La chambre aux hirondelles

Situated in the heart of Petite France with its picture postcard half-timbered houses, this restaurant combines flavours from near and far. Its name suggests as much: umami is the fifth flavour in Japanese cuisine, alongside sweet, sour, bitter and salty. A keen globetrotter, chef René Fieger signs market-fresh cuisine scattered with exoticism, yet solidly rooted in tradition. The chef is entirely alone in the kitchen, conjuring up dishes that delight. Highlights include a slab of halibut, finely diced yellow and green courgettes, sliced green beans and an acidic, slightly creamy dashi-kefir d

The stuffed crocodile in the window, a souvenir brought back from Egypt by a Napoleonic soldier, underlines the historic character of this iconic Strasbourg establishment, which boasted 3 stars under chef Émile Jung. Following a top to toe refurbishment that has preserved the spirit of the venue, it shines brightly on the culinary scene of Strasbourg. Chef Romain Brillat, former second of Gilles Goujon and a distant relative of Brillat-Savarin, the famous French gourmet, has achieved a balance between classicism and sophistication. Examples include his original take on scallops (ravioli and cr

Opposite Palais Rohan, an architectural masterpiece completed in 1741, this ‘1741’ is the quintessence of stylish, depicted by cosy, pleasantly hushed dining rooms and a counter that shines the spotlight on the consummate handiwork of the kitchen team and chef Jérémy Page. The chef, a former disciple of Robuchon, signs delicate, precise recipes, strewn with nods to Alsace. His creativity is particularly notable in sauces and jus: seaweed soup, curry-laced scallop stock or a Grand Veneur game sauce…

Guillaume Scheer and his wife Charlotte are thriving in their new riverside HQ in a peaceful neighbourhood. In a smart, exclusive interior, the chef is going from strength to strength as he skilfully crafts the finest ingredients, including squab, blue lobster from Brittany, Charolais beef fillet. Rich sauces, powerful gravies, flawless technique and packed in flavour: a fine dining feast that is fully in tune with its era! Spot-on service and delightfully peaceful patio to the rear.

Chef Guillaume Besson is in a league of his own when it comes to his craft. The setting is a minimalist, contemporary space, its white walls adorned with paintings and photography, parquet floors and wooden objects! The set menu (dubbed "sur le fil") is a masterclass in clean, bold plating, underpinned by exceptional ingredients handled with technical prowess – both in terms of cooking and seasoning. This modern dining experience is very much in tune with the times, and notable for its clarity and occasional flashes of creative daring. N.B. The lunch menu is a real bargain.

The Scandi-inspired decor hints at the culinary ethos: creativity, extractions, fermentations, plants to the fore, a concern for animal welfare, a natural wine list and haikus instead of names of dishes. The textbook-perfect technique features high-precision cooking, big-boned sauces and jus, and bold combinations that never fail to hit the spot. One fully vegetarian menu available.

Chef Nicolas Stamm-Corby strikes the perfect balance between celebrating the classics and adding an inventive touch that hits the mark. Throughout the seasons, he treats diners to high-calibre dishes that spotlight top-drawer ingredients. In winter, for example, the Alsace venison served two ways with grand veneur sauce is a homage to the terroir. The same ambition is palpable when it comes to the desserts – the selection of petits fours (fruit tarts, kugelhupf, cherry financiers, lavender honey madeleines etc) is particularly memorable. Finally, the warm welcome provided by maître d' Serge Sc