My two favorite restaurants in Reims Proper:
Bistrot du Forum
(Fish of the day with mashed potatoes)
Nestled in the heart of Reims, Bistrot du Forum captures the essence of a classic French bistro with its relaxed vibe and reasonably priced menu. It’s the kind of place that feels easy and welcoming— especially if you’re traveling on a budget but still want to indulge in authentic French cuisine. One of my favorite parts of the experience was sitting outside, soaking up the lively atmosphere as locals and tourists strolled by, reveling in the charm of a French summer evening. The mashed potatoes were delicious and I loved the tomato that added acidity to the dish. Just across from the bistro is an outdoor concert venue that occasionally features live music, adding a touch of magic to the night.
Pro tip: Arrive around 9:30 p.m. in the summer, and you’ll be treated to a breathtaking French sunset, I recommend ordering a bottle of champagne and relaxing! https://g.co/kgs/8hyuhYC
La Fabrique
Tucked away in France, I stumbled upon this charming Italian restaurant that completely won me over. The food? It was fresh, local, and absolutely bursting with flavor. They had a menu du jour (menu of the day) that changes daily, letting you mix and match your perfect meal. For just 20 euros, you can enjoy an appetizer and entrée or an entrée and dessert. For 25 euros, you get the wholde trio—appetizer, entrée, and dessert. The tomato tartar was delightful and tasted so fresh. I loved the crunchy sprouts on top and was one of my favorite dishes I had here. For the quality of food and stunning presentation, it felt like a total steal!
The interior was cozy with a sophisticated flair, but the weather was so beautiful, I couldn’t resist dining al fresco. Sitting outside, soaking up the French charm with a delicious plate in front of me… or 3 :). https://g.co/kgs/L4upmnV
My favorite restaurant in Épernay:
La Cave de l’Avenue
Inside a charming hotel, this restaurant is the epitome of French cuisine done right—elegant, flavorful, and unforgettable. While it’s not the cheapest spot to dine, trust me, it’s worth every euro for the experience. In fact, it was so good that I made the trip to Épernay twice just to savor their food again!
Both times, I visited for lunch and enjoyed their menu of the day. Lucky for me, they always featured a fish of the day, which was perfect for me (I’m pescatarian). On my second visit, I started with a dish called Macédoine de légumes / Œuf parfait—a salad made of finely chopped vegetables topped with a perfect egg. Let me tell you, that egg was nothing short of a culinary revelation! I had never tasted anything like it—it was rich, silky, and, well, perfect. I still catch myself dreaming about it to this day.
Each time, the fish dish was prepared differently, but both were utterly delicious and beautifully presented. From start to finish, dining at La Cave de l’Avenue felt like pure magic. Without a doubt, it’s one of the best restaurants I’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing. If you ever find yourself in Épernay, do yourself a favor and make this your must-visit spot! https://www.lacavedelavenue.fr
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