Restaurant
Freia
Nantes · Loire-Atlantique
On the sixth floor of a Nantes building, Sarah Mainguy creates a unique gastronomic experience in the middle of a hanging garden. One Michelin star.
- Suggested time
- Varies with the menu, often 1 h 30 to 3 h; confirm with the restaurant.
- Type of place
- Contemporary, creative, plant-focused gastronomy, a rooftop urban garden
- Atmosphere
- A bright greenhouse, views over Nantes, a hanging garden and a contemplative atmosphere
- Getting there
- 22 boulevard de Berlin, 44000 Nantes
Who this place suits
- With family
- 4/10
- As a couple
- 10/10
- With friends
- 8/10
- Solo
- 6/10
- With a dog
- 3/10
- Reduced mobility
- 8/10
These scores are calculated from what the page records: official rating, facilities, difficulty, duration and location. They are a guide, not a substitute for contacting the venue, especially about accessibility.
About
Freia offers a new perspective on Nantes. From boulevard de Berlin, you go up to the sixth floor and discover a bright greenhouse, plants taking over the heights and a view that immediately leaves the city bustle behind. This one-star restaurant created by Sarah Mainguy has a rare identity: nature is not just represented here, it is part of the setting and the culinary vocabulary. The garden provides aromatic herbs, small fruits, flowers and seasonal inspiration. The cooking is invented from this plant sensibility and the dialogue with producers, while keeping a full place for contemporary techniques. In the dining room, wine pairings and alcohol-free drinks made from the garden’s resources open up another dimension of the meal. Freia is for visitors who want more than a simple dinner. The tasting menus, the unusual access and the time devoted to service build a coherent experience, from the first step onto the terrace to the last bite. Book ahead, mention dietary needs and allow a meal length suited to the menu you choose.
What you will see
- Cuisine: contemporary, creative, plant-focused gastronomy, a rooftop urban garden.
- In charge: Sarah Mainguy, with Damien Crémois and the Freia team.
- Distinction: 1 Michelin star.
- Menus: changing tasting menus at lunch and dinner, in several courses; booking on the official website.
- Nature above the city: Freia is on the sixth floor, in a glass space with a garden. The climb is part of the story: you gradually leave the Nantes traffic behind for a world in the air. Access to the garden depends on the organisation of the day.
- The garden as first inspiration: oats, buckwheat, blackcurrant, coriander, elderflower, nasturtium, mint or hyssop may inspire the kitchen. Not everything is grown on site: the garden is the starting point for wider work with producers.
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- The chef builds a language that puts plants, scents and the rhythm of the seasons at the heart of the tasting, looking for emotion through sometimes unexpected pairings and close attention to texture.
- One star and real freedom: no heavy formality here, and no dress code; what matters is being open to discovery.
- Wines largely come from committed winegrowers, with natural or biodynamic references. Alcohol-free drinks are creations in their own right, often made from garden herbs and seasonal produce.
Practical information
- Getting there
- 22 boulevard de Berlin. The restaurant mentions parking in the Viseo building, and an outdoor staircase or a lift up to the sixth floor
- Nearby
- The Euronantes district, the banks of the Loire, the Île de Nantes, the Jardin des Plantes and the Château des ducs de Bretagne
Tips on the spot
- Book ahead for weekends and holidays, and make sure the booking is confirmed.
- Check the exact days and times of service, which can vary with the season.
- Check the current menu and prices: an old photo of a menu is not a guaranteed offer.
- Mention allergies, intolerances or dietary needs when you book, and ask which vegetarian options are really possible.
- For a special occasion, mention it discreetly when booking.
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- Ask about alcohol-free options and say your budget if you want a wine pairing.
- Check cancellation and deposit conditions, if any.
- With reduced mobility, confirm the route, the dining room and the adapted toilets.
- Allow enough time for a menu in several courses, and avoid an appointment straight afterwards.
- Read the cancellation terms carefully when you book on the official website.
- Ask about the alcohol-free pairing when you book.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the chef at Freia?
Sarah Mainguy created the restaurant’s gastronomic signature.
How do I get to Freia?
At 22 boulevard de Berlin in Nantes, by the outdoor staircase or the lift up to the sixth floor.
What kind of cuisine is served?
Contemporary, creative, plant-focused gastronomy, inspired by a rooftop urban garden. The menu changes with the seasons.
Is there a dress code?
No, the restaurant says no dress code is required.
Which menu should I choose?
Changing tasting menus are offered at lunch and dinner; check the current options on the official website.
Do I need to book?
Booking ahead is recommended, especially for dinner, weekends and holiday periods.
See also the restaurants in Nantes.
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Traveller reviews
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