L'Aubépine — Restaurant in Tours

I am traveling alone through the Loire Valley and seeking out great food and wine, as one would. The restaurants I had researched in Tours (a short list of 3) were not open tonight. I thought this was strange, but walked Rue Colbert a few times and landed at L’Aubepine. How lucky was I! The service was superb; two young men front of house who couldn’t have been more welcoming and efficient.

I started with a lovely glass of champagne that was accompanied by a complimentary starter of melon balls in a vinaigrette. Bright and refreshing. Another coupe champagne (while in France!) to accompany the salmon tartare - two types of fish over thin slices of cucumber. The contrasting colors presented beautifully. The fish was lovely. For main, I chose the lamb dish and it was divine. The puréed vegetables, the julienned carrots under the perfectly cooked lamb and the potatoes (I describe as fried mashed potatoes) and delicate sauce … just wow. I had a Chinon red (it is made from Cabernet Franc, in the Loire Valley) that reminded me of a robust Pacific Northwest Pinot. Perfect accompaniment to the lamb. The dessert was out of this world. Light whipped cream and rosemary separating roasted apricot and pistachios. I had a cognac with this. I wanted to stay and start over! Terrific team and great atmosphere. Price was extraordinarily affordable. Sorry for the pictures. All but the dessert I took a bite first, so the...

L'Aubépine in Tours is a culinary masterpiece that steals the show! Last night, I dove into a world where top-tier ingredients shine without a whisper of overpowering spices. The crispy lamb, a golden work of art, paired with velvety carrot puree, melted on the tongue like a dream. The beef, presented in two textures, was a dazzling explosion of finesse, painting the palate with delicate yet mesmerizing notes. L'Aubépine’s cuisine is a bold artist—daring yet refined, enchanting with sophisticated simplicity that captivates all. The service? Pure brilliance! Attentive yet unobtrusive, they let you savor every bite without constant check-ins, allowing total immersion in the feast. This isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a journey to a realm of flavor that lingers in memory. L'Aubépine is a must-visit for any food lover chasing unforgettable...

We came here for dinner when visiting tours. The service here was fantastic and the waiter was such a nice guy. We were given a complimentary and very tasty gazpacho before our starters. We had the prawns and the salmon tartar to start and the fish for main. The food was decent and very well presented. The salmon could have done with a little seasoning and a marinade through it, but it was still nice. The fish was the same - it could have done with a little more seasoning. Overall this is a nice place though, and one of the better...