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Noirmoutier-en-l'Île

La Marine, led by Chef Alexandre Couillon, offers a unique gastronomic journey rooted in Noirmoutier's culinary heritage. The restaurant is renowned for its creative use of local seafood and seasonal vegetables, presented in an elegant and modern setting. Guests frequently commend the personalized service and the opportunity to meet the chef, enhancing the overall dining experience.

La Marine: A Culinary Gem in Noirmoutier-en-l'Île France 

Nestled in the picturesque town of Noirmoutier-en-l'Île, La Marine offers an extraordinary dining experience that celebrates the rich bounty of the Atlantic coast. This exquisite restaurant is famed for its masterful seafood cuisine, where each dish reflects a passionate commitment to fresh, local, and sustainable ingredients. Under the deft guidance of Chef Alexandre Couillon and his wife Céline, guests are treated to innovative flavors that redefine traditional seafood dishes.

 is not just a restaurant; it's an immersive experience where the ocean’s freshest catches are elevated into edible art. Diners praise the 

 that go beyond typical seafood tastes. From delicate fish to vibrant accompaniments like rhubarb and spruce, each plate is a celebration of the Vendée region’s natural heritage. The dedication to accommodating dietary needs combined with friendly, professional service reflects the restaurant’s two Michelin stars and ensures a memorable visit.

La Marine’s elegance extends to its beautifully designed dining room and attached hotel, offering guests a seamless blend of gourmet cuisine and comfortable accommodation. The atmosphere is relaxed yet refined, making it perfect for foodies and travelers seeking an authentic taste of French coastal luxury. Practical amenities include free parking, accessible restrooms, and seamless payment options with contactless cards accepted, enhancing the overall guest experience.

What are the operating hours of La Marine?

 La Marine operates from Wednesday to Saturday, offering lunch from 12:15 PM to 1:15 PM and dinner from 7:15 PM to 8:15 PM. The restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

How can I make a reservation at La Marine?

 Reservations can be made by contacting the restaurant directly at +33 2 51 39 23 09 or via their official website.

 While there is no strict dress code, guests are encouraged to dress smart-casual to match the elegant ambiance of the restaurant.

Visitors consistently express a highly positive sentiment toward La Marine, applauding its extraordinary seafood dishes and the warm, attentive service. The restaurant is praised as a must-visit destination for those seeking a refined yet genuine taste of French coastal gastronomy, deeply rooted in the local Vendée culture and its sustainable culinary traditions.

Europe

France

Overview  
La Marine is a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Noirmoutier-en-l'Île, France. This Michelin-starred restaurant is not just a dining destination; it is a celebration of the ocean's bounty and the rich culinary heritage of the Vendée region. With its stunning views and an ambiance that whispers elegance, La Marine invites you to indulge in a gastronomic experience that is both intimate and unforgettable.

The restaurant is renowned for its exquisite seafood dishes, crafted with the freshest local ingredients. Imagine savoring a perfectly seared scallop, its delicate sweetness enhanced by a hint of sea salt and a drizzle of herb-infused oil. Or perhaps you would prefer the signature dish of the chef, a stunning plate of turbot, artfully arranged with seasonal vegetables and a light beurre blanc sauce that dances on your palate.

Dining & Culinary Delights  
La Marine offers an exceptional dining experience that transcends the ordinary. The menu is a testament to the chef's passion for seafood, showcasing the best of what the Atlantic Ocean has to offer. Each dish is a work of art, meticulously prepared and beautifully presented.

The ambiance is equally captivating, with a tasteful décor that reflects the maritime heritage of Noirmoutier-en-l'Île. Large windows offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, allowing diners to feel connected to the natural beauty outside. The attentive staff is well-versed in the art of hospitality, ensuring that every visit is memorable.

Signature Highlights  
One of the standout features of La Marine is its commitment to sustainability and local sourcing. The chef works closely with local fishermen and farmers to ensure that the ingredients are not only fresh but also ethically sourced. This dedication to quality is evident in every bite.

Behind the scenes, the kitchen operates like a well-oiled machine, with each team member playing a crucial role in the creation of the dining experience. The chef often shares stories of his childhood spent by the sea, which inspires his culinary philosophy and the dishes he creates.

Location & Nearby Attractions  
Located at 3 Rue Marie Lemonnier, La Marine is perfectly situated for exploring the charming island of Noirmoutier. Visitors can stroll through the picturesque streets, visit the local markets, or enjoy the stunning beaches nearby.

For those looking to extend their stay, the nearby attractions include the historic Château de Noirmoutier and the beautiful salt marshes, both offering unique insights into the island's rich history and natural beauty.

FAQs  
What is La Marine known for?  
La Marine is celebrated for its exquisite seafood dishes and its commitment to using fresh, local ingredients.

  
Visiting La Marine is a culinary journey that offers a unique blend of flavors and an unforgettable dining atmosphere.

  
The best time to visit is during the summer months when the local produce is at its peak.

Visit Us Today!  
Indulge in an unforgettable culinary experience at La Marine. Whether you're a seafood lover or simply looking to enjoy a beautiful meal in a stunning setting, La Marine promises to delight your senses. Book your table now and discover the flavors of Noirmoutier-en-l'Île.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNGM1lDYmFnEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJsXfnkhwWBUgRHDPaEO3Pdx8/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNGM1lDYmFnEAE

Wow, Absolutely amazing. As an english educated person food isn't my strong suit but this restaurant is out of this world. the food is delicious. Its so good that you need to book a very long time in advance.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURVLTdEbm1nRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJsXfnkhwWBUgRHDPaEO3Pdx8/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURVLTdEbm1nRRAB

A great experience even for those that don’t like fishy seafood. The complexity of flavour and the freshness of the fish means you have seafood that doesn’t just taste of fish. They accommodate dietary needs and the staff are friendly and professional. The service is what you expect with two Michelin stars. A great treat and a worthwhile experience. We also spent a night in the hotel attached. It was a beautiful room with modern amenities. We loved it! A great addition to a wonderful evening.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN1cXRxTUtnEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJsXfnkhwWBUgRHDPaEO3Pdx8/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN1cXRxTUtnEAE

Absolutely perfect pairing with the food and the wines. I loved how the acidity in many dishes came from the ingredients, not just vinegar (rhubarb, spruce tree etc). The fig and tomato were leading ingredients through the evening, beside many great fish.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNhdHNIM1BnEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJsXfnkhwWBUgRHDPaEO3Pdx8/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNhdHNIM1BnEAE

At La Marine you experience fish and seafood cuisine at different spheres. With his entire team in the kitchen and the service, Alexandre masters cooking like art. Visual masterpieces are served and the only downer is that the enjoyment is fleeting.  The freshest, most tasteful local ingredients are used and served. It's a treat and privilege to experience a stay in this relaxed and tastefully decorated gourmet restaurant.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNPMDV5MlB3EAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJsXfnkhwWBUgRHDPaEO3Pdx8/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNPMDV5MlB3EAE

32nd in my 3 stars challenge in France (follow me for all the reviews and update on every Michelin Stars in Paris and 3 stars in France, and more…).
This review created a traffic jam. There’s so much to say that I literally could write a novel. So, contrary to my first review, which I did right away after the dinner, this one took several months. Why? The first one was about the encounter and  the deep roots/strong logic concept (I’ll repost it on my account). This one is about Artist vs Artisan, the integration and most of all the revenge of the cursed.

Artist vs Artisan. My reviews are about the artist behind a great craftsman. You first need to be a craftsman to have the tools to express yourself. Like any art. But then you have the choice when you receive and select a product, to transform it in a way or another, to express yourself through it. It’s a art because there’s an expression, willingly or not. Does the chef do it consciously or is it unconsciously ? I’ll answer like my 3rd grade French teacher did to me when I ask if the poet realized all the intricacies: it doesn’t really matter. What matters is the result, the emotions, the memories and the long lasting impact or even your willingness that others experience the same. So I could write pages about an onion with a lactic fermentation that I got that day. Really. I’m still not over it. But I would be speaking of the Artisan, the craftsman. And I would bore you to death. So the question is about what the artist is saying ?

Humble and humbled by nature and tragedy. He’s saying a lot. Or, at least, my French professor would say that you can hear a lot.  Amongst it, the first that resonated in me is the integration of his environment. The land, the ocean are speaking through his veins. As long as Vendéens will live, gastronomy will have men for its causes, I first thought. But then, I realize that its not about the blood. It’s about the integration of the nature, of this region. What makes a vendéen ? A man that respects this nature, lives by and with it. Not necessarily just someone who lives there, and not someone who has his DNA saying so. My DNA is a 100% Vendéen. As many generations one can remember. Still, after living most of my life away, I may be less of Vendéen than most of Alexandre’s team. They breath it, they feel it, they live it. It’s the integration that counts. Integration not just with the population, but with the nature that gives the tempo to the population. His cuisine tastes like Vendee. Soft yet desperately stubborn. Humble, humbled by the nature and by a tragic irony and finally humbling. Especially with a “simple” onion.

I should have said ironies. There’s the obvious historical one. The population has been decimated hundreds of years ago. And still mentioning it, to this day, is strongly frown upon, even when you’re just the great great grand children of a victim of atrocities trying to express how deep are the scars that are left. It’s the double jeopardy. Used and abused. It’s a bit of the same for the gastronomy. The local products are viewed as “authentic”, sought after (a lot of Michelin I went had Vendéen products), but the credit don’t go (enough) to the locals. To be fair, it’s a bit the same for many regions with great products but where others transform it and benefits from it. So, I felt like it was a revenge of the cursed. A revenge of the Michelin that are not the right touristic highway. A revenge of the regions that produce but don’t get the credit. A revenge of the chefs that are far away but so close to their land, to their identity. So sweet must be the taste of that recognition. So this onion, tastes like Vendée, humble, yet humbled by the stubbornness of its people of making great things out of the modane, thanks to  their care, time and, in that case, lacto fermentation. It was humbling. May be i m just hearing voices, but so sweet was the taste.

A top tiers 3 stars. Well fitted in the 1968-78 born 3 stars chefs. A very emotional generation. I hope to see others from “remote” regions to rise.

Michelin-Star Seafood Restaurant La Marine, Noirmoutier-en-l'Île

La Marine, established by Chef Alexandre Couillon and his wife Céline, has evolved from a modest family-run café to a three-Michelin-starred restaurant, reflecting a dedication to local flavors and culinary innovation.

La Marine: A Culinary Legacy in Noirmoutier-en-l'Île France 

Tucked away in the charming coastal town of Noirmoutier-en-l'Île, La Marine stands as a beacon of gourmet excellence and sustainability. Since 1999, this renowned restaurant has been helmed by the visionary Chef Alexandre Couillon, whose passion for seafood and local produce has transformed La Marine into a destination for discerning food lovers and eco-conscious travelers alike.

The story of La Marine took a significant turn in 1999 when Alexandre Couillon and his wife Céline assumed ownership. Their shared vision was to honor the island’s rich maritime heritage while pushing culinary boundaries. This commitment quickly earned the restaurant its first Michelin star in 2007, signaling the arrival of a rising star in French gastronomy.

Continuing to elevate the dining experience, La Marine received its second Michelin star in 2013. Chef Couillon’s innovative approach, which integrates local sea and land ingredients with inventive techniques, captivated critics and guests alike. This period marked a refined mastery that showcased the flavors of Vendée through delicate yet bold seafood creations.

Sustainability and the Third Michelin Star

The crowning achievement came in 2023, when La Marine was awarded its prestigious third Michelin star along with the Michelin Green Star. This dual recognition celebrates not only the exquisite culinary artistry but also the restaurant’s pioneering commitment to sustainable gastronomy. Chef Couillon and his team have harmonized environmental responsibility with gastronomic excellence, setting a new standard for fine dining in coastal France.

 sourced from the vibrant Vendée coast form the heart of the menu, highlighting the freshest seafood and seasonal produce.

 marked by a steady climb from first star in 2007 to the coveted third star in 2023.

 honored by the Michelin Green Star, reflecting a deep respect for nature and local ecology.

 that masterfully balances tradition with creativity to showcase the unique flavors of the Vendée coast.

Restroom

Parking

Outdoor Seating

La Marine is a charming restaurant located in Noirmoutier-en-l'Île, France, offering delightful local cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood and a warm atmosphere. The restaurant celebrates the rich bounties of the ocean, providing a sensory journey intertwined with the culture and natural beauty of the region.

La Marine

La Marine offers two tasting menus that showcase the freshest local seafood and seasonal vegetables, reflecting the culinary heritage of Noirmoutier.

Menu NO. Marine & Végétal - 6 épisodes

Menu NO. Marine & Végétal - 9 épisodes

Menus

La Marine Gastronomic Menu Overview in Noirmoutier-en-l'Île France 

Located in the heart of Noirmoutier-en-l'Île, La Marine captivates with a refined gastronomic menu that celebrates the freshest seafood and local ingredients of the Vendée region. This Michelin-starred restaurant offers a sublime culinary journey through inventive dishes that harmoniously blend traditional flavors with artistic mastery.

The menu begins with a thoughtful selection of starters that tease the palate with fresh, local flavors. Expect delicacies like vibrant preparations featuring sea lettuce paired with buckwheat, caramel, and zesty citrus notes, awakening the senses with a delicate balance of earthiness and brightness.

La Marine's standout mains showcase the bounty of the sea through expert technique and sublime flavor combinations. Signature dishes include the Maquereau de petite pêche, a freshly caught mackerel served alongside earthy beetroot and aromatic parsley. The Homard et Caviar presents a luxurious duo of lobster and caviar enhanced by a delicate green crab broth flan, perfectly marrying richness and freshness. Another highlight is the Lieu Jaune de ligne, featuring line-caught pollack with sweet carrots and a unique pine butter that adds a subtle, resinous depth to the dish.

The dessert offerings continue La Marine's theme of inventive, nature-inspired flavors. A remarkable option is the Laitue de Mer, a dessert featuring sea lettuce with nutty buckwheat, luscious caramel, and bright citrus accents that create a light yet complex finish to the meal.

La Marine offers thoughtfully curated wine pairings that complement the intricate flavors of each course. The selections highlight regional varietals and balance acidity, minerality, and fruit notes to elevate the dining experience. Alongside wines, the restaurant also serves a variety of cocktails and coffee to conclude the meal perfectly.

La Marine presents two exceptional tasting menus, each offering a unique culinary narrative. The nine-course Menu NO. is a comprehensive journey showcasing a wide variety of flavors, while the six-course Menu NO.1 offers a more focused yet equally elegant experience. Both menus exhibit the chef’s profound connection to the Vendée terroir and the surrounding ocean.

 Every dish highlights the freshest catches and seasonal produce, deeply rooted in the Vendée landscape.

 The menu reflects a masterful blend of tradition and creativity, elevating classic ingredients into visual and flavorful works of art.

 Paired with attentive and knowledgeable staff, the dining experience is both luxurious and welcoming.

Savor fresh seafood at La Marine, Noirmoutier-en-l'Île's gem! Enjoy stunning coastal views and vibrant flavors. Book your table today!

La Marine Restaurant: Seafood by Noirmoutier Beach

Noirmoutier-en-l'Île Municipality

A 6-course menu featuring a selection of dishes highlighting the best of local seafood and vegetables.

Tasting Menus

A 9-course menu offering an extended selection of dishes for a more comprehensive culinary experience.

La Marine in Noirmoutier-en-l'Île: A Seafood Connoisseur's Paradise on the French Coastline 

Nestled in the charming town of Noirmoutier-en-l'Île, France, La Marine elevates seafood dining to an art form. This Michelin-starred restaurant offers discerning food lovers an exquisite journey through the freshest local catches and vibrant regional vegetables. Known for its impeccably crafted tasting menus, La Marine delivers a truly immersive culinary experience that balances tradition and innovation.

Exceptional tasting menus that celebrate local bounty

At La Marine, diners can choose between two carefully curated tasting menus designed to showcase the exquisite flavors of the Vendée coast. Each menu features a thoughtfully selected array of dishes highlighting the finest local seafood and seasonal vegetables. The combination of delicate flavors and masterful technique ensures each plate is a memorable masterpiece.

Perfect wine pairings to enhance your meal

To complement the culinary artistry, La Marine offers expertly selected wine pairings that elevate the tasting menus. These pairings accentuate the natural acidity and complex flavors found in the dishes, such as rhubarb and spruce tree notes or the rich notes of fresh fish. Whether you’re a wine aficionado or a casual enthusiast, the wine selection perfectly balances each course for a harmonious dining experience.

An unforgettable gastronomic experience with refined ambiance

La Marine combines its gastronomic excellence with a relaxed yet tastefully decorated setting, offering guests an inviting atmosphere to savor each moment. The attentive and professional staff provide Michelin-star caliber service, ensuring every detail contributes to a flawless visit. While the venue does not offer outdoor seating, it provides convenient free parking and modern amenities, including clean restrooms and accepted contactless payments, making your stay comfortable and easy.

 Seafood and local vegetables highlight the menu with creative preparations.

 Michelin-starred tasting menus with optional wine pairings for a complete gastronomic journey.

 Located in quaint Noirmoutier-en-l'Île with free parking and modern conveniences.

Given La Marine’s stellar reputation and limited seating, advance reservations are essential to secure your table. This hidden gem is especially popular during the summer months when visitors flock to Noirmoutier-en-l'Île for its scenic beauty and vibrant local culture. For those seeking a truly special occasion or a memorable holiday treat, La Marine offers an unmatched seafood dining experience that captures the essence of the French Atlantic coast.

Experience French coastal cuisine at its finest — book your culinary journey at La Marine today.

Pays de la Loire

Experience exquisite seafood cuisine at La Marine in Noirmoutier-en-l'Île, France. Indulge in seasonal menus, harbor views, and personalized service.

La Marine Noirmoutier - Michelin 3-Star Seafood Restaurant

Discover La Marine in Noirmoutier-en-l'Île, known for its innovative local seafood dishes, elegant ambiance, and scenic harbor views. Reserve now for an unforgettable meal.

Visit La Marine in Noirmoutier - Top Fine Dining & Scenic Views

Learn about La Marine, a Michelin 3-star restaurant led by Chef Alexandre Couillon, showcasing regional flavors, innovative seafood dishes, and a rich culinary history.

La Table d'Élise