The 15 Best Restaurants in Strasbourg, France

Best for Michelin-Starred Dining: Buerehiesel

Nestled within the greenery of the Parc de l'Orangerie, this Michelin-starred restaurant is helmed by chef Eric Westermann, who brings contemporary daring to traditional Alsatian and French cooking. Housed in a centuries-old, half-timbered farmhouse, Buerehiesel looks perfectly traditional—but regularly invents some of the city's most exciting dishes.

The seasonal dishes change frequently, but recent examples on the à la carte menu include choices such as whole crab with lime zest, quinoa, and crunchy vegetables; fillet of duck with verbena, onions, "compressed" potato, and herbed salad; and, for vegetarians, Jerusalem artichoke prepared three ways, with summer truffle emulsion, artichoke ice cream, and Kalamata olive oil.

The fixed-priced lunch menus offer the best value, but for a true special occasion, try the eight-course tasting menu.

Best for Unfussy Gourmet: Restaurant Gavroche

Situated in the shadow of Strasbourg Cathedral, this cheerful table offers gourmet credentials without the starchy fuss of the highest-end restaurants. Helmed by chefs Lucile and Alexy Fuchs, the restaurant fuses French and Asian culinary traditions in a stable of creative dishes.

Try the langoustine gyoza with rhubarb, daikon radish, cherry, and miso. Then follow it up with the fresh catch of the day or glazed duck with polenta, apricot, and rosemary. Vegetarian options are available.

Best Alsatian-Style Tapas: Restaurant Les Chauvin Père et Fils

Restaurant Les Chauvin Père et Fils has found a creative way to modernize Alsatian-style cuisine—one that can sometimes feel a bit anchored in the past. Located in the city center, the restaurant serves hot and cold small plates that each draw on the staples of Alsatian traditions. Expect dishes from smoked herring to sausages with pickles, "Fleishkieschle" mini-burgers topped with a soft local cheese, and ravioli in broth.

The restaurant has a number of vegetarian offerings, including soups and flammekueche (Alsatian-style pizzas). The wine list is extensive and the staff are happy to suggest pairings for different courses.

Best for Creative Global Cooking: Utopie

One of Strasbourg's most creative new tables, Utopie is headed by co-owners Camille Besson and chef Tristan Weinling, whose bold, stunning dishes often resemble culinary works of art. At the restaurant, located in close reach of Strasbourg's iconic covered bridges, feast on seasonal, market-fresh dishes in the small dining room.

Those with a curious palate should steer towards the aptly-named Menu des Curiosités, which includes six courses—two starters, two main dishes, and two desserts. Wine pairing options are also available. The menu evolves constantly, with dishes crafted around seasonal produce. There are generally several vegetarian options.

Best for Traditional Alsatian Ambience: La Maison des Tanneurs

Housed in a 16th-century, half-timbered house overlooking the river Ill in Strasbourg's postcard-pretty Petite France district, La Maison des Tanneurs is an excellent choice when you're looking for old-fashioned Strasbourg charm. The food is also reputed to be excellent, and includes typical regional dishes such as sauerkraut and sausages, Alsatian-style escargot, guinea fowl, and a variety of tempting desserts. Sit outside to admire views of the river and the architectural details of the old house.

Best Seasonal and Eye-Catching Cuisine: Restaurant Colbert

Located in northwest Strasbourg, Restaurant Colbert is a bit of a trek from the city center (about 30 minutes by public transport). But for anyone with an appreciation for fresh, seasonal dishes that are beautifully presented, it's worth the journey.

Try French classics like calf sweetbread with meunière sauce or Alsatian chicken with seasonal vegetables and broth. Follow it up with bold creations such as locally grown beets with smoked eel and raspberry condiment. For dessert, the homemade raspberry tartlet with almond cream, tarragon, and vanilla-lemon sorbet is recommended.

Best Vegetarian and Vegan: Vélicious

There are only a handful of all-vegetarian or vegan restaurants in Strasbourg, and Vélicious offers a large range of plant-based dishes. Located between the lush Parc de l'Orangerie and the University of Strasbourg, it's worth the slight trek from the center.

Try the vegan "beef" tartare, or the vegan hot dog on brioche bun with fried onions and guacamole. Cold and hot soups, giant "supersalads," and nourishing bowls with tofu or seitan are more traditional options. For dessert, tuck into one of the restaurant's homemade pastries or cakes.

Best Traditional Alsatian Winstub: Finkstuebel

Every visitor to Strasbourg should discover its quaint winstubs, or traditional taverns. Comparable to English pubs, winstubs are cozy places for a glass of wine or beer, and a simple, no-fuss meal with friends or family. And in Strasbourg, Finkstuebel is regularly touted as one of the best.

The restaurant, situated in an old post office building, is iconic and traditional—think half-timbered beams, painted wood furnishings, and checkered red and white tablecloths. On the menu, you'll find a variety of traditional regional specialties, from sausages and sauerkraut to onion tart, escargot, and bibeleskaes (sour cream-sautéed potatoes with herbs). The fixed-price menus offer excellent value.

Best Pan-Asian: Restaurant Umami

In Japanese, the term "umami" refers to a satisfyingly deep, rich savory flavor—and the Strasbourg restaurant of the same name is certainly reputed for its unforgettable flavors. The Michelin-starred restaurant is specialized in Japanese-inspired and "Asian-fusion" cuisine, with intensely colorful, palate-opening dishes based around seasonal market ingredients. In addition to superb fresh fish and meat choices, there's a large selection of plant-based offerings, making this restaurant another excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans.

Chef René Frieger works solo in the kitchen to serve up dishes such as line-caught white tuna ceviche with spicy cucumber and sorrel juice, oyster mushroom and onion pancakes, and black Angus beef with miso and mustard sauce. Choose from two 5-course menus—one entirely vegetarian. Wines can be paired with each course to complete the experience.

Best Alsatian-Style Pizza: Flam's

One regional treat we recommend trying in Strasbourg is flammekueche (or tarte flambée in French). A thin-crusted tart similar to pizza, it's traditionally topped with crème fraîche, onions, and other ingredients like cheese or ham. Flam's is one of the best places to try this uniquely Alsatian dish, as they offer around a dozen varieties.

For the most traditional option, order "La Traditionnelle," decked with smoked, cubed bacon and onions. More inventive offerings include "La Fameuse Chevre-Miel," with smoked bacon, onions, honey, and goat's cheese. Or, try the vegetarian tart, topped with onions, goat's cheese, marinated zucchini, pesto, fresh tomatoes, and chives.

Best Sausage and Charcuterie: Porcus

For some of the best charcuterie and sausages in town, head to Porcus, whose name aptly suggests its expertise. The butcher's shop is well-known for its high-quality traditional hams, knack (Alsatian-style sausages made with three types of meat), and charcuterie. At the attached restaurant, devoted carnivores can feast on large platters of sausage and sauerkraut (both hot and cold), a variety of hams (both French and international), salads, and vegetable platters.

For the full experience, try the "Strasbourg Sauerkraut," topped with Alsatian knack, d’Alsace, Morteau red-label pork sausage, Montbéliard IGP smoked sausage, and salted pork belly.

Best Wine Bar: Black & Wine

This decidedly modern wine bar stands out from the many winstubs dotted around the city, which are charming in their own right. Black & Wine has contemporary cool going for it, with its low-lit, minimalist interiors, shelves stacked with hundreds of bottles, and forward-thinking wine list. In the summer, the plant-filled rooftop terrace is a great spot for a glass alfresco.

Enjoy a glass of carefully-selected Alsatian white or red wine accompanied by a cheese or charcuterie platter. The restaurant also offers beautifully presented, homemade savory tarts, salads, and desserts. Try the tarte fine alsacienne, a tart with onion compote and Munster cheese.

Best for Families: Chez Yvonne

This winstub near the Cathedral is a great option for travelers with kids in tow, since it's family-friendly both in terms of menu options and general atmosphere. Inside the cozy, spacious tavern, wood-paneled walls and large tables create a welcoming feeling.

Adults can feast on Alsatian classics like pork braised in beer, escargot, or sander with sauerkraut. Meanwhile, you'll find a fixed-priced kid's menu that includes ice cream for dessert.

Best for Alfresco Dining: La Corde à Linge

Strasbourg has one of the most scenic riverside areas in Europe, so in the warmer months, it's essential to sit out on a terrace and enjoy an alfresco lunch or dinner. Situated in the historic Petite France district on one of the area's principal squares, La Corde à Linge is a traditional Alsatian restaurant that offers views of the River Ill. The expansive, tree-lined terrace is ideal for people-watching, and the fare is both satisfying and reasonably priced.

Gourmet burgers, large salads, and Alsatian specialties such as spätzle (a regional form of pasta) form the core of the menu at this informal eatery. A large selection of beers and wines is also available.

Best Seafood: La Taverne de Saint Malo

If you've had your fill of sausages and sauerkraut, Munster cheese, and onion tart during your stay, the Taverne de Saint Malo is widely considered the best spot for high-quality fish and shellfish in Strasbourg.

In addition to fresh fish of the day or season, shellfish platters, whole lobsters, and crab, the menu also features Brittany-style classic dishes such as crêpes with Grand Marnier. This restaurant isn't the best option for strict vegetarians or vegans, however.