Wine Country Eats: Alsace, France

Posted on Apr 26, 2023


The Alsace gastronomic scene is deeply rooted in both its history and location, which have formed its cuisine with a mix of French and German influences. The region has been under the control of both France and Germany throughout its history, and this has resulted in a unique culinary fusion that is both diverse and flavorful.

alsace france culinary scene

No shortage of great restaurants in Alsace.

The region’s traditional dishes such as choucroute (sauerkraut cooked with meat), baeckeoffe (meat and potato stew), and flammekueche (a thin-crust pizza topped with bacon, onions and crème fraiche) are adopted from its German heritage, whereas the French impact is seen more in Alsace’s wine and cheeses.

In addition to these traditional dishes, the region has also embraced modern cuisine, with chefs experimenting with local ingredients to create new and innovative dishes. The region’s restaurants range from traditional Alsatian taverns to Michelin-starred restaurants and offer a wide variety of culinary experiences.

La Nouvelle Auberge

alsace michelin restaurant

Our menu at La Nouvelle Auberge.

La Nouvelle Auberge is a wonderful culinary gem nestled in the picturesque region of Alsace in Wihr-au-Val. From the moment you walk in, you are greeted with a warm and inviting ambiance that sets the tone for an unforgettable dining experience. As you would expect with a Michelin-rated restaurant, their attention to detail is apparent in every aspect, from the elegant decor to the impeccable service.

The menu features a range of traditional French dishes infused with Alsatian influences, all crafted with the finest and freshest ingredients. Each dish is a masterpiece, bursting with flavor and presented with precision and care.

Besides the food and the extensive wine cellar, the service at La Nouvelle Auberge is exceptional.

Michelin restaurant Alsace

Every dish was outstanding.

The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and eager to provide personalized recommendations and guidance throughout your dining experience. They are attentive without being intrusive, and their passion for the food and wine they serve is infectious.

The ambiance at La Nouvelle Auberge is elegant and sophisticated, with a touch of rustic charm that perfectly complements the restaurant’s Alsatian roots. The soft lighting, comfortable seating, and subtle background music create a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.

The Belvedere Wine Bar

Alsatian Winery

Belvedere Wine Bar at Maison Joseph Cattin.

We discovered the Belvedere wine bar while visiting Maison Joseph Cattin in the village of Voegtlinshoffen, close to Colmar. The location is simply breathtaking, situated on a hill 300m in elevation providing unobstructed panoramic views of vineyards, the Black Forest, and the Swiss Alps in the distance, making it the perfect place to unwind with a glass of wine and soak in the natural beauty of the region.

The wine bar’s locally sourced charcuterie boards are a true delight. Each board is filled with a selection of delicious meats, cheeses, and fruits that are all sourced from nearby farms and producers. The variety of flavors and textures is outstanding, and the presentation is both elegant and rustic. Each item on the board is perfectly paired with the winery’s excellent wines, which enhances the overall dining experience.

Caveau Morakopf

Caveau Morakopf is a charming restaurant that offers a uniquely local culinary experience.

Alsace restaurants

Caveau Morakopf.

Located in a historic building in the village of Niedermorschwihr, it exudes old-world charm and is a perfect place to indulge in authentic Alsatian cuisine and wine.

The menu at Caveau Morakopf features a range of traditional dishes that are bursting with flavor and character. From the rich and savory choucroute garnie to the delicate and flavorful tarte flambée, each dish aims to highlight the best of Alsatian cuisine.

Its wine list is extensive and interesting for visitors that are particularly interested in sampling wines that don’t get exported beyond France. From the crisp and refreshing Rieslings to the rich and complex Pinot Noirs, each wine is carefully selected to complement the flavors of the dishes on the menu.

Caveau Morakopf is not only warm and welcoming to visitors, but it also provides a wonderful peek into daily life in the village. The historic building it’s housed in is beautifully decorated with traditional Alsatian touches, creating a very authentic experience.

*While not in Alsace, we couldn’t leave out the next two restaurants that we discovered making our way from Champagne to Alsace…

Le Garde Champêtre

gye-sur-seine

Le Garde Champêtre.

Le Garde Champêtre is a unique restaurant located in the Gye-sur-Seine in north-central France. This restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking for a sensational culinary experience in a beautiful setting.

American owner, David Smith, is a well-known restaurateur in the region, with a string of successful restaurants to his name. He is passionate about food and wine, and it’s clear that he has put his heart and soul into this restaurant. His dedication to quality and excellence is evident in every aspect of the restaurant.

gye-sur-seine

Rustic elegance.

The first thing that stands out about Le Garde Champetre is its stunning architecture. The restaurant is housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century barn, which creates a rustic and cozy ambiance. The interior is decorated with a mix of modern and traditional elements, creating a truly unique and inviting atmosphere.

Outside of Le Garde Champêtre sits its garden, where they grow much of their own produce. The garden is an integral part of the restaurant’s philosophy, and it’s clear that the chefs take great pride in using the freshest and most flavorful ingredients in their dishes. The garden also serves as a beautiful backdrop for diners, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

gye sur seine restaurant michelin

Witnessing the action of the open kitchen.

The open kitchen at Le Garde Champetre is another unique feature of the restaurant. Diners can watch as the chefs prepare their meals, adding to the overall dining experience. The menu is seasonal, changing regularly based on what’s in season and available in the garden and the philosophy of the restaurant is to create simple, delicious dishes that showcase the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Simplicity and excellence all come together to create a dining experience that is truly memorable. Whether you are a foodie or simply looking for a beautiful and peaceful place to dine, Le Garde Champêtre will definitely impress.

L’Escale

One of the biggest surprises of our trip was a stop in the town of Nancy on the way to Champagne. It has a truly fascinating history as the former Duchy of Lorraine, features one of the most beautiful squares (Stanislas) that we’ve ever seen…with hardly a tourist in sight. We ended up at L’Escale for lunch and the meal was memorable both for its quality and exceptional value.

nancy lorraine france

Exceptional value for the level of quality.

The interior is beautifully decorated, with a chic and modern design, but the real star of the show at L’Escale is the food. The menu features a range of French-inspired dishes that are fresh and of the highest quality, and the presentation is of Michelin quality.

One of the signature dishes at L’Escale is the roasted duck breast, which is cooked to perfection and served with a flavorful sauce that complements the richness of the meat. The seafood dishes are also excellent, prepared with precision and the flavors of the ocean shining through in every bite.

But what really sets L’Escale apart is its terrific value. The prices are very reasonable considering the quality of the food and the overall dining experience.

6 Comments

  1. ontopoftheridge@shaw.ca'

    Love Alsace wine the best white wine ever. The surrounding area is so beautiful all year. Spend in all 7 years in near by Lahr Germany with the Canadian Forces. Alsace was our to go to place. Don’t miss Christmas time in Alsace all the villages are so pretty decorated. . You have to visit Alsace the people are so kind. Cheers Alsace.

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    • It was our first time visiting and it did not disappoint! The wines, the food, the people and the beauty were all beyond our expectations. Will definitely have to make a trip back during when the Christmas markets are up and running, we bet that would be a magical time there. Cheers!

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    • Our favourite way to learn…eat & drink your way through a region…cheers!

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  2. Robin@crushedgrapechronicles.com'

    There is no more delicious way to learn about a region than through its wine and foods. What an amazing trip! When I get to the area I will be sure to stop in Nancy

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    • We couldn’t agree more on eating your way through a destination! And yes, Nancy was such a fabulous surprise–no tourists!

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