Le Chenin

The story

Le Chenin, Savennières – A Bistrot Driven by Its Potager and a Stunning Wine List

A Sincere Kitchen

Le Chenin sits on the cobbled square of Savennières, facing the church. It takes its name from the chenin blanc grape that defines this corner of Anjou noir. What matters most here is the kitchen’s bond with the land. Chef Arthur Favé and his partner, sommelier Maïté Verriez, along with second chef Lorraine Dupont, cook from instinct, not from a formula. They work with a 1,000m² potager a few steps from the restaurant, harvesting daily. The menu changes every month, built around what the garden offers and the vegetables, meats and fish from trusted local producers. The result is a wholly seasonal French cuisine, generous and precise.

Menus That Reflect the Seasons

The menu is structured into three tiers. At lunchtime on weekdays, the Chrysalide menu (35 €) offers entrée, plat and dessert. For a fuller experience, the Éclosion menu (55 €) spans four services. The Symbiose menu (70 €), available evenings and weekends, is a six-service journey through the kitchen’s best ideas. A children’s menu is also available. Each dish carries the signature of the house: a charred leek revived with house-made poutargue and an iodised vinaigrette, or a Normandy veal served in rosy slices with butter beans and a lemongrass-infused jus. Desserts, like a chestnut Mont-Blanc with vanilla cream, are as refined as they are comforting.

A Wine List Worth the Trip

The wine list is central to the Le Chenin experience. It holds nearly 700 references, chosen through years of encounters with small producers. The focus is on living, vibrant wines – organic, biodynamic or natural – that mirror the diversity of local terroir. The sommelier’s selection evolves with the seasons, always ready to surprise. This dedication has earned the restaurant a place in the Michelin Guide, a 13/20 from Gault&Millau, three Écotables, and a mention by Le Fooding. The team’s passion for honest, characterful wines is palpable, and the service is both professional and welcoming.

Two Dining Rooms and a Summer Bar

Downstairs, the restaurant features large shared tables, including a private room for ten. Upstairs, a carved tuffeau fireplace creates a more intimate setting. On sunny days, the terrace is the place to be, for an aperitif or a full meal under the parasols. Next door, Le Clos opens as a summer bar – a more casual spot for tapas, charcuterie, cheeses, and seasonal salads, with local wines and craft beer on tap. Whether you come for the full gastronomic menu or a spontaneous glass of chenin, Le Chenin delivers sincerity on every plate.