Rouen (Unesco Creative City for Gastronomy) and its top restaurants

End 2021, Rouen’s culinary creativity and sustainable development efforts were rewarded. Rouen received the ultimate accolade: it became the first French city to be recognised by UNESCO for its gastronomy. Follow us on a tour of some of Rouen’s best restaurants.

What exactly is the ‘UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy’ label?

To date, Rouen is the only French city to have been awarded this label by UNESCO. Rouen’s gastronomy is now internationally renowned. The Creative Cities network was created in 2004 (not to be confused with the World Heritage List, which has included French gastronomy since 2010). The UNECO Creative City label includes a sustainable development dimension in economic, social, cultural and environmental terms. A real coup for Rouen, already famous for its gastronomy.

One of the best restaurants for Normandy gastronomy

This is the oldest inn in France, founded way back in 1345! Welcome to La Couronne, an institution in its own right. Oysters from La Manche, duck à la Rouennaise or with pommeau sauce, Norman soufflé (a speciality of the house)… There is no shortage of traditional dishes to celebrate Norman gastronomy here!

The best views of the city

With its breathtaking view of Rouen cathedral, which inspired Claude Monet, the Odas is guaranteed to put on a show. The restaurant is located in the heart of the city, in the Monet – cathedral area. The decor is trendy the cuisine inventive. You can even see the team hard at work in the kitchen, which is completely open.

Breathtaking views of the River Seine

Right on the banks of the river, the LAKSØN restaurant offers 180° views of the Seine. It seats 40 inside, with large windows overlooking the river, and 80 on the terrace along the quay. The menu features Scandinavian cuisine, including the famous gravlax marinated salmon prepared in the purest tradition.

Local produce galore

Located right opposite Rouen’s famous Musée des Beaux-Arts (Fine Arts Museum), In Situ is a trendy café-restaurant. The décor, which combines mint and turquoise tones with ubiquitous wood, is always a hit with guests. As for the food, we love the concept: home-style cooking using local produce, some of it organic. You’ll be tempted by a homemade ice cream with caramel and fleur de sel or apple and cider.

A Top Chef’s new restaurant

In January 2023, Paul-Arthur Berlan, Top Chef 2011 semi-finalist, opened his own restaurant in Rouen. Paul-Arthur trained with some of the biggest names in the game. In Rouen, he prepares hearty dishes with locally-sourced ingredients, although his southern origins are catching up with him and he is seriously considering putting a Normandy bouillabaisse on the menu.

The best value for money!

Le 6e Sens welcomes you in a very original setting: an 18th century vaulted cellar with rough stonework. The resolutely modern décor contrasts with the place’s historic origins. Here, too, the team cultivates a love of homemade food, and you can enjoy the contemporary cuisine of chef Hakim Benallal.