Assa - Blois

Assa is located in a nondescript building on the western edge of Blois. Inside, however, the restaurant displays a spare, modern, Japanese-influenced design. The tables are spaciously arranged on two levels giving all of them access to a direct view of the Loire flowing slowly past. The kitchen is open to the restaurant where the two chef-owners can be seen busily creating the meals. The menu has several format options allowing for the selection of different combinations of appetizers, main courses and desserts; the specific menu contents change based on the available produce. The wine list mainly focuses on Loire Valley wines arranged geographically from the Muscadets of the coastal region to the eastern-most Sancerres. It took some time for the server to acknowledge us when we entered, then take our order, because there was only one person serving all the tables. But, once the dinner began, the experience was wonderful. The dishes are among the most inventive and flavorful we have encountered over the years in many other Michelin-starred restaurants. The non-traditional flavor combinations worked extremely well. The two main courses that night—dourade and veal—were spectacular. Assa is a French, not a Japanese, restaurant, but with a Japanese influence in the flavors and the plating of the dishes. All the dishes we sampled were light and fresh without heavy sauces. The menu was written in French only, and the server spoke very little English, but any sophisticated diner with a broad palate will have a wonderful experience by sitting back and letting the courses flow. As each course is small (a few bites), if you are there for dinner, we do suggest choosing the options with most or all of the courses. Sticking to the classic French “formule” of a starter, main course, and dessert, will be fine for lunch, but perhaps too little at dinner. If we return to this region of the Loire Valley, Assa will be first on our list.

We last eat at Assa just after it opened. Today was everything we expected. Superb cuisine snd excellent service. Looking forward to the next time.

Run by a French-Japanese couple, the restaurant overlooks the Loire Valley. We did the full degustation menu and there was not one missed step. Each dish was beautifully plated with flavors to match. There was close attention to flavor and texture with a fine Japanese sensibility. The only unfortunate element was the service. While everyone did their best, they were too short staffed and so, service was rushed when they finally got to you. A pity because that would be one element that would elevate the evening to a truly fine dining experience. However that being said, it was clearly our best meal in the Loire Valley. I would go again.

Why, Thank you chefs Maubert & Fumiko. Everything's just delicious, delicate and yummy. First class restaurant. Wow. Really wow! We enjoyed ourselves there. The experience was past my expectations.

This 1 Michelin star restaurant is run by a French chef & his Japanese wife who also works in the kitchen. The Asian influence in the dishes ranges from the immaculate presentation right through to some of the ingredients in their wonderful dishes. We would rate this restaurant in the top category of our favourite restaurants. Don't miss it if you are staying in, or near, Blois.