Restaurant l'Ilôt

Chef is using fresh local ingredients and puts a lot of thought into to the dishes. Excellent food. The sea bream dish was exceptional. Best fish dish I have had. French cuisine done well in a quaint atmosphere. They do not overbook and the menu is prepared based on what is fresh and the chef’s inspirations.

Delightful restaurant! Very special experience. My favorite meal during my trip to France.

Lovely lunch on May 2, 2025. We arrived at 12:30, we were pleased they had room for two more patrons. Prix fixe menu options were well prepared and nicely presented. We had the Parmentier du viandes au thym (a bit like shepherds pie), then shared a good cheese plate and Pommes fondantes et praline. Waitress was very helpful. Food prepared in the center of the restaurant dining area. Chef was engaging and friendly.

On our first night on our first visit to France, my wife and I had the absolute pleasure to dine at Restaurant I’llot. There was a fixed menu for the night which consisted of two starters, two entrées and two desserts. We had to try them all because they sounded so good and they were all excellent. Made with fresh ingredients that are currently in season. The two starters made our mouths so happy. The entrées were delicate and well-balanced with subtle flavors that really sang. All of the food went perfectly with the recommended wine. The desserts were a strawberry yogurt smoothie, but in a bowl with nuts and chocolate. The other was a cheese tray that had the most spectacular group of soft cheeses. There were two cow and two goat cheeses and they just capped off the meal perfectly. I think the most important thing of the night, however, was the friendliness and welcoming atmosphere that the chef created. It was warm and inviting and felt like we were all family. Be sure to make a reservation beforehand.

Best dinner in France thus far (a week in Paris)! Just arrived in Amboise today and found this little cute restaurant across the street. It turned out to be super well rated and now we know why. The food was innovative, a lot of fresh herbs and super personalized services. Most important of all, we felt we tasted a bit of ‘real France’. Chef Oliver cooked in the middle of the restaurant, with all local fresh ingredients that gave people a sense of time and place. He came over and helped with English names and provided explanation. The waitress helped us bridge the language barriers and for the most part knew what we were eating. She was super friendly and fun! When we travel, this is exactly the type of experiences we love to encounter! Thank you l'Ilôt, merci beaucoup!

I’ve been traveling France for 3 weeks now and this is by far the most amazing meal we’ve had to date. It was one the best meals I can remember in recent history. If you’re debating coming to dinner here, the answer is yes. The chef is incredibly nice and the meal is mind blowing.

We visited Restaurant I’Ilot for the second time during our stay in Amboise, and Chef Olivier once again delivered an outstanding meal. We had the Parmentier de viandes with an excellent bottle of Chinon wine that paired perfectly with the meal. Dessert was a sabayon with seasonal fruits followed by a delicious digestif of Calvados - all wonderful. The atmosphere is charming, and the staff are exceptionally friendly and engaging. Highly recommended!

We enjoyed a wonderful evening of memorable food and wine at this quaint restaurant. The chef is very engaging and makes everyone feel special. The seafood dish was really something special. Five stars!

I'm sure their food is very good. I accidentally- made the reservation at L'llot in Paris. We walked in and I felt attacked and embarrassed as they loudly and rudely said you cannot have a reservation we are full, look around. They asked abruptly to see my confirmation and as i fumbled with my phone as they were so forcibly rude. Such poor treatment for an honest mistake which could and should have been handled in a much more hospitable manner.

Staying at a nearby hotel so decided to try this place out. Small/quaint restaurant - only around 6 tables. We had for a starter some type of andouille wrapped in filo with some greens on the side. Main for me was some sort of turkey and for the mrs. was a young fish with some type of shellfish. Dessert was rice pudding. Unfortunately I can't better describe the dishes. But I can say everything was delicious and I suggest everyone to try this place out if in the area. Because of the limited seating and typical limited hours - I strongly suggest making reservations which can be done through messaging them on Facebook messenger

What else is there to say about this charming historic place other than "Tres Magnifique!" Mademoiselle Maïté & Chef Olivier made for one unforgettable afternoon!!!

By far the best meal that my boyfriend and I had during our recent trip to France. We were lucky and strolled in without a reservation and got the last table that they had available. We saw several people turned away throughout the meal so I highly recommend making a reservation for this if you're in the area. Our waiter brought over the wine list and then explained that we had options for appetizer, dinner and dessert on the chalkboard hanging on the wall. There were 2 options for each category, so we opted to pick one appetizer to share and each try one of the main courses so we could share. I'm not sure what exactly the appetizer was, but it was one of the most fantastic things I've ever eaten- beautifully plated with such rich amazing flavors that came together perfectly. For the mains, I had some kind of fish wrapped in puff pastry with seaweed and mussels and my boyfriend had the lamb with mashed potatoes. Both were absolutely unreal and we both completely cleaned our plates. We also enjoyed a bottle of wine throughout the meal which was fantastic. We were too full for dessert which I regret because I'm sure that would've been amazing as well. Amazing experience, highly recommend not missing out on this if you're in the area.

My daughter and I ate here in late May 2018. The waitstaff is charming, especially the hostess/waitress. We really enjoyed her. They had a shrimp soup the night we were there which was absolutely delicious. Light and very flavorful. My daughter had a seafood plate which she was less than happy with, and I had a meat and potato stew that was very very good. The desserts were wonderful. Both were fruit-based, light and delicious. We highly recommend this restaurant and would go back again.

Highly, highly, highly recommend this restaurant, having only about 8 tables in a neighborhood house that must be 5 centuries old! Reservations are a good idea, as the place is so small. The menu is small, focusing on two items for each course. Not to worry, order all of it and share. The food was wonderful, and this was one of the best, if not THE best restaurant we visited during our French vacation!

Friendly. Good atmosphere. Small but interesting menu. The duck was not perfect but acceptable. The fish entre was very good.

We dropped in yesterday and they were fully booked. While there, the aromas and atmosphere encouraged us to make a reservation for the next evening. We are so glad we did. Only 8 tables in the restaurant. Two chefs and one waiter. The chefs open kitchen is 10 feet from your table, making it fun and easy to interact as they prepare three large courses. We left very full with hugs and kisses to the chef as we departed. I would HIGHLY recommend.

Better than the very good Paris restaurants we ate at, the reception at this cozy restaurant is as welcoming as the food. I would call out a particular dish but we had both of the starters and both of the mains, all of which were incredible. The highlight of our trip to France!

This place was a great little gem we stumbled upon. Very small menu - 2 choices for entree, plate and dessert, plus an epic cheese board. Central kitchen and the place is run by a husband and wife team. Very charming, and nicely executed dishes that go the extra mile; and a great value to boot. We came back the next night to dine here again we enjoyed it so much.

Excellent food! Excellent wine pairing! Make a reservation- as they fill quickly. We arrived just as they opened for dinner hoping we might get a table. While no tables (completely booked- make a reservation- easy and so worth it!)- we sat at the island (l'ilot) surrounding the chef's preparation and cooking area. We enjoyed watching him create every dish and enjoyed our meal even more!! The food was fresh and just delicious! You won't be disappointed! We will return!

We stumbled across this delightful restaurant one evening and were lucky enough to get a seat at the chef's island without a reservation. It was fascinating to watch the chef work his magic throughout the dinner service! He was kind and accommodating about my gluten allergy, even modifying the main course on the spot to make it without a sauce. Each dish was delicious (the menu includes ~2 options for each course), but the caramel dessert garnish was a work of art! Highly recommend -- but make a reservation, if possible.

Raining and miserable but this warm little bistro couldn't be more welcoming. I'm not a chicken or turkey fan but the guinea fowl thighs in a rich stew were so flavorful. To start a velvety zucchini soup with lox was a special treat.