What would Alsace be without its typical dishes? The region is full of mouth-watering specialities. Behind the often unpronounceable names lie little marvels, always accompanied by a delicious local wine. Just the thing to warm you up during the winter season... but not only! From starters to main courses and desserts, not forgetting a few delicacies to share as an aperitif, the Alsace region boasts a generous culinary heritage. Local restaurateurs and shopkeepers carry on the tradition. In a friendly atmosphere, the typical Alsatian houses breathe joie de vivre and sharing. The teams serve generously garnished traditional dishes. The best ambassadors of local cuisine are the Winstubs, historic Alsatian bistros, most of which are located in Strasbourg. It's a chance to step back into the past of local families and share a good time over sauerkraut or a glass of Riesling.
Choucroute garnie, Alsatian recipe.
- © page frederique / Shutterstock
As a snack, an aperitif or simply to satisfy a small craving, the pretzel is a small traditional twisted and slightly salted brioche. Its unique knot-shaped appearance has made it very famous and recognisable. A soft centre wrapped in a thin brownish crust. Delicious!
Why not learn how to make them? Discover the techniques involved in making the little savoury brioche with an artisan baker. It's a fun activity that will keep your tribe busy for 2 and a half hours.
Alsatian pretzels in a wicker basket.
- © ArtCookStudio / ShutterstockAu Pain de mon Grand-Père bakery is located in the Krutenau district and is one of the city's finest addresses. The founder is a passionate cook and bakes all kinds of breads.
Sauerkraut is one of the must-try local specialities when you visit the Christmas capital. This emblematic and generous dish is made from a base of cabbage cooked in white wine (preferably dry) and left to ferment for several days in juniper berries. The toppings are potatoes **, bacon and sausages**.
The famous Alsatian sauerkraut.
- © Jerome.Romme / ShutterstockLa maison des tanneurs is a traditional Strasbourg restaurant nestling in the Petite France district. This family-run business passes on the art of Alsatian cuisine through generous recipes made with fresh regional produce.
More commonly known as tarte flambée, this bread dough with fresh cream, bacon and onions is cooked over a wood fire to crisp it up. A real mouth-watering delight.
Traditional Alsatian tarte flambée.
- © NoirChocolate / ShutterstockThe restaurant opened its first location on rue du Tonnelet rouge. In response to the craze for traditional pies, the team opened a second counter on the Broglie side. Lovers of flams, as they're called here, will be delighted to sample this speciality made with quality products. The dough is homemade.
Derived from the word "Spatzen", which means "sparrows", this egg pasta is very tasty... and very hearty. The name comes from the fact that it looks like a bird's nest when assembled on a plate.
Typical spaetzle dish.
- © stockcreations / ShutterstockNear the Place Benjamin Zix is an excellent brasserie specialising in spätzle.
There's no better way to end a rich, convivial meal than with an equally generous traditional dessert. A remarkably light brioche pastry, topped with a butter and sugar crumble, all flavoured with cinnamon. It's so delicious that you can't refuse the slice on offer. Even if you're not hungry any more! There's also a fruitier version with apple.
Maison Naegel has become a reference address for the people of Strasbourg. Located in the historic heart of the city, it opened its doors in 1927. A family-run business, its traditional recipes are enhanced by more creative touches with a modern twist.
A traditional restaurant with the warm, cosy atmosphere we love. The decor plunges you into an authentic Alsatian house spread over several floors. The hearty dishes are served quickly. We strongly advise you to book several weeks in advance as this address is very popular.
📍 Address: 10 Rue du Sanglier, Strasbourg
👛 Price: from €11
⏰Opening times:
This is certainly a must-visit shop during your stay in Strasbourg, especially if you're visiting during the Christmas period. The beautifully decorated shop offers a varied selection of home-made biscuits and chocolates. Between the Christmas cakes, desserts and even the stacked ballotins, you won't know where to turn.
📍 Address: 10 rue Mercière and 12 rue de l'Outre in Strasbourg
👛 Price: from €5
⏰Opening times :
Just a stone's throw from the cathedral, a troquet commonly known as a Winstub in Strasbourg. Regional menus are served in a warm atmosphere. The decor reflects the traditional codes of Alsace. Le Clou is one of the best restaurants in the Christmas capital. Once again, it's best to book well in advance.
📍 Address: 3 rue du chaudron, Strasbourg
👛 Price: from €8
⏰Opening times: every day from 11.45am to 2pm and from 5.30pm to midnight.
If you've had enough of Alsatian gastronomy and would like to return to national dishes, we recommend a bistronomic restaurant next to the Saint-Nicolas bridge. The menu offers a selection of gourmet dishes with fresh produce highlighted.
📍 Address: 11 Rue de la Douane, Strasbourg
👛 Price: from €10
⏰Opening times: every day from 12pm to midnight.
Step outside the historic centre to discover an exceptional place. Strasbourg's former National Stud is now home to the Brasserie, which welcomes guests in a variety of atmospheres. A lounge bar offers a fine wine list and a varied selection of whiskies, rums and liqueurs.
Take the majestic staircase, crafted from fine wood, to reach the restaurant's first floor, a space that can seat over a hundred people. Various hushed areas allow you to dine in complete privacy overlooked by the 18th-century wooden framework.
📍 Address: 23 rue des Glacières, Strasbourg
👛 Price: from €12
⏰Opening times: every day from 12pm to 2pm and from 6.45pm to 10pm.
Strasbourg
