At La Marine in Noirmoutier, Chef Alexandre Couillon crafts an innovative seafood experience in a chic, relaxed setting that's a must-visit culinary gem.
"Alexandre Couillon rises at dawn to go to Noirmoutier fish auction, which sells the best Atlantic fish, before stopping by his own vegetable garden, just a few minutes from the restaurant. The tasting menu, which religiously keeps pace with the seasons and availability, exalts and celebrates fine ingredients, allowing them to shout their name with a simplicity that only the world’s top chefs can attain. Knowing what and where to strip back and pare down to release the flavours and tantalise the eater’s imagination is a fine art. The quality of the fish, seafood and vegetables is exceptional. Alexandre’s other talents include cooking over a fire, harvesting coastal plants, fruit coulis and vegetable pickles, broth and gutsy jus, without forgetting cooking fish to absolute perfection! Memories shine bright of both the mackerel cooked over hot embers and accompanied by confit beetroot or an incredible lettuce grilled over a flame, blueberries in elderflower vinegar and the dessert of buckwheat, caramel mousse, confit citrus fruits and sea lettuce (seaweed) sorbet. The interior has been revamped in natural materials and soft colours, while the grocery shop, Le Petit Couillon, sells produce from the artisans and farmer partners." - Michelin Inspector
"The restaurant La Marine, located on the northwest tip of the island of Noirmoutier, gained three stars, becoming the year’s only addition to the guide’s highest ranks." - Bettina Makalintal
"The new Three Star, La Marine, asserts itself as one of the very best restaurants in France with a unique culinary approach to the French gastronomic landscape. Chef Alexandre Couillon’s cookery provides an authentic exploration of the ocean and edible coastal plants. 'La Marine ‘is worth the detour’ because it sweeps us away to the island of Noirmoutier and leaves us forever changed,' says Poullennec. 'The restaurant team had already been highlighted with the MICHELIN Green Star in recognition of its remarkable eco-responsible commitment, and the restaurant team plays out a resplendent symphony.' @marinedalex / La Marine" - MICHELIN Guide
"Located on the tiny island of Noirmoutier, Alexandre Couillon’s restaurant serves elegant dishes showcasing local seafood and vegetables. The restaurant received two stars in the 2019 Michelin Guide to France. The main tasting menu costs €178 (or approximately $202). Read the full recap of Alexandre Couillon’s Chef’s Table episode here." - Greg Morabito
"In December, chef Alexandre Couillon of two-Michelin-starred seafood restaurant La Marine in France will cook at Odette." - Kenneth Goh
