Restaurant l'épine Azay-le-Rideau

L’Epine is a true gem for French cuisine, delivering an experience that easily earns its Bib Gourmand distinction. The menu is refined yet creative, showcasing classic techniques with modern flair. Each dish is thoughtfully plated, balancing textures and flavors beautifully. The attention to detail is evident, from delicate garnishes to well-executed sauces that enhance rather than overpower the main ingredients. Highlights include the impeccably fresh fish tartare, topped with caviar for an indulgent touch, and a velvety purée paired with crispy elements that create a satisfying contrast. The desserts are just as impressive, like the elegantly caramelized pear served with crisp fruit chips and smooth ice cream. Service is warm yet professional, making the entire experience feel both welcoming and refined. L’Epine is the kind of place that reminds you why French cuisine remains timeless.

The good: - the 3 course menu was more interesting than the 4 course for sure. I had it and found it reasonable value for the price. - the dishes were well presented and looked beautiful. - the restaurant itself is really pretty and has a good atmosphere. It’s in a building that used to be a church, which I thought was interesting. - one member in my group has a gluten allergy, and the staff were very accommodating and even baked him his own bread for the dinner. So definitely mention any allergies when you book! - the strawberry tart for dessert was great The not so good: - service was suuuuper slow. But I’m not sure everyone experienced this. There were two tables that arrived 30 mins after us, had the 3 course menu, and finished a good 45 minutes before us. So maybe we got unlucky but it was crazy slow to order food, then we had to wait half an hour to order wine, etc etc. - some staff were quite sassy. Some people might not mind this, but I especially given the slow service I found them very unwilling to admit this and then they told us it was our fault for not indicating we wanted wine for the apéritif? Wasn’t a fan of this - the 4 course menu was not worth it. Both people who had it in my group were disappointed and regretted this choice. Not good value for the price. - most of the dishes has very “subtle” flavours, meaning you could not taste anything. I loved the lamb tongue, but none of the other dishes were great. Overall, worth trying the 3 course menu. But not a highlight on my trip and I don’t plan to come again.

In our opinion this restaurant is a little overrated. We came here because of a Michelin recommendation and decided to have the tasting menu. The service was incredibly slow. It took a good 35 minutes from the point of being seated to taking orders. The food was a little average, no real message in the tasting menu and no great seasoning. A bit dull.

I loved it, my wife liked it. Go figure. The setting and the interior are lovely, right on a large village square with a grand view of it through a huge picture window (though I spent the first half-hour getting microwaved by the setting sun). I really enjoyed the food, though she contends that my main dish (blackened pork filet with black potato puree and wine sauce) looked like, uh, well, something that is not food. Regardless, I give it 5 stars. She can write her own review.

Great experience. We had the relatively cheap 3 course menu, limited choice of 2 dishes in each course. Great food, locally sourced, several creative amuse-bouches and petit fours in addition, attentive staff, knowledgeable about the wine they sell. And they accept dogs. Would love to return if ever in the area.

L'Epine was fantastic last night. It was my husband's birthday and dinner was perfect! The food was interesting and of course excellent. We loved the sweatbreads first course and the turbot main course. Ok, all were great. And service was perfect with a lovely bottle of wine selected by Wendy. Thank you!

Tasty cuisine,great ambience,on the way to Michelin star...

We had the Menu Inspiration and I would advise avoiding this and choosing the cheaper menu option. Whilst the taste of the food was generally good, the portions were very small and I left hungry. The courses from the shorter menu appeared significantly larger and diners also had the option of a cheese course which was not offered to us. We reported our opinion of the whole experience on paying the bill and the owners appeared unconcerned.