Le Chou de Chanorier, the restaurant housed in a château in the Yvelines, unveils its gorgeous terrace at the Top

Do you know the Chou de Chanorier, this restaurant nestled in the heart of the château Chanorier in Croissy-sur-Seine in the Yvelines (78). It is here that Charlie Anne, a Top Chef 2025 finalist and a double favorite of Michelin Guide inspectors, laid down her pans to present a personal menu rooted in her Norman roots. Backed by the Bistrots Pas Parisiens, the group of Hakim Gaouaoui and Stéphane Rotenberg, this venue is well worth a visit.

Already known for its lineup of restaurants including the Bistrot Top Chef in Suresnes, Là-Haut, Splash in Asnières, Splash, Micheline, Micheline, Coco Rocco—the first Italian-themed bistro of the Parisian suburbs in Puteaux—or Podium, the group now expands beyond the Hauts-de-Seine to explore the Yvelines region. And their choice of venue is no coincidence. The Château Chanorier is a stunning 18th-century estate built for the Le Bas de Courmont family during Louis XV’s reign. Today, it houses a Museum of Impressionism called La Grenouillère and is surrounded by lush gardens perfect for a leisurely stroll. It’s within the bright, glass-enclosed space of this historic building that the new restaurant makes its debut.

To put it plainly, we were pleasantly surprised as soon as we arrived. On one side, a vast terrace opening onto the lawns and tree-lined avenues, bathed in soft light and a sense of calm. We’re just minutes from Paris, yet it feels worlds away. On the other, inside, a chic and meticulously curated décor strikes a balance between tradition and modernity. Wall tapestries, velvet furnishings, and nods to Versailles iconography—the spirit of the place reveals itself in the details. In the evening, a piano adds texture to this distinctive setting, and you can sense the atmosphere rising a notch.

During the winter, the concept "Chourchevel" brings a playful alpine twist: eight télécabines perched among the trees and artificial snow welcome small groups of 4 to 6 guests for an open-air mountain dinner featuring fondue, tartiflette, or vin chaud.

In the summer, the terrace becomes a sprawling, welcoming guinguette with barbecue on the menu. Grillades of meats, octopus, or vegetables—the kind of spread you’ll love settling in for as you enjoy the menu crafted by Charlie Anne, a sun-kissed vibe in every bite.

During our February visit, we zeroed in on the menu crafted by Charlie Anne. And here’s the pleasant surprise. While the space feels chic, the house offers a lunch menu that’s genuinely affordable at 24.99 euros for a starter–main or main–dessert, and 29.99 euros for the full option. It’s enough to rival the nearby bistros, except that everything here is homemade and of high quality. The à la carte menu at 49 euros includes an amuse-bouche, starter, main course and dessert. No reason to hesitate to step through the doors of this place.

After an appealing starter that plays on a velouté illusion, we sampled the delicious stuffed macaroni with seasonal mushrooms, artichokes, foie gras and truffle cream, all bathed in a parmesan sauce, and the gravlax salmon en entrée. In summer, the velouté gracefully morphs into a gazpacho.

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In the main courses, the slow-braised beef cheek, melt-in-your-mouth, paired with a velvety celery and Parmesan risotto, and the chestnut-stuffed coquelet, cooked in a cocotte to stay wonderfully tender, were a real discovery. In spring, it leaned toward squid tagliatelle with its ink sauce, or a white fish blanquette.

Don’t miss the desserts: the Chou, the signature giant chouquette filled with light cream, hazelnuts, caramel and pear sorbet, and the lemon-vanilla shortbread that ends the meal on a refreshing note. Note that the menu shifts with the seasons, so you may not see these dishes every time. Charlie Anne and her executive chef continually refresh the offerings to delight you.

At just 25 years old, Charlie Anne has a resume that commands respect. Originally from Cauvicourt, near Caen, he was turned away by every culinary school in Normandy. He gained experience through apprenticeships and by working with renowned chefs like Stéphane Carbone in Caen and David Toutain in Paris, before making a splash as a finalist on Top Chef 2025, competing against Quentin Mauro. His honest, no-frills style of cooking draws from Norman terroir, infused with a modern touch that perfectly embodies the spirit of Bistrots Pas Parisiens: accessible gourmet cuisine for all.

This establishment is especially well-suited for families, who were numerous during our visit. With an elegant setting and a high-quality traditional cuisine, it also offers a great value for money. It’s a place where you can take your time and enjoy a leisurely meal. Located a bit off the beaten path, it tends to be less crowded, making it worth the effort to escape the hustle of downtown. If you appreciate historic venues, we recommend checking out the Maison Fournaise, ideally situated on the banks of the Seine, or the Les Chasses restaurant, nestled within the former Vaux de Cernay Abbey with its beautiful hidden terrace.

The Chou de Chanorier restaurant welcomes you at 12 Grande Rue in Croissy-sur-Seine (78290). Be sure to reserve in advance to secure a table, especially since the place is popular with large groups. Plus, the platform frequently offers discounts on the menu. If you're looking for a delightful culinary spot in the Yvelines, why not indulge in a touch of castle life? 

This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.

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