I have used the RS Guidebook and some internet searches but I also know some members here have spent quite a bit of time in Rouen. Most of the RS Suggestions are closed on Sun and Mon and as it falls, we're staying Sunday and Monday nights, heading to Paris on Tues. I have found some that are open but I'm happy for any suggestions. Husband really wants snails at least once and I think Rouen and Bayeux will tend to run less expensive than Paris (where we're ending our trip). Not just for snails but for food we really can't get in the US. I saw one had raclette, for example. Budget less than 100 euros for both of us, we don't drink wine (or any alcohol).
We have reservation at Pascaline in Rouen. For September.
Never been there but read good reviews. They are open Sunday and Monday.
“So far, this has been the best food I've had in France. The plat du jour on the night I went was Cod over potatoes in a tomato cream sauce. Simple, clean, and delicious. I just hope I'm able to return one day!”
I had a delicious lunch in April at the cafe at the Plague Cemetery. I don't remember if they had snails on the menu but I had a yummy sardines appetizer and steamed fish for a main that was perfectly cooked. It's listed in Rick's France guidebook as recommended too. The setting was also interesting, a nice bonus.
I can’t help regarding snails. We had the same dilemma regarding searching for restaurants back in April that would be open on Sunday and Monday.
On Sunday we had dinner at an Italian restaurant named Quindici Trattoria Rouen, and the food was excellent! The restaurant was attached to our hotel.
We made a reservation for dinner on Monday at Brasserie Paul, and again, the food was excellent.
The prices at both restaurants were quite reasonable and will be in your budget, including appetizers and desserts.
I definitely recommend both establishments.
I was in Rouen in May for three nights. It’s one of the best bigger cities in France in my opinion. I highly recommend you walk the gardens around the Hotel d’Ville early in the morning. You’ll find half a dozen antique shops along Rue Damiette.
I had a good 3 course meal of fish and veggies at L’Odas, which is in a courtyard behind the cathedral. With wine, around 70 euro.
One night I stopped at Brasserie Paul (also by the cathedral) and had the menu of the day which was scallops with artichoke hearts, asparagus, and a crazy pastry/ice cream dessert. With a beer around 40 euro. They are open both Sunday and Monday’s.
One lunch I had, a Norman crepe with egg, ham, and apples (really good) was outside a café, but I can’t remember the name. Look on the menus, this was worth trying. There will be café’s open for lunch, every day in season.
For an interesting mix of places that are very popular with locals, try the corner of Rue des Augustins and Pls Saint Marc. There are half a dozen places there that stay open fairly late.
The best snails I’ve had were in Metz. They’re not high on my list, so I didn’t look for them in Rouen.
KGC. Don't let a Breton hear you refer to the crepe you had as Norman. The egg etc. crepe is definitely bretonne!
Thank you all! We're excited. It's OK if we don't have snails here. I know we can find them in Paris. I mostly just want to let my husband have some nice dining out experiences. We really don't eat out in when we're home and I want this to be a nice vacation for him.
My wife and I spent four nights (three days) in Rouen in late April and we had two great meals there. One was a bistro-type setting called In Situ and the other was more a fine dining experience at Le 6eme Sens. Both provided top-notch service and ambience, especially Sixth Sense. These were two of our favorites during our 5-city, 27 day tour of France.
pbscd,
LA Couronne is the restaurant where Julia Child had her first Franch dining experience...Sole Meuniere. It's probably not cheap but has earned its place in history for piquing her interest in Freanch cooking.
Thank you! We're really excited for this!