Le Central

Le Central is the Troisgros family's neighbourhood restaurant and épicerie in Roanne, opened by Michel and Marie‑Pierre Troisgros in the mid‑1990s as an informal counterpoint to the family's gastronomic house. The concept privileges cuisine ménagère — inventive, honest home cooking rooted in seasonal produce and conceived in dialogue with César Troisgros. At the entrance an épicerie fine curated by Marie‑Pierre offers sauces, courts‑bouillons and conserves sourced locally and internationally, providing access to the Troisgros culinary archives. Housed in a renovated 1920s hotel opposite the train station, the dining room has an open kitchen that acts like a stage and where plates are finished and served on the spot; the room projects a warm, familiar ambience of genuine conviviality. The cuisine is homely yet inventive, focused on market-driven seasonal ingredients with weekly changes and a full menu renewal roughly every three weeks. Preparations are straightforward, generous and attentive to balance and finish; dishes are developed each Friday with César Troisgros, drawing inspiration from Roanne's market. Grégoire Antoine is the chef in charge of the brigade. Specialties include the chocolate dariole, a seasonal bouillon with amuse-bouche and market-day weekly specials; the menu keeps a few beloved constants while encouraging spontaneity.