The story
For more than forty years, La Matelote has been a fixture of the Boulogne-sur-Mer dining scene. Run by the Lestienne family, the restaurant combines a deep sense of hospitality with a passion for the sea. Chef Tony Lestienne, a local who grew up with the rhythms of the fish auction, opened the restaurant in 1979. His modern cuisine, anchored in the finest seafood from the nearby coast, earned a Michelin star in 1982—a recognition the house has held ever since.
Tony Lestienne started the venture with his wife Régine, and today their son Stellio works alongside him, bringing fresh energy to the business. The kitchen and dining room are staffed by a long-serving team, many of whom have been with the house for years. The family’s history in the region goes back even further: a portrait of Clémence Lestienne, the chef’s great-great-great-grandmother, watches over the dining room. Known locally as “La Femme à Barbe,” she sold spiced bread at fairs across the north of France.
The restaurant’s dining room is elegant and welcoming, with a terrace for warmer days. The menu highlights the bounty of the Channel, with dishes that let the quality of the ingredients speak. La Matelote also offers a hotel, a catering service, and cooking classes, making it a true destination for anyone interested in the culinary traditions of the Opal Coast.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
Location
