Hospitable Arcachon offers tourists many places that will suit both a simple snack and a gourmet candlelit dinner.
The main course in most places in Arcachon is the famous Arcachon oysters. They are served everywhere from elite restaurants in the city center to fishing huts in the village of Güjan Mestras. Most of the high-end establishments are located in the waterfront area. Among the most famous restaurants is the upmarket La Calypso, which serves flounder stewed with crabmeat and duck baked in honey.
One of the most popular yet affordable restaurants in Arcachon is Chez Yvette. As you stroll through the city center, it will be impossible to miss. The eye-catching display of lobsters and crabs is sure to tempt even those indifferent to seafood delicacies. Alongside the freshest seafood, the restaurant also serves delightful homemade desserts. Prices in Arcachon’s restaurants are pleasantly reasonable: for instance, the signature dessert — pineapple with honey and mascarpone — costs only €8, the same as strawberries on a delicate crispy waffle with ice cream. We highly recommend trying the lobster with spicy sauce and the monkfish skewers. The weekly lunch menu here is set at a fixed price of €30.
Restaurants specializing in traditional seafood dishes are very common in Arcachon. The town also offers numerous pizzerias, pastry shops, and cafés. One of the best cafés to visit is the crêperie Saison 2. Its deliciously airy crêpes, served with jam or sweet cheese sauce, easily rival the town’s famous oysters. With its disco-style interior and dishes named after popular TV shows and movie stars, this café will leave you with an even more memorable impression.
Prices in Arcachon’s cafés (around €15–20 for lunch) will not make a big dent in your budget.
According to travelers’ reviews, restaurant service in Arcachon usually begins at 12:00. If you wish to enjoy lunch in a relaxed atmosphere, it is best to arrive closer to 3:00 p.m. Dinner time starts at 7:00 p.m. In most restaurants, attentive waiters will gladly assist you in choosing dishes and even show you the proper way to enjoy seafood delicacies.
