production, combined with easy access to the sea, paved the way for salt-preserved foods and salted butter — both iconic elements of Breton cooking. The region’s many festivals, meanwhile, have inspired celebratory dishes perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Brittany Food Specialities

Due to the many historical and cultural influences mentioned above, there are several staples of Breton cuisine to look out for during your travels. Key traditional Brittany foods are:

  • Galettes: Savoury buckwheat crêpes that can be filled with a variety of ingredients. The classic 'galette complète' includes ham, cheese, and egg, while another beloved version is the 'galette-saucisse'—a grilled sausage wrapped in a galette, often enjoyed at festivals and markets. There are as many variations as there are ingredients!

  • Crêpes: Crêpes are thin wheat-flour pancakes served with sweet fillings like jam, chocolate, or salted butter caramel. Found everywhere from festivals to crêperies, they’re a must-try sweet treat.

  • Salted Butter (Beurre Salé): A staple in Breton cooking, often made using salt from Guérande. It adds depth to both sweet and savoury dishes and features in many traditional recipes.

  • Kouign-Amann: A layered butter and sugar cake, with origins in the 19th Century.

  • Breton Cider: Made from local apples, Breton cider comes in both sweet (doux) and dry (brut) varieties. It's the perfect pairing for crêpes and galettes.

  • Cotriade: A fish stew made from various types of fish and vegetables, a famous seafood recipe that usually does not contain shellfish.

  • Oysters and Mussels: Amongst other seafood, Brittany is known for world-class oysters and mussels, with Cancale in particular being famous for its oysters!

These traditional delicacies and more make up the amazing cuisine of Brittany, providing visitors with no shortage of amazing things to try.

Steamed mussels with wine and herbs are a refreshing summer favourite in Brittany.

What is the Traditional Dish in Brittany?

Among Brittany’s many cultural delicacies, crêpes and galettes stand out as the beloved traditional staples. Crêpes are delicate, sweet pancakes typically enjoyed with toppings like salted butter caramel, sugar, or jam. Galettes, on the other hand, are the savoury counterpart, made from buckwheat flour and filled with classics such as ham, sausage, egg, or cheese.

Sausage galettes are a popular street food in Brittany, often eaten at markets, festivals, or for a quick lunch.

Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savoury, these Breton delights are widely available throughout the region — perfect for satisfying your cravings while exploring Brittany’s charming towns and villages.

What is the Most Famous Dessert in Brittany?

For those with a sweet tooth, Brittany’s most iconic dessert is the Kouign-Amann. This traditional pastry is famed for its rich layers of buttery dough and caramelised sugar. Its name means “butter cake” in Breton — a fitting nod to its indulgent nature.

Kouign-Amann: A rich, buttery pastry with caramelized layers—sweet, flaky, and perfect for a sweet treat.

With its flaky, golden crust and soft, melt-in-your-mouth interior, the Kouign-Amann is a true celebration of simplicity and flavour. While it might not suit those on a diet, this irresistible treat holds a cherished place in Breton culture and is a must-try for visitors.

The Best Oysters in Brittany

Brittany’s seafood is nothing short of exceptional, with its stunning coastline offering no shortage of seaside resorts serving fresh catches daily. The true star of Brittany’s seafood scene is its oysters, and the best place to sample them is Cancale.

Cancale Oysters, are a coastal delicacy, often enjoyed raw with lemon during seaside lunches.

Cancale, a charming coastal town in Brittany, is renowned for producing some of the finest oysters in France. Its pristine waters, rich in nutrients from the tidal flows, create the perfect environment for oysters with a unique and unforgettable flavour. These oysters have a distinctive profile – fresh, briny, and subtly sweet – making them a favourite with locals and visitors alike. Cancale’s traditional oyster farming methods and unwavering commitment to quality have earned it the title of the oyster capital of Brittany.

The Best Cider in Brittany

Breton cider is a must-try during any trip to the region, and there are plenty of places to sample this distinctive drink. Cider festivals are an excellent way to immerse yourself in the world of Breton cider.

Cider festivals are an excellent way to immerse yourself in the world of Breton cider. Events such as the Fête de la Pomme in Plouha or the Apple Festival in Quévert offer a unique chance to experience Breton culture while tasting a variety of ciders made from different apple varieties.

For a cider-focused city break, head to St Malo or Quimper, where you'll find dedicated cider bars. The Comptoir Breizh Café in St Malo boasts over 60 ciders to choose from, perfectly paired with traditional crêpes for a sweet treat. In Quimper, Le Sistrot is a bar dedicated entirely to discovering the finest Breton ciders, allowing guests to savour them alongside local cuisine.

Top Gastronomic Experiences in Brittany

For those seeking an unforgettable dining experience, Brittany boasts a selection of Michelin-starred restaurants where exceptional food and fine wines await. With so many wonderful options to explore, we’ve handpicked a few in some of our favourite Brittany destinations to inspire your next culinary adventure.

Estime in Rennes

In Brittany’s capital (Rennes), Estime is a family-run, Michelin-starred restaurant in the city centre. With its inviting brick fireplace and warm hardwood floors, the restaurant offers a cosy, welcoming atmosphere to enjoy your meal. Known for its creative twist on French cuisine, Estime celebrates the region’s seasonal produce, particularly its exceptional seafood. Each dish is crafted with care, blending traditional flavours with modern flair to offer an unforgettable dining experience.

Address: 15 Rue du Chapitre, 35000 Rennes

Estime is a chic, cozy bistro in central Rennes, serving inventive seasonal French cuisine with Asian flair.

Méson Chalut in St Malo

In the heart of the iconic port city of St Malo, you’ll find Méson Chalut, a Michelin-starred restaurant that brings a contemporary edge to traditional Breton cuisine. Drawing on the rich maritime heritage of St Malo, the restaurant specialises in fresh seafood, expertly prepared fish, and succulent shellfish, all paired with the finest seasonal ingredients. With its dedication to both quality and creativity, Méson Chalut has quickly become a favourite for locals and visitors alike, offering a truly memorable dining experience in this historic coastal town.

Address: 8 Rue de Toulouse, 35400 Saint-Malo, France

Méson Chalut offers a modern twist on Breton cuisine, specializing in ultra-fresh, sustainably sourced seafood.

Louise in Lorient

Lorient, a vibrant city brimming with beautiful beaches, striking architecture, and rich history, is also home to the Michelin-starred restaurant, Louise. Focusing on sustainably sourced, freshly caught fish and seasonal local ingredients, Louise offers innovative takes on traditional Breton flavours. This restaurant celebrates Brittany’s culinary heritage, providing a modern take on classic dishes – the perfect setting for those seeking a fresh approach to tradition, right in the heart of Lorient.

Address: 14 Rue Claire Droneau, 56100 Lorient, France

Louise is celebrated for its innovative, modern interpretations of traditional Breton flavours.

Sao in Quimper

Nestled on the picturesque quayside of the River Odet in Quimper, Sao is a contemporary restaurant renowned for its flavours that celebrate Breton tradition. Dishes draw inspiration from local ingredients, with a touch of Asian influence, creating food that is both impressive and elegant. Expect local seafood and buckwheat meeting yuzu, ginger and sesame combining to create truly unique dishes.

Address: 8 Quai Dupleix, 29000 Quimper, France

Sao delights with refined, original dishes that blend local Breton ingredients and Asian accents.

Peck & Co in Brest

In the historic port city of Brest, renowned for its military past and vibrant ocean discovery centre, you'll find Peck & Co, a friendly and trendy eatery with an open-plan kitchen. The menu is a fragrant celebration of local ingredients, expertly crafted to capture the flavours of Brittany. Offering both sophistication and warmth, this restaurant provides visitors with an exceptional dining experience in the beautiful setting of Brest.

Address: 26 Rue de Lyon, 29200 Brest, France

Peck & Co charms with its friendly, trendy vibe and open kitchen, serving up farm-to-table modern cuisine.

Brittany offers so much more than its famous cuisine. Immerse yourself in its rich culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes. Stay in handpicked accommodations chosen by our experts for the perfect experience. Book your ferry with us today, save 30% on your trip, and embark on an unforgettable adventure!

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