Just a stone’s throw from the Old Basin, an old blacksmith workshop has transformed into a luminous table: La Ferronnerie. Behind weathered bricks and beams beats a warm and seasonal kitchen, punctuated by the magic of the grill. Exceptional meats and fish are savored in a chic yet relaxed setting, in the heart of Honfleur. Ready to push the door and be surprised?
In an old workshop that has retained the soul of the forges, La Ferronnerie reimagines the Honfleur table with a seasonal cuisine driven by grilling, a theatrical service with a carving trolley, and a chic-casual atmosphere. Just steps away from the Old Basin and the Sainte-Catherine Church, this bright restaurant, curated by Alexandra Lorin-Guinard and Grégory Guinard, brings together the talents of Lilian Douchet and Adrien Béha for a shared moment that makes your mouth water just by reading the menu.
In Honfleur, one does not get the chance every day to enter an old forge and come out with stars in their eyes. Located at 19, place Augustin-Normand, right next to the picturesque Old Basin, La Ferronnerie immediately piques curiosity. Behind the door, the warmth of the grill and the scent of wood take over, as a nod to the fires of yesteryear that animated the workshop.
An old workshop beating to the rhythm of the grill
Reinvented with tact and flair, the 270 m² space retains its original volumes: bricks, stones, slates, beams, and woodwork create a naturally theatrical decor. The owner duo, Alexandra Lorin-Guinard and Grégory Guinard (already at the helm of Les Jardins de Coppélia in Pennedepie), acquired the place in 2023 and gave it a second life, bright and open. The kitchen, indeed, opens onto the dining room: the heart of the grill crackles, and the embers tell the story that follows.
One settles into a chic and relaxed atmosphere where the authenticity of the building marries with contemporary lines. Here, the staging serves the taste, and every detail recalls the artisanal roots of the house.
A star brigade with seasons as a compass
At the head of the kitchen, two names make taste buds sparkle: Lilian Douchet, executive chef revealed by the show Top Chef, and Adrien Béha, head chef. Their creed? Fresh products, respect for the seasons, and readable, refined plates designed for sharing. The balance lies between the deliberately simple recipes and the meticulous precision of cooking and seasoning.
Epicurean good deal: the weekly menu starter-main course or main-dessert at €25, perfect for indulging in a gourmet break in the heart of the historic center (the house is closed on Mondays).
The trolley ritual: slicing, weighing, pleasure
Here, the show continues in the dining room. The teams, coordinated by Alexandre Montré, orchestrate the carving of meats on the trolley in front of you. You choose the cut and the quantity, the scale slices before your eyes, then back to the grill for perfect cooking. The pleasure of flame, the precision of the gesture: the scenography whets the appetite.
Before the flames ignite, there’s a spotlight on the starters that set the stage: a bone marrow awakened by an iodized cider vinegar, a sea bream tartare with avocado and green chili, or a gravlax with sour cream and pickles. On the grilling side, the repertoire ranges from Black Angus sirloin to Wagyu ribeye grade 4/5, including farm-raised pork belly, line-caught fish, and the whole lobster topped with a chipotle vinaigrette. Sweet finish: Melba Strawberry or rice pudding like Grandma’s, like a madeleine that never goes out of style. The wine cellar highlights independent winemakers whose cuvées resonate with the embers.
Choreographed service and assured conviviality
The ballet in the dining room, choreographed by Alexandre Montré, reflects the rhythm of the grill. The team narrates the products, advises on cooking, weighs and carves with delightful dexterity. We come to eat well, we stay for the atmosphere: this house has found the balance between precision and joyous relaxation.
Craftsmanship, heritage, and other escapes
La Ferronnerie pays homage to the workshop gestures — and the whole city is reflected in it. If the art of trades speaks to you, linger on the routes where craftsmanship takes center stage: for example, stroll towards a village in Lot where artisans resurrect the Middle Ages, explore a treasure of goldsmithing in Tarn, or let yourself be intrigued by the enigma of a unique residence like the Théas House. Craving a more distant escape? Take a look at the romance of a palace by Lake Geneva with Juan Carlos and Sophie, unexpected fiancés of the Beau-Rivage Palace in Lausanne, or head to Brittany for an unforgettable stop in Carnac. So many interludes that prolong the spirit of discovery cultivated by Honfleur.
Where to find it, how to reserve
Address: La Ferronnerie, 19, place Augustin-Normand, 14600 Honfleur, just steps from the Old Basin and the Sainte-Catherine Church. Reservations: +33 2 31 81 63 87. Official website: laferronnerie.fr. Weekly menu €25 (starter-main course or main dessert). The house is closed on Mondays.
