Le Channel

Our dinner at Le Channel, located just a few minutes’ walk from our IHG hotel in Calais, proved to be superb experience. Though I later learned the restaurant was once graced with a Michelin award, the current high standards demonstrate that its excellence remains. The dedication to hospitality was immediately evident, especially given our language barrier to French. The staff extended an exceptional standard of customer service, taking great care of us with friendliness and patience. This genuine approach to service is clearly what fosters deep loyalty; observing the staff interact with several long-time customers, confirmed that this establishment cultivates enduring relationships. That proved what I saw from some of the comments about the restaurant. We opted for the 3-course meal, which was priced very reasonably for the quality provided, alongside an additional steak. The set menu was a delight, beginning with a flavorful French sausage starter, moving to a perfectly prepared fish main course, and culminating in a truly wonderful dessert. Equally impressive was the standalone steak, which arrived exactly as requested with a perfect medium cook. Comparing this experience to a slightly cheaper lunch we had earlier in the day, Le Channel was clearly superior. Though it may no longer carry a Michelin star, the overall dining experience remains at a very high level. If my travels ever bring me back to Calais, a return visit to Le Channel is absolutely guaranteed.

Love this place. Great food and a warm welcome. Good choice of local fish. Oysters very good. Waiting staff very professional and smartly dressed. You’ll be back! Twelve minutes from the ferry port by car.

We have been you g to le channel for the past 25 years, we used to go once a month when the tunnel fares were cheap! The quality and execution of the food is consistently excellent, the staff and owners go out of their way to be as helpful as possible and the atmosphere is lovely! Ohhh and they have a great and varied wine list at sensible prices, happy days! We went this time with family so the youngest was 3 years old all the way though to me parents, they even did us a child friendly dinner for them, thank you 🙏 it’s not cheap but it is very good value

The restaurant had a warm and cozy vibe. My friend and I really enjoyed a lovely dinner. The fish soup was super fresh, and the dessert had just the right amount of sweetness. I'd be happy to come back again.

First time here and we thought it was amazing. Exceptional food, service and also, good value for what you receive.

We've been dining at Le Channel in Calais for over 10 years now, and it remains an absolute highlight every time we visit. Whether it’s a quick trip across the Channel or a longer stay, we always make a point of eating here — it’s simply unmissable. The food is consistently impeccable, showcasing the best of French cuisine with a level of care and precision that's hard to find. Every dish is a delight, beautifully presented and full of flavour. What truly sets Le Channel apart, however, is the exceptional service. A special mention must go to Arnaud, whose charm and helpfulness are second to none. He has an incredible way of making everyone feel genuinely welcome — it's like being greeted by an old friend. His warmth and professionalism elevate the entire dining experience. From the moment you walk in, you're treated like family, and it’s that personal touch, combined with outstanding food, that keeps us coming back year after year. A true gem in Calais – highly recommended!

A wonderful experience, service and food were exemplary. Great value and very nice vibe.

We would have no hesitation in recommending this restaurant. The atmosphere is genial and the food and its presentation is excellent. Staff are polite, attentive and informative but not intrusive. Interesting view of the wine cellar as you enter! Overall a very good evening meal passed so gently and pleasantly.

The only problem with this restaurant is that Calais means I am either just arriving in France or just about to leave and unless I can persuade my wife or one of my colleagues to drive I just cannot indulge in the stunning wine list to the extent it deserves The food matches the wine list, fresh fish perfectly cooked and a great cheese trolley followed by an even better dessert trolley. The Channel is not cheap but is good value give it a try

This restaurant was recommended to us by our dear friend Carole who has spent most of her life running good hotels with her chef husband Rolf (now sadly departed). The quality of the food is immaculate. The presentation shows superb artistry on the part of the chef(s) and I defy anyone to find fault with any of their dishes. The wine menu rivals the Encyclopaedia Brittanica in size and, not knowing much about the French wine regions, I was totally fazed by it. Fortunately the owner's son came to my rescue and brought us a very nice Cabernet Sauvignon and a Sauvignon blanc, which my wife said was excellent. Whilst portions might seem small, 31 euros brings you 5 amazing courses (including an amuse bouche) and I can guarantee you will have had quite enough by the time you have, very regretfully, finished your meal! There are other set menus costing less or more all equally appetising. If I have a criticism it was the disapproving face of one of the waitresses we clearly didn't match up to her standards of sartorial elegance or so I thought until I noticed that she was the same with everyone! Frankly they would be better off without her 'help'. Nevertheless, I will dress a bit more carefully next time (if she lets me in!) who knows, I might raise a smile! Apart from that, the service was excellent and very helpful, if rather too prompt, I do like a long, leisurely lunch when in France! However this can be useful if you have a ferry or tunnel train to catch. I particularly liked the enormous, silver-plated trolleys the waiter brought round for the cheese and dessert courses. I took only two small slices of cheese: a bleu d'Auvergne and a lovely rich Brie, but I noticed that the French customers were choosing as many as five, so I suggest you follow suit if you have enough appetite left by then. However, don't forget to leave room for some pudding. Again I had only two of these but I suspect you could have more! One last thing, whilst they do have a smattering of English, if you are at all concerned about booking by phone, they have a booking system on their website that works very well, and it's in English if you choose the appropriate flag.