Résidence 3 etoiles Les thèmes Proche Lux, Metz, Cattenom

Alexis Baudin has had extensive work carried out on this building to transform it into a spacious contemporary restaurant. Lovely high ceilings and a palette of beiges bring understated elegance to this space opening onto a pleasant garden terrace with a hundred-year-old cedar tree. The chef aims to showcase local produce in his carte blanche menus: delicious ingredients such as vegetables from small market gardeners, mushrooms from the Meuse, saffron from Guémar, Wagyu beef from cows reared in Lorraine go into beautifully presented and perfectly balanced dishes. Flawless service.

The rascally, iconic poulbots (street urchins) of Montmartre have now been joined by those of Thionville! Large bay windows, Lloyd Loom chairs and modern light fixtures add to the timeless elegance. The menu features recipes such as lobster salad and seasonal vegetables or pan-fried frogs’ legs…

This trendy brasserie, done up in wood and other natural materials, is in perfect osmosis with the surrounding Dudelange forest. It is run by a veteran who takes the time to listen to his guests. Jean-Charles Albert’s pared-back cuisine is subtle, often surprising but never disconcerting. He may marry creamy risotto, truffles and a skate wing fritter or jazz up steak tartare with Thai or oriental notes, all the while respecting their intrinsic flavours. Something of a culinary landmark in the region.

Immense floor-to-ceiling windows command a splendid view of the surrounding countryside, with the bonus of a peaceful terrace (weather permitting): the scene of Loxalis is set. Diners are greeted by a genuine maitre d’, who carefully takes the time to explain the appetising menu. The chef subtly adds a modern spin to characteristic Mediterranean recipes, such as his new take on vitello tonnato flanked by a characterful sauce. Familiar flavours abound but with intriguing new dimensions. The lunchtime menu is a best-seller!

If your tastebuds start to tingle at the idea of biting into a “croquetas de jamón” and a “crema catalana” with a hint of citrus fruit, then book a table straight away in this exquisite restaurant, depicted by a striking “undulating” wooden wall-cum-artwork. Fernando Andreu conjures up a Mediterranean score with a dash of modernity by delving into his Spanish roots and the odd international influence like kimchi or tikka masala. If you’re in the mood for tapas, make a beeline for FeVi Gaudium, under the same roof of the Seven Hotel.

Renato Favaro pays tribute to his roots in this buzzy trattoria depicted by a smart urban vibe and a sprinkling of amusing decorative details (like a bumper of the iconic cinquecento car). Old school family favourites set the culinary scene including pizzoccheri della valtellina and fettuccine al ragu, unless you wouldn’t rather sample paccheri al dente in a rich tomato sauce enhanced by shitake mushrooms, parsley, fennel-laced sausage and lashings of parmesan? Free of fancy frills, the focus is on authentic flavours and familiar family favourites. The cherry on the cake is chef Favaro’s fun-l