I inadvertently did the unthinkable. We arrived late into Vouvray and my gracious VRBO host…read moresuggested trying to get to one of the only 2 open restaurants in town before they closed at 10pm. She said not to go after 9 because they will not want to serve dinner within the last hour of being open. She also said that the French Italian restaurant across the street from Le Val Joli was very popular but that Le Val Joli is the best if I could get there in time. I made it to the restaurant by 8:45, leaving plenty of wiggle room before closing at 10. The woman who welcomed me had a puzzled expression when I asked for a table and said she would need to check with the chef. I asked her if they were still open and she said no, they were closing at 9. The restaurant still had a few tables full of people eating and she said they would still be there for awhile and that she could check to see if I could be served. I was mortified I had tried to walk in just a few minutes before they were set to close and apologized profusely, offering to come back again when there was more time. She was incredibly kind and said she would just check with the chef. The chef came out looking understandably exasperated with me but still kind. He pointed to a few things on the menu that would take less preparation time and said I could stay if I only ordered what could be prepared quickly. After driving for 5 hours, and as embarrassed as I was, I was desperate for real food. I accepted the chef's terms and ordered the foie gras, fish, and profiterole for dessert. I believe the chef is also the owner of the restaurant and while he was still clearly irritated with me, he was willing to feed me on his terms, and I was happy to be fed. The hostess may also have been an owner. She was incredibly kind and clearly wanting to make sure I was able to get food. The meal turned out to be the best meal I experienced on my trip across France. I was sad to speed-eat through this meal experience but I was determined not to be the last table at the restaurant to demonstrate to my gracious hosts that I understood I would be holding them up due to my untimely arrival. Even so, the meal was incredible. The buttery smooth foie gras melted beautifully with every bite. The fish was fresh, tender, and absolute perfection. By the time the profiterole came out, I was so satisfied by the rest of the food, I only took a bite, then ate the ice cream from the center and called it a good night. I'm certain they were unimpressed by my speedy eating skills, and I hope I didn't offend the chef who had prepared such an impeccable meal truly made to be enjoyed, not inhaled. My stomach was happy nonetheless, and the meal was one to be remembered. I just hope next time I make a stop in Vouvray, they don't remember me and I'll take the time to truly enjoy every bite of the amazing food they serve at Le Val Joli. If Vouvray is on your route through Loire Valley, or if you can make the detour, Le Val Joli is well worth the trip. Just make sure you arrive with ample time to enjoy every incredible bite! (deny knowing the woman with very rude timing who showed up on their doorstep in search of any food & was served the most memorable meal in all of Loire Valley)

Stopped here for their formula lunch while visiting wineries of the Loire. We had an excellent meal…read more& appreciated the service & atmosphere. The food and wine list were lovely.

This is the most unique and delicious restaurant of our Loire Valley exploration so far. Dinner in…read morea real cave with an atmosphere that will surprise you. Wood fired grills are used to prepare beef dishes and a burning fire for ambiance is in the center of the main dining area. We ordered the gourmet three course dinners and they were fabulously French! Nice Amuse-Bouche, wonderful bread with fresh butter, and an after dinner plate of cookies and confections were served gratis. Prices are fair and the food we had was divine. Menus are in French only. A waitress helped us with translations. Be prepared to spend over 2 hours here and savor the rich flavors of this French cuisine at an unhurried pace.

The outside aesthetics of this place is beyond breathtaking. It took me 15 minutes just to enter…read morebecause I couldn't photographing everything. Upon entering, there is a musty smell but it's to be expected when dining inside of a Cave hundreds years old. It's dimly lit and the decor is not memorable, but it's warm. The service was spot on. This was a unique dining experience i won't forget. The food was great at the time, but I don't remember it today. The location definitely left an impression.

Had the fixed price menu. Everything was really great. Really good flavors and super interesting…read more It was a pretty good price for everything. Service was really good. I would highly recommend. The only thing that we didn't love was the dessert. But admittedly we are hot fudge sundae type of people so that dessert was probably just too refined for our tastes.

An amazing meal in a picturesque setting in the heart of the Vouvray. The wine list is worth the…read morevisit, but the food takes you to a whole new place. A must visit.

Nice french food with overal atmosfeer of 4 stars. Food was good en service also. Good place for…read morewine dine and simple food and service. Not too fancy but still good for our wishes.

From the owner: Départ Immédiat Installé à Rochecorbon, le restaurant L'Embarcadère vous invite à un départ…read moreimmédiat pour un voyage de saveurs. Les convives découvrent une cuisine du terroir autour de produits de la région, et profitent pour le déjeuner du coquet jardin ombragé.

This is a beautiful, cozy place, especially the outside area. The food was good. We tried the veal…read moreand duck meat. Both dishes were delicious. They have good dessert options. The only problem with this restaurant is the parking- they have no parking.

Upon leaving our hotel, we turned the wrong way and boy, I'm glad we did. Stumbling onto this…read moreplace was an extremely happy and tasty accident. My salmon and feta appetizer was incredible - not flavors I'd ordinarily put together but the chef clearly knew what he was doing. My fish was stunning as was our dessert. The quality of the food for the value is possibly unparalleled between Vouvrey, Rochecarbon and Tours. Had we been in Rochecarbon one more day, I can say we would have visited again. Magnifique!

We only stopped by La Scala for some tea, and I wasn't blown away. The restaurant has a sort of…read morecorporate, sterile feel to it, which was odd in the tiny town of Vouvray. Service was fine, and people were polite. I didn't feel motivated to go back for a full meal.

We had a long day travelling and wanted to eat something easy. Very nice atmosfeer and modernly…read moredecored. We had not expected this for a french Italianen restaurant. Nice choses from the many and good prizes. Friendly staff and good service. The food had good taste and as promised easy going and good food. And a wine cart :)