Calais is full of mostly mediocre eateries, catering for its day-tripper trade – place d'Armes is full of such examples – and there are plenty of self-service and fast-food outlets near the beach. Drinking establishments are mainly of the Gaelic theme-pub variety and are in abundance on rue Royale and its continuation, rue de la Mer. Le Troubadour on quai du Rhin is a popular hangout for local music-heads, with lots of long hair around the games tables by day and bands by night.Café de Paris 72 rue Royale. Signalled by its tacky Eiffel tower outside, this brasserie is popular with locals and tourists alike for its cheap fare; plats du jour from €9, menu at €12. Le Channel 3 bd de la Résistance tel 03.21.34.42.30. Generous menus – ranging from €17–60 – and stylish decor. Beautifully prepared but safely unadventurous food, with a wide range of delicious desserts, and views over the yacht basin. Closed Sun eve & Tues. Booking recommended. George V 36 rue Royale tel 03.21.97.68.00, www.georgev-calais.com. Traditional brasserie-restaurant with immaculate white tablecloths and a classic menu (€26–44). Closed Sun and Sat lunch. Also smart en-suite rooms (€55–70). Histoire Ancienne 20 rue Royale. Greek-run brasserie with a charming interior, particularly its old bar; the good, mainly French menu includes the occasional Greek dish plus inexpensive, interesting salads that will delight vegetarians. Menus from €12 at lunchtime; otherwise from €17. Le St-Charles 47 place d'Armes. By far the best option on the place d'Armes, and consequently often crowded. Menus consist of traditional French and Italian dishes and start from €12. Closed Mon.
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