The story
On the quay of Les Sables-d'Olonne, La Cotriade has earned a Michelin Recommended distinction for its uncompromising commitment to seafood. The restaurant’s name itself—a traditional fisherman’s stew—signals its roots: everything here comes from the ocean, and the menu changes with the morning’s catch. The daily ardoise (blackboard) lists whatever the boats brought in, from whole Saint Pierre to sole meunière, each prepared simply to let the quality speak.
The raw bar is the heart of the experience. Oysters arrive from three sources: Huîtres de la Guittière N°3, Fines de Claire N°4, and the prized Gillardeau N°5. You can compose your own plateau or choose from pre-assembled options like the Plateau Royal, which includes half a blue lobster from the restaurant’s own vivier. The lobster—served cold with mayonnaise or hot roasted—is a signature. Langoustines, spider crab, and whelks are also offered by weight, all accompanied by house-made mayonnaise, aioli, and shallot vinaigrette.
Beyond shellfish, La Cotriade excels with fish. The Poissons de l'étal display on the terrace changes daily: bar, turbot, red mullet, sardines, and more. One standout is La Belle Cotriade, a generous platter of sole fillet, red mullet, wild fish from the criée, gambas, and shellfish—a modern take on the traditional fisherman’s stew. Another is the Daurade Royale wrapped in banana leaf with green curry and coconut milk. For those who prefer land, a veal chop with morel sauce is also available.
The atmosphere is straightforward and welcoming, focused on the product rather than fuss. The daily update on the menu—“selon la pêche”—is a promise of freshness. Whether you choose the Menu Passion (€48) or the more elaborate Menu Révélation (€79.50), each course highlights the sea’s bounty. Desserts like the rum baba or mango sticky rice provide a sweet finish. La Cotriade is a place where seafood is treated with respect, and the Michelin nod reflects that consistency.
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