The 5 Best Restaurants in Rouen, Including a Julia Child Favorite

With over 650 restaurants to choose from and an award for UNESCO City of Gastronomy, how on earth are you supposed to choose just five restaurants? Well, it wasn’t easy. But on my last trip to Rouen, I was recommended some great ones to try by Yannick at the Rouen Tourist Board. And she didn’t let me down.

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As I was on a tight schedule, I wanted to make sure I tried a variety of restaurants so I could sample as much of Rouen cuisine as I could in the time I had available. And oh my goodness, the food was seriously good.

I even got to eat at the restaurant where Julia Child, the American chef, author, and TV host, had her first meal in France and fell in love with French food. If you’re looking for recommendations on the best restaurants in Rouen, keep reading.

A sunny street scene in Rouen, France, featuring half-timbered houses with traditional architecture. The buildings have multiple stories with visible wooden beams and white fill. The ground floor of the closest building has a red storefront and outdoor seating arranged in front, suggesting a cafe or restaurant. There is a stone fountain in the foreground, and the clear blue sky suggests a pleasant day. Several potted plants add greenery to the scene, and a few cars are parked along the side of the street.

The 5 BEST Restaurants To Try On Vacation In Rouen

Rouen is the capital of Normandy, but it should also be called the capital of food in France, as it received the title of UNESCO City of Gastronomy in November 2021, alongside only 48 other cities worldwide. No mean feat and something they are very proud of.

This recognition was not only for its outstanding gastronomy but also for its creativity and progress in sustainable urban development.

This classification aligns with the United Nations 2030 Agenda, focusing on gender equality and healthy eating. So, how do you choose which restaurants to eat at?

With great difficulty, which is why I enlisted help from the Rouen Tourist Board, who were super helpful, even making my reservations for me.

An exterior night shot of 'La Couronne' restaurant in Rouen, France. The building is adorned with glowing neon outlines that highlight its traditional half-timbered architecture. Flags and flower boxes decorate the facade, and a warmly dressed woman stands smiling in the foreground, bathed in the neon glow. The restaurant's signage is clearly visible, contributing to the inviting and historic feel of the setting.

No. 1 La Couronne

The very restaurant that inspired American chef Julia Child to start cooking French food might just be the best restaurant I’ve ever had the pleasure of eating in.

Not only is it recognized as the oldest Auberge (inn) in France, but it was also an inn before it became a restaurant. From its windows, you can see the spot where Jeanne d’Arc was burned at the stake.

And on that day, La Couronne was filled with people, and the fire lit up its windows. From then on, it became the site of many big events.

There have been many owners of La Couronne, but all of them, for four centuries, 404 years to be exact, had to pay the famous rent of 10 Sous to the church, Saint-Sauveur. It was known as the “10 sous of Dame Nicole” from when she took over the direction of the auberge in 1367.

A woman is seated inside a cozy restaurant with a rustic ambiance. She holds a wine glass, smiling at the camera. The interior is dimly lit with warm lighting accentuating the dark wood panels and a bouquet of dried flowers. Bottles of wine and spirits line the shelves behind her, adding to the intimate, traditional dining atmosphere.

You can just feel the history as you walk into the place. The walls are covered with pictures of all the famous people who have eaten there before me. And we’re talking Hollywood royalty, such as Brigitte Bardot, Sophia Loren, Audrey Hepburn, and Grace Kelly.

It was hard not to get excited as I sank into the extremely comfy chairs to take in my surroundings. Just to the right of where I was sitting, hanging on the wall, was a photograph of Julia Child.

You can even order the same meal she had when she first visited the restaurant in 1948 and famously said, “It was the most exciting meal of my life.”I first fell in love with Julia after watching the movie, Julie Julia, and then started giving her recipes a go.

I tried her Boeuf Bourguignon recipe, the Coq au Vin with a twist, and her fabulous Moules Frites.

So onto my meal. What can I say? It was all absolutely delicious, and the service was superb. Our host was extremely attentive and answered all my numerous questions about the place’s history.

We started with an apéritif, Kir Normand, and a small plate of amuse-bouche. Our meal included a half bottle of wine for each person, and I chose the Château Maine Pascaud, a Premier Côtes de Bordeaux. I love a good red, and this one didn’t disappoint.

But what about the food? Well, here’s a look at what I chose.

A gourmet dish featuring crispy confit duck risotto balls sitting atop a walnut emulsion, served on a white plate with a decorative gold rim and colorful spots. The plate is arranged on a red tablecloth, with a pair of bread rolls on a side plate and cutlery on either side. — **Entrée:** Crispy Confit Duck Risotto with Walnut Emulsion

A plate of tarragon-crusted roast lamb, resting in a pool of pearl jus on a white plate with a gold rim and colorful dots. The lamb is medium-rare, showing a pink center, and served with a roasted tomato and a piece of artichoke. Fresh bread rolls and a glass of water accompany the dish on the red tablecloth. — **Main:** Tarragon Crusted Roast Lamb with Pearl Jus

Cheese: Regional Cheese Plate. I chose Camembert, naturally, as it comes from Normandy, and Mimolette, a hard cheese from Lille.

A dessert plate with vanilla mille-feuille is presented on a white-rimmed plate with a red tablecloth as the backdrop. The mille-feuille has a caramelized sugar top and is layered with cream, accompanied by slices of citrus fruits and a physalis in its papery husk for garnish. A dark berry coulis encircles the pastry. — **Dessert:** Vanilla Millefeuille

We finished with coffee and chocolates, and I could barely move at the end of it all. I was so full.

All I can say is that it would be a sin not to visit La Couronne if you’re in Rouen. Not only is the food to die for and the service excellent, but it is also affordable.

📍 Address: 31, place du Vieux Marché | 🍽️ Cuisine: Traditional French | 💰 Price Range: €29 – €95 | 🌐 Reviews & Bookings

No. 2 In Situ

Now for something completely different. In Situ is an absolute contrast to La Couronne. To start, it’s very modern, with some extremely cool decor that I loved. In particular, the emerald green counter going around the bar where you could eat.

It’s in a different part of Rouen, up by the Musée des Beaux-Arts, near the tourist office. There aren’t as many half-timbered buildings here, and it does have more of a modern feel to it.

A modern cafe interior with a stylish bar area featuring teal countertops and black high-back chairs. A blackboard displays the menu in chalked handwriting, flanked by wine glasses and an espresso machine. A striking contrast is created by the dark ceiling and light walls, with a tropical leaf-patterned panel adding a vibrant touch above.

Before we arrived, we stopped off for an apéritif in a little square that, despite the weather, was filled with people milling around.

There were several cafes, and we sat for an hour or so watching the world go by. The scene, complete with a bike leaning against a sign and some old-fashioned adverts, was just so quintessentially French.

After our huge feast the night before, hubby and I agreed we didn’t want to eat too much, so we opted for the Formule du Jour, a set menu.

Entrée: Veloute de potimarron, eclats de noisette et jambon rostillo (Pumpkin soup with hazelnuts and rostillo ham). It was so good. I don’t think hubby was very keen, but he ended up mopping it up with bread, so I guess he enjoyed it!

A vibrant bowl of pumpkin soup on a teal tabletop, the soup's rich orange hue complemented by scattered toppings of seeds, herbs, and thin slices of ham. A small bowl of crispy potato chips adds texture to the setting, with clear glasses and a water bottle in the background, creating a colorful dining scene.

Main: Boeuf Bourguignon, pommes de terre vapeur et pain d’epices (Boeuf Bourguignon with steamed potatoes and spicy bread). It’s a classic dish, and in a city where food is the star, I knew it would be good, and it was. The beef just fell apart. It was perfect.

A hearty dish of Boeuf Bourguignon presented on a white plate against a teal table. The stewed beef is garnished with root vegetables, including potatoes and carrots, and sprinkled with croutons and fresh herbs. The arrangement suggests a warm, comforting meal, ready to be enjoyed.

Dessert: Biscuit noisette, ganache chocolat et clementimes (Hazelnut biscuit, chocolate ganache and clementimes). For me, this was a little disappointing as it was a bit dry, but hubby had no trouble eating his and then finishing mine as well.

A dessert featuring a hazelnut biscuit topped with a swirl of chocolate ganache and fresh clementine segments, garnished with pomegranate seeds and a sprig of mint. Served on a dark brown plate that contrasts with the teal table, this dessert combines a mix of textures and vibrant colours.

I highly recommend trying this one out for yourself, as the setting was lovely, and the chef, Laurent Blanchard, came out to chat with us after our meal, always a nice touch.📍 Address: 35 Rue Jean Lecanuet | 🍽️ Cuisine: Modern French | 💰 Price Range: Our 3 course meal was just €21 per head | 🌐 Reviews and Bookings

No. 3 JMS Cafe Brasserie

The facade of J.M. Café Brasserie in Rouen, adorned with festive Christmas decorations including red baubles and frosted pine garlands. The classic French brasserie features a black awning and outdoor seating with wrought iron railings on the balcony above. The establishment's windows reflect the grey, overcast sky, hinting at a cozy atmosphere inside.

On our last day in Rouen, we had just enough time for a quick lunch, so we chose JM Cafe, a traditional Brasserie-style restaurant on the market square. It had been raining for most of the morning, and the weather was cold and miserable.

But stepping inside, the coziness and warmth just flooded over us. It was the perfect choice for a bite to eat before the long journey home.

A rustic dish of Poulet à la Normande served in a black skillet, featuring golden fries and a creamy chicken sauce with mushrooms. The skillet sits on a table covered with a menu placemat, next to a glass of red wine and cutlery, ready for a hearty meal.

The menu was plain, simple food that you’d expect to see at a Brasserie. And they had one of my favorites on the menu, Poulet à la Normande.

It’s a traditional dish with chicken, apples, onion, apple brandy, and cream. It was served with fries and was so good.

Hubby had a burger, which he’d been going on about all morning, so he was happy too.

A decadent serving of profiteroles, generously drizzled with chocolate sauce and flaked almonds, accompanied by whipped cream. A cup of espresso completes the indulgent dessert experience, all presented on a table featuring a menu placemat at J.M. Café Brasserie in Rouen.

As one last pig out before going home, we decided to share a dessert. We opted for profiteroles, which in France are served with ice cream inside rather than cream. They were absolutely massive, so I’m glad we shared.

📍 Address: 2, place du Vieux Marché| 🌐 Reviews and Bookings

No. 4 Marcel Apéro Bistro

We arrived in Rouen on a Sunday, and as I live in rural France, I’m accustomed to finding things closed on Sundays. However, that isn’t the case in Rouen.

There were plenty of restaurants open for lunch, and we opted for Marcel Apéro Bistro.

Here, we could see the Church of Saint Joan of Arc and the fabulous half-timbered buildings surrounding the square.

There’s something very cozy about being able to sit outside in the winter. And although we had a plastic-style enclosure over us, it felt like we were sitting outside on the square. It was the perfect setting for lunch, and there were heaters to keep us warm.

Knowing we were eating at La Couronne that night, all we wanted was something to stop our stomachs rumbling. So when in France, you naturally order a charcuterie board when you need something light and tasty.

I wasn’t disappointed, and the bonus was that we got to choose our own cheese and meat.

📍 Address: 39, place du Vieux Marché| 🌐 Reviews and Bookings

No 5 Crêperie La Cornaëlle

A plate with a freshly made crêpe, folded and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a dollop of whipped cream on the side. The crêpe is drizzled with a glossy caramel sauce, and there are sprinkles of crushed nuts scattered over the top. The setting suggests a cozy ambiance indicative of a crêperie.

Is there anything better after doing a lot of walking and sightseeing than taking a break to indulge in one of the best crêpes I’ve ever tasted?

It has a reputation for being one of the best crêperies in Rouen, and I agree. We weren’t there long, but the place has a lovely, warm feel and is full of character, and the crêpes are simply divine.

📍 Address: Rue Eau de Robec 174 | 🌐 Reviews

Dame Cakes Tea Room

Not strictly speaking a restaurant, but I couldn’t not tell you about it as the cakes are out of this world. It was a hard one to ignore, as it was only a minute from our apartment. And it looked so inviting that it would have been rude not to try it at least once. Additionally, there is a bit of history behind it as well.

The shop was built in 2002 on the original premises of the workshop belonging to famous ironworker Ferdinand Marrou.

When Ferdinand died in 2017, the workshop was taken over by Imprimeries Roussel, a printer’s shop, till 2002 when it became Dame Cakes.

The storefront of 'Dame Cakes,' a tea room in Rouen, France. The sign above the entrance features elegant wrought-iron work and sophisticated script against a black background. Beneath a decorative awning labeled "SALON de THÉ" is a beautiful wooden door flanked by large windows showcasing an inviting display of cakes and pastries. The door is adorned with intricate carvings, and a lush flower arrangement sits above the awning, adding a splash of color to the façade. A sandwich board sign stands on the cobblestone pavement in front, hinting at a cozy spot where visitors can enjoy tea and homemade sweets. The architecture and décor suggest a blend of traditional craftsmanship with a touch of luxury, inviting passersby to step in and savor the delicacies within.

It’s everything you want a tea room to be, elegant and inviting, with every type of cake you can imagine, as well as a savory collection for lunch.

Like many restaurants and eateries in Rouen, they source a significant portion of their produce locally, including apple juice and cider.

📍 Address: 70 rue Saint-Romain | 🌐 Reviews and Opening Times

Famous food from Normandy

Normandy is famous for quite a few different dishes, and you’ll find them all featured in restaurants in Rouen. Here are some of my favorites, which I tried whilst I was there.

Cheese

I’m a cheese girl, and Normandy has some amazing cheeses, thanks to the region’s dark brown and white cows.

My favorite is definitely the Camembert, and I bought a kilo from the cheese counter at the undercover market on Place du Vieux Marché. Two other notable cheeses I tried were Pont-l’Évêque and Livarot.

Crêpes

I might love cheese, but I’d never substitute a dessert for cheese, and luckily, in France, at most meals, you get both. Originating from Normandy, crêpes can be enjoyed as both savory and sweet dishes.

Personally, I love a sweet crêpe, especially when they have caramel au beurre salé (salted caramel butter). One to try is the Crêpe Normande, filled with tart apples browned in butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Simply delicious!

Cider

Normandy is famous for its cider, and I am definitely a fan. I like cider anyway as it’s my ‘go-to’ drink in the summer when hubby has an ice-cold beer.

But if you’ve never tried it, it’s an alcoholic beverage made from fermented apple juice. The region has been producing cider since the 11th century, and it comes in various levels of sweetness to pair perfectly with both desserts and main courses.

Seafood

Given its coastal location, Normandy’s cuisine heavily features seafood. Moules frites (mussels and fries) and Coquilles Saint-Jacques (scallops) are popular.

I didn’t try any, to be honest, as I normally eat a lot of seafood and wanted to try other things.

Tarte Normandie

This is seriously yummy. It’s made with shortcrust pastry filled with sliced apples, almonds, and sugar, often topped with a creamy egg custard and caramelized.

Boudin Noir

It’s a type of blood sausage often served with mashed or roasted potatoes and a small salad. I didn’t have it, but hubby did and really enjoyed it, although he did mention it wasn’t like the bangers and mash you’d get back in the UK.

Pommeau de Normandie

And now we’re moving on to the drinks, my favorite bit. Pommeau de Normandie is a fortified wine and apéritif made by blending apple juice and Calvados (apple brandy) and is usually served chilled.

Calvados

An apple brandy from Basse-Normandie, Calvados is aged and has a smooth, rich taste with a slight apple flavour. It’s perfect as an apéritif and is usually served either dry or with ice. I really liked it and ended up getting a bottle to bring home.

Kir Normand

This is a Normandy twist on Kir, traditionally made by mixing crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur) with white wine. Kir Normand is where the white wine is replaced with Normandy’s famous apple cider.

We had this as an apéritif on our first night when we ate at La Couronne. It was nice and made a change from the traditional Kir, which I’d had before.

FAQS: Where to eat in Rouen

What food is Rouen famous for?

Rouen is famous for its traditional Norman cuisine, which includes dishes such as duck à l’orange, lamb de pré-salé (salt marsh lamb), and various apple-based desserts. The region is also known for its cheeses, such as Camembert, and beverages like Calvados, an apple brandy.

How do you spend a day in Rouen?

To spend a day in Rouen, start with a visit to the stunning Notre Dame Cathedral, then take a stroll through the historic old town to admire the half-timbered houses. Enjoy lunch at a local bistro, then explore the Museum of Fine Arts.
In the afternoon, visit the Joan of Arc Tower and the Place du Vieux Marché. There are many things to do and see in Rouen, and this is just scratching the surface.

Why is Rouen famous?

Rouen is famous for its rich history, architectural landmarks, and cultural heritage. It is renowned for the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, its beautifully preserved medieval quarter, and as the place where Joan of Arc was tried and executed. Rouen’s contributions to art and literature, notably through figures like Gustave Flaubert, also add to its fame.

Is Rouen worth seeing?

Yes, Rouen is definitely worth seeing. It offers a captivating blend of history, art, and architecture. With its stunning Gothic cathedral, well-preserved medieval district, Gros Horlage Clock, and other significant cultural sites. Plus, it’s only just over an hour from Paris.

Final thoughts on the best places to eat in Rouen

If you’re a foodie, then you’ll love Rouen, and the food is one of my favorite things about staying there. There is so much choice, from those listed in the Michelin Guide to the more classic French bistro, there is something to tantalise your tastebuds.

I can’t wait to go back to Rouen to discover more restaurants, as I know I’ve only just scratched the surface.

Rouen is the home to some of the best French cuisine and wears its gastronomic crown well.