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Freia
★ 4.0(1 review)Restaurant
romanticscenicvegetable-forward
About the Vibe
Perched atop a contemporary building in Nantes, Freia is chef Sarah Mainguy's poetic tribute to nature, featuring a rooftop greenhouse restaurant with a living garden that supplies much of the menu. The atmosphere is light and airy with panoramic views of the city, while the cuisine leans heavily on seasonal, locally-sourced vegetables with subtle Scandinavian and Asian influences. It's a standout spot for a special occasion dinner where you'll want to book well in advance.
Known For
- •rooftop greenhouse setting
- •garden-to-table cuisine
- •seasonal tasting menus
- •panoramic Nantes views
Best For
special occasionsdate nightvegetable-focused dining
1 review
City InsidersEditorialApril 2, 2026
A poetic rooftop garden in the sky
Freia is a breath of fresh air—literally and figuratively. Located on the top floor of a modern building on Boulevard de Berlin, this restaurant feels like a secret garden in the sky. The space is a greenhouse-inspired dining room with wooden arches and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer sweeping views over Nantes. The kitchen, led by Sarah Mainguy (who also runs the acclaimed Vacarme), is deeply committed to a locavore philosophy, with much of the produce coming from their own rooftop garden tended by Alice Ménard.
The tasting menus, available in 4, 6, or 8-course options for lunch and dinner respectively, are a celebration of vegetables done with real finesse. Dishes like white asparagus with a vegetal XO sauce made from algae, or periwinkles with peas and a frozen gwell snow, showcase the chef's ability to elevate simple, fresh ingredients into something poetic. The flavors are delicate, the presentations are beautiful, and there's a clear Scandinavian influence in the minimalism and respect for ingredients. It's not cheap (€€€), but for a memorable, unique dining experience in Nantes, Freia is worth the splurge. Just be sure to reserve early—it's popular for good reason.