Domaine Les Crayères Le Parc dining room tables near window
March 24, 2025

Where to Eat in Champagne: Best Food Pairings, Restaurants & Local Dishes

Chris Rigge
Interim Travel Design Manager

When you think of the Champagne region, it’s easy to picture endless vineyards and golden flutes of fizz.

But beyond the bubbles, Champagne is a top spot for food lovers, with an impressive culinary landscape that perfectly complements those world-famous wines. From creamy local cheeses and delicate charcuterie to Michelin-starred dining and charming village bistros, this is a region that serves up a feast no matter what you’re craving.

Fancy a vineyard picnic, an afternoon cooking up traditional recipes or a dining experience pairing vintage cuvées with decadent desserts? The region promises that every meal here becomes an unforgettable experience. We’ve curated the ultimate guide to where to eat in Champagne, including local dishes, insider pairing tips and the best restaurants, plus hands-on foodie experiences to make your visit truly sparkle.

Table of contents

Why Champagne and Food are a Perfect Match

Aerial view of a board of oysters served with Champagne and lemon

Champagne’s signature acidity, minerality and fine bubbles make it one of the most versatile wines for food pairing.

Blanc de Blancs brings zesty freshness ideal for seafood, while Blanc de Noirs offers depth and structure that complements richer meats. Rosé Champagnes, with their red fruit notes, balance beautifully with game and spiced dishes in particular. And, if you’re sipping Vintage Champagnes, which are often more complex, these shine with aged cheeses and gourmet dining. In short, the possibilities are endless.

Explore Our Gourmet Champagne Experience

Best Restaurants in Champagne for Food & Wine Lovers

From refined dining like oysters and snails in champagne sauce, to the region’s rustic pleasures of venison, boar, rabbit and pheasant, you can be sure to dine every bit as well as you drink on one of our champagne tours.

The Champagne region is dotted with exceptional restaurants, from Michelin-starred dining rooms to hidden local gems. Here are some of our top spots:

L'Assiette Champenoise chef plating meal

L’Assiette Champenoise (Tinqueux, near Reims)

With three Michelin stars, this renowned restaurant is helmed by Chef Arnaud Lallement, whose modern French cuisine focuses on seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients. Expect a great range of refined dishes like blue lobster with beurre blanc and perfectly prepared meats.

SmoothRed Insider Tip: Request a table with a view of the gardens for a beautiful backdrop to your meal. And don’t miss the Champagne pairing menu curated by their expert sommelier — it often features rare local grower-producers you won’t find elsewhere.

Explore L’Assiette Champenoise
Au 36 restaurant terrace Hautvillers framed by a blooming wisteria tree

Au 36 (Hautvillers)

Set in the heart of the village where Dom Pérignon lived, this charming bistro focuses on regional specialities and an impressive Champagne selection, including many local grower-producers.

SmoothRed Insider Tip: Sit outside if the weather allows, soaking in views of the surrounding vineyards. Be sure to try their unique Champagne sabrage experience, it’s a fun, interactive way to start your meal.

Take Me There
Hamachi, orange et oignon, a Japanese-French fusion dish at two Michelin starred Racine restaurant in Reims

Racine (Reims)

This intimate Michelin-starred restaurant blends French and Japanese influences, with Chef Kazuyuki Tanaka creating delicate, artfully presented plates that highlight fresh, seasonal ingredients.

SmoothRed Insider Tip: Book the chef’s table for a behind-the-scenes view of the kitchen in action. Not sure what to order? Try the signature langoustine dish paired with a Blanc de Blancs.

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Dinner table setup at Le Grand Cerf, a Michelin-starred restaurant in France's Champagne region

Le Grand Cerf (Montchenot)

Tucked away in a forested setting, this Michelin-starred restaurant is all about rustic charm and fine dining. Chef Dominique Giraudeau’s seasonal menus highlight regional ingredients in beautifully composed dishes.

SmoothRed Insider Tip: Request a table near the fireplace during colder months for a cosy ambiance. Their signature game dishes pair wonderfully with fuller-bodied Champagnes — ask for a recommendation from their extensive list if you can’t decide.

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Domaine Les Crayeres Le Parc restaurant dish

Le Parc (Reims)

Housed in a grand château, this two Michelin-starred restaurant is home to an exceptional wine cellar boasting over 600 Champagne references. Chef Christophe Moret’s dishes showcase the best regional produce with a creative touch.

SmoothRed Insider Tip: Arrive early for an aperitif on the terrace overlooking the gardens. For a unique experience, ask the sommelier for a lesser-known Premier Cru pairing to discover new favourites beyond the big Champagne houses.

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Epernay Capital of Champagne outdoor shot of sign among flowers

La Table Kobus (Épernay)

A local favourite just steps from Avenue de Champagne, La Table Kobus is a great choice for classic French cuisine with contemporary flair. Its cosy setting makes it ideal for a relaxed lunch or dinner.

SmoothRed Insider Tip: Ask for a seat by the window for a glimpse of Épernay’s picturesque streetscape. Don’t miss their foie gras terrine paired with a glass of aged Blanc de Noirs — it’s a local delicacy.

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Domaine Les Crayères Le Jardin lobster in beurre blanc

Le Jardin Brasserie (Reims)

Set within the Domaine Les Crayères, Le Jardin is a more casual dining experience without sacrificing quality. The menu focuses on fresh, local produce with an emphasis on lighter, garden-inspired dishes.

SmoothRed Insider Tip: In the warmer months, the terrace is the place to be. Order the seasonal fish special alongside a crisp Rosé Champagne.

Explore Domaine Les Crayères

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Close-up of someone pouring two glasses of champagne in a vineyard in France

Signature Dishes of the Champagne Region

While Champagne may be synonymous with its sparkling wine, the local cuisine deserves just as much of your attention. Here are some regional favourites that perfectly complement the local wines:

Pink Biscuits Roses de Reims, a regional dessert from Champagne, stacked on plate with two glasses of champagne. The table is set on a balcony with a vineyard in the distance.

Biscuits Roses de Reims

These pink, vanilla-flavoured biscuits are traditionally dipped in Champagne — think of it like the French equivalent of us Brits dipping Rich Tea biscuits into a cuppa!

SmoothRed tip: Opt for a demi-sec or Rosé to enhance the sweetness. Pairing them with afternoon tea at a local patisserie is one of our favourite regional treats.

Andouillette de Troyes, a regional sausage from Champagne, France, served in a dish with potatoes and mushrooms.

Andouillette de Troyes

This traditional sausage, known for its distinct flavour, might not be for the faint-hearted but it’s well-loved by locals!

SmoothRed tip: Pair with a fruity Rosé Champagne to soften the richness. For the full experience, order it grilled at a local bistro with a crisp glass of Extra Brut.

A wooden plank with a round of chaource cheese, a creamy, French semi-soft cheese from Champagne

Chaource Cheese

Originating from the southern part of the region, this creamy cow’s milk cheese has a soft rind and buttery texture.

SmoothRed tip: Enjoy it with a vintage Champagne whose toasty notes complement the cheese’s creaminess. Local cheesemongers often recommend enjoying it slightly warmed on toasted bread.

Ham and cheese display in French market

Jambon de Reims

A local delicacy made from seasoned and braised ham, coated with breadcrumbs. It’s often served as a starter with a subtle richness that’s enhanced by a glass of Brut Nature or a refreshing Blanc de Blancs.

SmoothRed tip: Visit a local market in Reims to sample artisanal versions and pair them with a Premier Cru Champagne for an elevated aperitif.

Insider Tips for Pairing Champagne with Food

Champagne might often be reserved for celebrations, but its versatility at the table is unmatched. The acidity and body of bubbly make it an excellent food wine, and Champagne, be it pink, vintage or non-vintage, can be paired with a range of foods.

Here are expert-level tips to help you elevate your pairings:

Match the intensity: Lighter styles like blanc de blancs pair best with delicate dishes such as oysters, sushi or goat cheese salads. Fuller-bodied vintages or blanc de noirs stand up to richer fare like roasted poultry or creamy pasta.

The sweetness levels matter: Brut nature and extra brut Champagnes are ideal with salty snacks and seafood, while demi-sec styles shine the brightest with desserts like tarte tatin or almond-based pastries.

Use Champagne’s acidity: The natural acidity of Champagne cuts through rich, fatty foods. Try pairing a vintage Champagne with fried chicken or buttery escargots for a delicious contrast.

Try some unexpected matches: Did you know that Rosé Champagnes complement dishes with earthy notes, too? Think: beetroot carpaccio or seared duck breast with cherry glaze. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

And don’t forget the sauce: A creamy sauce pairs best with richer Champagnes, while citrusy vinaigrettes call for something light and zesty.

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Hands-on Experiences for Foodies in Champagne

All of our SmoothRed tours are designed around your dream trip to the Champagne region. Want to add some foodie-adjacent experiences to your getaway? These are some of our favourites — we can arrange any of them for you.

Private cooking lesson COMO Le Montrachet, a luxury hotel in Burgundy, France

Cooking Classes with Local Chefs

Join a local chef in Reims or Épernay for an intimate cooking class where you’ll prepare regional dishes using fresh market ingredients. End with a shared meal, paired with carefully selected Champagnes.

SmoothRed Insider Tip: We recommend choosing a class that includes a market visit beforehand — there’s nothing like selecting your own produce from a bustling French marché!

Truffle hunting dog in France

Truffle Hunting and Tasting

Champagne’s forests are home to black truffles, especially in autumn. Spend a morning with a local truffier and their dog before enjoying a truffle-infused lunch.

SmoothRed Insider Tip: Book your truffle hunt during October or November for the best chance of a successful forage. And don’t forget to pick up a jar of truffle butter as a delicious souvenir.

Chateau Sacy Champagne al fresco lunch setup with vineyard views

Vineyard Picnics

Several of our favourite wineries offer curated picnic experiences among the vines. Enjoy local charcuterie, cheeses and fresh baguettes paired with a bottle of their house Champagne.

SmoothRed Insider Tip: Request a Premier Cru or Grand Cru bottle for the picnic — there’s nothing quite like sipping top-tier Champagne in the vineyard it was born from.

Two glasses champagne and cheese board

Cheese and Champagne Pairing Sessions

Name a better combo! Explore how local cheeses like Chaource and Langres perfectly complement different Champagne styles during guided pairing sessions at select wineries.

SmoothRed Insider Tip: Ask for a pairing with aged Comté — it’s a revelation when paired with a rich vintage Champagne.

Close-up chocolate display at French Chocolaterie

Chocolaterie Tours

Discover the sweet side of the region with a visit to local chocolatiers who craft Champagne-infused truffles and artisanal confections. The perfect experience for anyone with a sweet tooth! 

SmoothRed Insider Tip: Try the dark chocolate pralines filled with Marc de Champagne — they also make a perfect gift.

Book Your Exclusive Champagne Tasting Tour with SmoothRed

Ready to explore Champagne’s best foodie delights? SmoothRed offers bespoke tours tailored to your tastes, featuring exclusive winery dinners, hands-on cooking classes and private tastings with local producers. Let us craft an unforgettable food and wine journey through France’s most iconic sparkling wine region.

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Chateau Sacy Champagne tub views across the stunning French countryside.

FAQs About Where to Eat in Champagne

What food is Champagne known for?

There are a few standout foods that Champagne is known for, which pair excellently with its celebrated bubbly, and in terms of local delicacies to try on a visit to Champagne, there’s plenty to choose from.

Reims, the capital of the region, is famed for ham and, rather handily, mustard. In Troyes, andouillette is an offal sausage, which is heavily seasoned and recognised by its strong aroma — this one is unlikely to appeal to all! Various cheeses are produced locally and Langres, a soft-centred cow’s milk cheese, is nice to nibble alongside a glass of fizz. Chaource is another creamy, crumbly cow’s milk cheese, made on the border between Burgundy and Champagne.

For those with a sweeter tooth, les biscuits roses de Reims (or pink biscuits) date back to the 17th century and are a crunchy delight, traditionally dipped directly into a glass of Champagne. Champagne-filled chocolate truffles are another fabulous, decadent treat.

What not to eat with Champagne?

In terms of what not to eat with Champagne, avoid pairing it with highly acidic foods, very spicy meals or sugar-glazed desserts. These flavours clash with the wine’s bubbles and high acidity, which can leave a bitter aftertaste.

  • Tomato-based dishes: high-acid foods like raw tomatoes or tomato sauce clash with the crisp acidity of Champagne
  • Very spicy foods: intense heat from spicy dishes can make your palate too hot to enjoy the refreshing notes of standard Brut Champagne. Zero Dosage options can be paired with mild-to-moderate spice
  • Dark chocolate: the bitterness in dark chocolate can clash with Champagne’s acidity, creating a metallic flavour

What is the best food to eat with Champagne?

The best foods to eat with Champagne are salty, fatty and crispy foods, as the high acidity and bubbles of the wine cut through the fat and cleanse the palate. Raw and briny seafood pairs perfectly with the minerality and crisp citrus notes of Champagne, while rich, creamy and nutty foods are a match made in heaven for the toasted, brioche undertones of aged Champagne. If you’re sipping a sweeter style of Champagne (Demi-Sec), opt for not-too-sugary desserts to complement the wine’s natural fruitiness.

  • Salty and crispy: fries, crisps, fried chicken, salted popcorn, salted edamame
  • Seafood: oysters, sushi and sashimi, lobster and crab, smoked salmon blinis
  • Rich & creamy: soft cheeses, aged cheeses, creamy risottos, caviar
  • Sweets, paired with Demi-Sec Champagne: fresh berries, fruit tarts

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