Always open, centrally located, well-priced, great service French/English, beautiful decor, comfortable & DELICIOUS.

I rarely write a restaurant review on the same evening as my visit but L'Hôte Antique restaurant in Blois is an exception: it was THAT GOOD. It is well-priced, friendly & professional service in a delightful French modern ambiance: simply put, it’s PERFECT. English is understood and welcomed as are single diners, all combinations of couples, friends & families. I felt welcomed, as a solo diner, from the moment l entered.

If you are in Blois, anywhere near the Château or the main street, I highly recommend making a dinner or lunch at L'Hôte Antique restaurant. I made a reservation by leaving a message in English on their answering machine (speak slowly & spell your name clearly). I later went in person (in case my message was not received). A young man with a beard (who appeared to be either the maitre or manager) greeted me & quickly confirmed receipt of my phone message requesting a 7:30 dinner reservation. He even remembered my name! That competence & kindness impressed me. FYI the restaurant rush-hour in France appears to begin at 8:30 pm. I suggest you reserve earlier to avoid the craziness when everyone arrives simultaneously.

I was there on a Sunday evening. Finding a restaurant in France that is open on Sunday evenings is difficult. This restaurant is open every day; also highly unusual in France. I also based my decision on the well-deserved TA reviews. All the 5-star TA reviews got it: the L'Hôte Antique is excellent.

This was the best meal I’ve enjoyed in my week driving from Château to Château along the Loire. I opted for one of their menus (see photo for menu options); each dish was delicious. I had my iPhone translator to ensure I didn’t order snails, liver or tripe. I was hesitant to order the steak option but it was perfect: juicy, well-sized, tender, perfectly cooked & flavorful. My excellent waitress explained that the L’Hote Antique buys from ONE butcher, a Mssr. Papillon (Mr. Butterfly). The same butcher prepared who provided

the steak, prepared the appetizer. The starter was a combination of a variety of homemade pork specialties made prepared by Mssr. Papillon himself, accompanied by assorted crisp pickled vegetables, including French cornicions. The appetizer were so generous I could have easily finished there; but I continued to the steak, served with grilled vegetables & crispy small roasted potatoes. The French desserts are not to be missed.

I watch my salt intake and confirm the chef at the L'Hôte Antique succeeded in his application of salt. I say this because I found that many French restaurants overdo the salt (for my taste).

The atmosphere is delightful. Some guests were wearing Bermuda shorts but most wore jeans or dress pants; some gentlemen wore jackets. I found most restaurants in France very accepting of their guests’ choice of attire.

As I had chosen the 3-course dinner, it included a third plate, dessert. I chose the 3-chocolate cake. It was moist, fresh & flavorful. I skipped cheese plate as I could barely finish the chocolate cake.

Even if you don’t go to lunch or dinner, drop by between meal times and try a dessert and coffee or tea. portion is so large you could even share it. Amazing again. (See the photos). It kinds of mouse: white, milk & dark chocolate: outstanding. I couldn't finish it: I was quite full from what was an absolutely delicious dinner.

Let me know if you agree with me after you try the restaurant at the Hotel L’Antique.