Where to dine in Champagne
Vitalie Taittinger, artistic director, Champagne Taittinger
“The wine bar and grocery shop Au Bon Manger in Reims, owned by Aline and Eric Serva, a couple of adventurers, who only choose small producers and families who work responsibly. The selection includes cheeses, wild salmon, beautiful charcuterie and natural wines. Racine, in Reims, was opened by Japanese chef Kazuyuki Tanaka a few years ago, and was later awarded a Michelin star. In Troyes, Le Crieur de Vin offers a very good selection of Champagne, and the food is very tasty, with a beautiful twist. In Épernay, Chez Max is a very traditional local restaurant where the food is real and fresh, without any chi-chi. Very often you will cross paths with Champagne producers.”
Frédéric Zeimett, CEO, Champagne Leclerc Briant
“Racine and Le Foch in Reims, and Le Grand Cerf in Montchenot – all one Michelin-starred. I also enjoy going to Au Bon Manger in Reims managed by Aline and Eric Serva, which is more casual. They have a fantastic selection of organic and biodynamic Champagnes.”
Gilles de la Bassetiere, president, Champagne de Venoge
“Talking only about the restaurants near Épernay, I will classify the restaurants in two categories, the ‘classics’ and the ‘discoveries’.
In the classics, Le Royal Champagne has the best view in Champagne, Les Berceaux the best pied de cochon in Épernay, La Briqueterie in Vinay has the best-value lunch menu in Champagne, La Grillade Gourmande for its famous escargot de Champagne, Le Theatre with its homemade foie gras and smoked salmon, and Le Sardaigne has the best pizza. For discoveries, Chez Max serves the best steak tartare in Champagne, and Chez Shao is the best Chinese in Épernay. And finally, [de Venoge’s] L’Écurie for tapas and Champagne de Venoge.”
Read more