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We had already been once… and were absolutely won over. So it was with excitement and a touch of impatience , that we returned to SON, one of our favorite non-touristy restaurants in Bordeaux.
Let us say it straight: the magic happened again. SON’s is not just a restaurant that feeds you — it’s a place that leaves a mark.
Tucked away on Rue Paul Louis Lande, SON’s offers more than just a meal: it’s a sensory journey filled with honesty, daring flavor combinations, and quiet poetry. For us, it’s truly one of the best creative French restaurants in Bordeaux.
First impressions: atmosphere with soul
From the moment you walk in, something happens. The ambiance wraps around you like a soft velvet coat. The wooden tables — all different — carry stories in their textures. The furniture strikes a rare balance between rustic and refined. It’s a space that feels deeply personal, as if each object whispers a story. Nothing is random. Nothing is soulless.
It’s a setting that sparks curiosity — a perfect reflection of Chef Sylvain Renzetti’s cuisine.
A menu that feels like a travel journal
We tried the five-course tasting menu, poetically named Esprits Son’. Behind each beautifully crafted title hides bold creative intent:
- Saturne Iodée – Oyster, sea grapes, kiwi. A surprising, oceanic starter that tastes like a wave from somewhere far away.
- La Morue – Salt cod brandade, spinach, and white goosefoot. A texture-rich plate that reimagines a classic through forgotten herbs.
- Grilled Swordfish – Lentils, rouille sauce, Pacific twist. A bold, sun-drenched dish with Southern and global inspirations.
- Tournedos of Goose – A tender, barbecue-cooked goose fillet with béchamel sauce and crunchy cabbage. Familiar, comforting, yet elevated.
- Petit Prince Dessert – Strawberry, rhubarb, rose. Delicate and dreamlike — a nostalgic wink to childhood.
Each dish is clear, generous, and emotion-packed. You recognize the ingredients, but never the form they’ll take. It’s not fusion. It’s transformation.
A Chef who cooks with instinct, not ego
Chef Sylvain Renzetti isn’t here to “do fine dining” just for show. He wants to share a feeling, a memory, a surprise. His food is rooted in Southwest France, but open to the world.
Spices may come from afar, but the produce is local — sourced directly from trusted artisans and growers. His commitment to sustainability, people, and the land is palpable. It’s this deep respect for life and terroir that makes SON such a special place to eat in Bordeaux.
A Michelin Star in sight
There’s no doubt: SON has all the ingredients for a Michelin star. The precision, the vision, the flavors, the care for detail — it’s all there. But more than recognition, SON radiates something even rarer: sincerity.
A meal here isn’t just memorable — it feels meaningful.
A price that makes you smile
Let’s talk value. With tasting menus starting around 75€, SON offers one of the best price-to-quality ratios in Bordeaux.
What you taste here would cost far more in other cities — and perhaps feel less authentic. At SON, every bite is more than food. It’s a memory.
🎥 Watch the Magic
Want a sneak peek? We filmed the experience — the dishes, the atmosphere, the Chef’s gestures, even the flame that warms the sauce at your table. Watch it here: SON Video Experience
🗺️ Practical Info
📍 Address: 14 Rue Paul Louis Lande, 33000 Bordeaux
🕰️ Hours: Tuesday–Saturday: Lunch 12:15–1:30 PM / Dinner 7:30–9:15 PM (Closed Sun–Mon)
🍽️ Lunch Menu: “L’Instinct” – 3 to 4 seasonal courses (€28–40)
🌙 Dinner Menu: “Esprits Son’” – 5-course tasting menu (€75)
📞 Reservations: +33 5 56 52 11 50
🌐 Website: www.son-restaurant.fr
🧭 Why You Shouldn’t Miss SON’s in Bordeaux
- It’s a no-touristy restaurant in Bordeaux — locals love it
- The tasting menu is seasonal, local, and poetic
- The Chef cooks with heart, roots, and imagination
- It’s ideal for travelers seeking authentic, creative French cuisine
- The price? Unbeatable for the quality
Cécile Corchia
Rachna Puchooa