Le Balaou Île de Ré — Restaurant in La Rochelle

A Must-Visit in La Couarde! We had the pleasure of enjoying a wonderful family dinner at Balaou in La Couarde, and it was truly one of the highlights of our stay. The food was exceptional – a delicious blend of local ingredients and classic French cuisine. From the perfectly cooked magret de canard and delicate aigrefin (haddock) to the tender beef filet, each dish was beautifully presented and packed with flavor. And the desserts? Simply outstanding.

The ambiance was just as impressive – a warm, welcoming space that feels intimate and cozy, even when the room is full. The décor strikes a perfect balance between stylish and relaxed, creating a great atmosphere for groups or a quiet dinner alike.

A special mention to Artus, our waiter, who took excellent care of our party of seven. He was attentive, patient, and added a personal touch that made the evening even more enjoyable.

If you find yourself in La Couarde in 2025, we highly recommend booking a table at Balaou. You’ll be greeted by a fantastic team, treated to outstanding food, and leave with a smile....

A great place for an up-scale casual dinner. They can certainly accommodate young children, and we had no problem bringing our 16-month-old son and 7-year-old daughter. There is a children's menu. The outdoor patio is wonderful, with plenty of shade and space. Service was really friendly, and the staff were very attentive. The fish, which is why anyone comes here, was absolutely first-rate. Evidently, the owner is a retired fishermen, and it shows in the selection and quality. The only criticism was that there were a lot of bones in my daughter's dish, which I understand comes with preparing everything on-site. Overall, definitely a great meal, good price and somewhere we hope...

We’ve been coming to La Couarde for 10 years and always come here. Every other place we’ve been to in the island has been a disappointment. The service is always super friendly and accommodating. Small details such as blankets on chilly evenings. The accras are the best and we even got some to take away on our last day, for the journey. The food is excellent and good value. The atmosphere and setting is lovely - like a little oasis. The cocktails are fresh and well garnished. We like that the menu doesn’t change hugely - what they offer they do well.. Couteaux, seiche, did I...