The 12 Best Places for Brunch in Rennes
Rennes, the capital city of Brittany in western France, is a vibrant student town known for its medieval quarter, parks, and lively cafe culture. On weekends, nothing beats relaxing over a leisurely brunch in one of Rennes’ many excellent eateries. Here are some top spots to grab a tasty breakfast or lunch on your next visit.
1. Kolocho
Location: 8 rue Saint Melaine, 35000, Rennes France
Number: +33 2 21 07 41 16
Reviewed By: Petet
Today we stumbled upon Kolocho restaurant while strolling in Rennes. By chance, we discovered this gem and were intrigued by its ingenious concept. The restaurant reinterprets elements of traditional Central European cuisine, most notably the West-Slovak trdelnik cake.
We sampled salty versions of koloch (vegetarian and turkey) served with two unique sauces. Both were delicious. Our meal concluded with apple and red fruit crumbles, espresso, and black tea – all excellent.
Beyond the delectable food, we received polite, attentive, and sincere service from staff that spoke fluent English. It was a very pleasant dining experience.
Behind the concept is the owner’s personal experience traveling through Central Europe. They have brought an authentic taste of the region to Rennes.
Truly, Kolocho offers an original place for an informal yet delicious lunch or dinner. The space provides a casual environment to sample reimagined traditional dishes from the heart of Europe. We would return to explore more of their menu another time.
2. OEUF La Crêperie
Location: 38 rue Saint Malo, 35000, Rennes France
Number: +33 9 82 47 72 25
Reviewed By: Stama
This pancake shop is a very welcome addition to the neighborhood. Located next to Place Ste Anne, it offers an original assortment of pancakes and maki rolls.
The dishes are beautifully presented with vibrant colors that call you to take a closer look. Upon tasting, the flavors live up to what the eyes behold – they are just perfect.
The award received is well deserved and not excessive praise. While the restaurant itself is small in size, it is important to remember to book ahead of time to secure a table.
With delectable options, bright presentation, and tasty execution, I highly recommend stopping by. The food alone makes it worth a visit, but the good location adds convenient access as a nice bonus. Be sure to experience this creative take on classic pancakes.
3. Cafe Albertine
Location: 10 rue Jean Denis Lanjuinais, 35000, Rennes France
Number: +33 2 99 51 03 04
Reviewed by: Zippi
During my time in Rennes, I visited Café Albertine on multiple occasions. As someone seeking vegan options, I appreciated their thoughtful menu selection – something not always guaranteed in France.
Within a relaxed atmosphere, helpful staff ensured customers felt welcomed. They implemented pandemic guidelines in a professional yet understanding manner.
While I don’t partake in coffee myself, those accompanying me raved about the barista, Tom, and his excellent skills and knowledge behind the bar. Generous cake portions accompanied a rotating menu of daily food offerings, enticing return visits to explore new items.
If I find myself back in Rennes, I’m sure to pop into this lovely wee café once more. Between the relaxed vibe, vegan-friendly dishes, and talented barista, Café Albertine provided a pleasant spot to spend time. Their customer-focused approach makes them a great local find.
4. Les Fils A Maman Rennes
Location: 11 rue du Champ Jacquet, 35000, Rennes France
Number: +33 2 23 30 88 03
Reviewed By: Mimi
This charming bistro offers quality dishes at exceptionally reasonable prices. Situated in a tastefully decorated space that embraces its theme, Les Fils A Maman provides a lovely setting for any meal.
Producing high-quality fare without an inflated price tag, the food stands out as a top value. Whether indulging in lunch or dinner, customers consistently enjoy delicious options that won’t break the bank.
Beyond the offerings on the plate, the friendly and attentive service further enhances the dining experience. The talented team aims to please each patron with their welcoming demeanors.
Between the lovely atmosphere, tasty menu selections, and personable staff, Les Fils A Maman has rightfully earned a loyal following. Both casual meals and special occasions find a suitable place here.
This gem of a restaurant deserves recognition for balancing quality ingredients, creative preparations, and fair costs. I highly recommend popping in to experience their hospitality and “A Mother’s Handsome Sons” for yourself. A visit will leave wanting to return time and again.
5. Le Benedicte
Location: 3 Place Saint Germain, 35000, Rennes France
Number: +33 2 23 30 45 87
Reviewed By: Flo
Looking for a spot near Place de la République to pass some free time in Rennes, we stumble upon Le Benedicte. While its prices may push the boundaries of some budgets, we were pleasantly surprised by this nice cozy find.
Tucked away yet accessible from the popular square, the intimate atmosphere provides a relaxing environment for any meal. Charmed by the setting, we were eager to sample their fare.
Portions appeared fairly portioned, but the true test is always taste. Le Benedicte did not disappoint, delivering flavors as delightful as the ambiance. The highlight, however, came from the personable service – truly going above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction.
While pricier than some more casual options, Le Benedicte offers an experience worth the cost. Both the focus on quality ingredients and attentive staff lend themselves to repeat visits.
We would happily return and recommend this gem to others looking for a thoughtfully prepared meal amongst charming, attentive hospitality. Its hidden status belies the treasures found within. Le Benedicte deserves recognition as a top choice when dining in Rennes.
6. Fox and Friends Pub
Location: 13 rue de la Monnaie, 35000, Rennes France
Number: +33 2 56 51 73 89
Reviewed By: CJ
During my visits to Rennes, Fox & Friends bar near Place des Lices has become a regular go-to spot. With its convenient location just around the corner, it’s easy to pop in whether passing through or hoping to unwind.
While I’ve yet to sample the abundant menu options, the atmospheric vibe, and tasty beer selection keep drawing me back. Sports fans will appreciate their screening of football, rugby, and Premier League matches that can be hard to find elsewhere.
What I enjoy most, however, is the friendly faces – both staff and regular customers. It’s easy to slip into conversation and feel welcomed by this tight-knit community. Whether a local or visitor, the welcoming atmosphere puts one at ease.
Between the sociable vibe, great beer selection, abundant food, and variety of televised games, Fox & Friends has repeat customers for good reason. Even without trying the grub yet, I can highly recommend stopping by for a pint or two of good company in a cozy bar perfect for both sports and spirits. This local treasure deserves recognition.
7. Les Grands Gamins
Location: 40 Mail Francois Mitterrand, 35000, Rennes France
Number: +33 2 23 25 89 11
Reviewed By: Meh
I had previously visited Les Grands Gamins once and found it too loud, so was hesitant to return. However, friends wanted to catch a musical performance there one evening. While the live act, Ulysses, delivered humor and talent as expected, other areas left me desiring more.
I can appreciate the spirit and ambition of the owners in launching this creative concept. However, the execution fell short in key ways. The tapas-style dishes like fries, and fish rillettes lacked flavor or quality for the price. Some were ordinary, while others like the fatty fries were just not to my liking.
Table service is forgone given lower prices, which is reasonable if tables were promptly cleared and sanitized between diners. Unfortunately, this was not the case during my visit. Additionally, server attitudes bordered on outright rudeness rather than being friendly and attentive.
While supporting local talent and ideas, the overall experience across two attempts left me feeling it was not somewhere I’d return. With some improvements to food, hygiene, and customer service, it could realize its full potential. But for now, others may find it wanting as well.
8. BDS Rennes
Location: 1 Quai Lamennais, 35000, Rennes France
Number: +33 2 99 79 34 79
Reviewed By: SM
During our visit to Rennes, my friend and I stopped at The BDS for a midday meal. What greeted us was friendly service, an extensive menu, and affordable prices – including tasty lunch specials.
We opted for burgers from their daily deal and were delighted by the flavors. Our waiter was very helpful with recommendations too. As vegetarians, we appreciated the option for meatless patties as substitutes.
While service was slightly slower due to the busy lunch rush, we didn’t mind the wait given the circumstances. Some additional staff may have sped things up.
Be sure to save room for the decadent chocolate mousse dessert! Overall we really enjoyed our experience. The food was better than expected for the price.
We’ll definitely return next time in Rennes and recommend The BDS – friendly service and great value in a convenient central location. A tasty find!
9. L’Epi de Blé
Location: 12 Place de la Gare, 35000, Rennes France
Number: +33 2 23 42 13 94
Even with no French language skills, my friend and I were able to enjoy a superb lunch deal at The BDS thanks to the friendly staff. For just 14 euros we each had a main course, dessert, local cider, and coffee – a fantastic value.
The food was delicious, with typical Breton flavors. I especially loved my chicken crepe. Best of all was the lively energy in the packed restaurant – clearly a popular local favorite.
After experiencing some high Paris prices, it was such a relief to find hearty, affordable meals here. The lunch special alone makes The BDS worth visiting. But the amiable service and good vibes throughout made it an even more enjoyable experience.
Whether traveling solo or with friends, I’d highly recommend stopping by The BDS. It’s easy for visitors and locals alike to unwind over tasty Breton specialties without breaking the budget. We’ll be back, c’est certain!
10. L’Epicerie de Ginette – Bistrot à Tartines – Rennes
Location: 2 rue des Fosses, 35000, Rennes France
Number: +33 2 99 38 76 70
Reviewed By: Ruth
As a local, I’ve given L’Épicerie multiple chances hoping for a better experience. While the food is average, it’s the service that keeps falling short.
Today was particularly disappointing. Upon being seated on the near-empty terrace, we were ignored for a full 15 minutes. When trying to order at the bar, we were told to wait at our table. Another 5 minutes went by with no server in sight.
Clearly understaffed, management isn’t addressing the problem. For the price, quick bites not drawn out experiences are expected.
It’s a shame because the setting holds promise. However, after multiple instances of indifferent service, I can’t recommend dealing with the frustration. We unfortunately took our business elsewhere today.
With better staffing and training to improve responsiveness, L’Épicerie could thrive. As it stands, slow service will keep locals like me from returning. Many better lunch options in the neighborhood.
11. La Fabrique
Number: +33 2 99 77 29 18
Reviewed By: Allan
On a lovely autumn night, my partner and I enjoyed a delightful al fresco dinner in L’Épicerie’s charming rear courtyard. The young, friendly servers spoke good English and attended to our every need with gracious smiles. We felt well taken care of throughout the meal.
For my part, a richly flavored beef steak in peppercorn sauce melted in my mouth. Thinly sliced and full of umami, it may have been the best I’ve tasted in the neighborhood.
My partner raved equally about the fish and chips – flaky, crisp, and a generous portion. We were both blown away by our desserts too – a tarte tattin for me with ooey gooey caramel, and tangy fresh orange sorbet.
With so many dining options nearby, L’Épicerie earns top marks from us. Under the stars in the secluded courtyard, it delivered a superb eating experience from start to sweet finish. I’ll be returning, rain or shine!
12. Patisserie le Daniel
Location: 19 rue Jules Simon, 35000, Rennes France
Number: +33 2 99 78 85 82
Reviewed By: Stev
My partner and I sampled pastries from many excellent patisseries during our recent Brittany trip, but Le Daniel in central Rennes stands out as the best. Located near the bustling city market, this spotlessly clean shop dazzled us with beautifully displayed cakes, tarts and breads from morning until night.
We stopped in around lunch for indulgent croissants – textbook golden brown and flakier than anywhere else we tried. Melting in the mouth, these alone are worth the visit. In addition to sweets, savory quiches make Le Daniel a convenient lunch spot. Everything is baked to buttery, crisp perfection.
It’s clear why locals swarm this place. For holiday feasts or intimate celebratory treats, Le Daniel delivers masterfully crafted morsels. We left happy and wishing we could take it all home! Our Brittany trip’s finest pastries, without question.
Whether you want something casual or Instagram-worthy, Rennes delivers for brunch. Be sure to make reservations ahead of time on weekends to avoid disappointment at its top spots. Bon appétit!
