Restaurant l'Ilôt

We had a great experience here. Both the owner/chef Olivier and the other staff member were very warm, kind, and helpful. We learned that the name of the restaurant means "kitchen in the middle of the room," which is literally the case here. We were served some hard salami as a complimentary treat with our drinks. The menu is minimal with only 2 options for each course (starter, main course, dessert), but this is not surprising as it's a very small kitchen with one cook. We shared a starter of crispy phyllo filled with stewed pork, veal, chicken and onions and each ordered duck and turkey parmentier as our main course. The food was so cozy and comforting. It was definitely more rustic than some of the other dishes we had eaten on our trip, but we really enjoyed all the flavors and would definitely come back. Olivier in particular was delightful. Even though he was cooking all the food, he checked in on us multiple times and ensured we were enjoying ourselves. This is a small restaurant and reservations are definitely required.

We picked this restaurant based on reviews, we were certainly not disappointed! This traditional, authentic, boutique restaurant offers complete immersion into the French culture. The owner and chef Oliver, was very helpful and passionate about his cooking. We had a lovely server, Marie, one night and in addition, we had Chef Stephan cooking one of our evenings there. Reservations a must, Amazing!

My wife and I stopped on our way through town and had lunch here on our way to Paris. We didn’t have reservations, but the waitress and chef were very helpful in getting us a table. The food was delicious and the service was wonderfully friendly. I would highly recommend this Resturant and the daily.daily fixed price menu that the chef recommends.

Eight of our travel group enjoyed a wonderful evening and meal with Chef Olivier and his team. Despite our own lack of French language, Mary helped explain things in English and we all had a delicious meal. The cheese plate was excellent with two local goat and two cow milk cheeses. The people and atmosphere were so warm and welcoming. Merci beaucoup!!

This was one of our best dining experiences in France. The owner/chef cooks everything in front of you. The kitchen is in the middle of the small restaurant which is fantastic to watch. The host and the owner chef check on you frequently but not too much. And the food was delicious. My partner was allergic to something on the small menu which offers two selections for each course. The owner/chef Olivier made something else for him on the fly. It was delicious Olivier also gave me excellent local wine suggestions. I enjoyed every drop. I had a glass with each course because why not? and he was so knowledgeable. When we were there, it was a cold November weeknight and we had an amazing and unexpected meal. We were able to make a reservation that day but from the other reviews, it looks like it fills up understandably. It’s a small restaurant and I’m sure it’s popular with locals. I really hope to come back here someday.

Walked by this place in the morning and wanted to book for dinner but unfortunately was fully booked for dinner the next couple nights… but they had a table for lunch so we came back for lunch and it was incredible! a small menu but the food was delicious, the waitress was very kind and the chef even came by to make sure we were enjoying! definitely recommend but you need a reservation!

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.

An excellent experience at this restaurant in Amboise! We had a spectacular lunch. All of the food was homemade with love by the chef. The chef and the waiter were both lovely. I cannot recommend this restaurant more. Come here for authentic French cuisine in the heart of Amboise!

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.