Brit Hotel Le Relais d'Issenheim

The tree mentioned in the name of this restaurant could well be a genealogical one, so closely is its history bound up with that of the Koenig family. Now run by the fifth generation of this family, the restaurant serves specialities from Alsace, which are accompanied by good regional wines.

This family-run establishment with its pleasant, recently renovated contemporary interior continues to fete local produce and tradition (think: Alsace head cheese, frogs' legs, chicken cordon bleu with bargkass)… but the younger generation is coaxing it into the modern era with more contemporary recipes and presentation. Expect flavour, indulgence and attentive service! Well-maintained guestrooms make this the perfect place to stay, too.

On the edge of the Munster Valley, La Nouvelle Auberge ("New Inn") is a lovingly maintained former coaching inn. The regional-style bistro on the ground floor serves up delicious lunch options during the week. The fine dining restaurant occupies a lovely space on the first floor with exposed timberwork. Bernard Leray, who hails from Rennes in Brittany, has taken to Alsace like a duck to water. After honing his skills at Bernard Loiseau, Leray puts a delicate new spin on local produce, each dish demonstrates his painstaking work and consummate technique – medallion of pike-perch, medley of sals

In a pedestrian street of historic Mulhouse, welcome to a 16C building that is a something of a culinary landmark with the locals. Chef Jean-Michel Feger has been rolling out Mediterranean-inspired cuisine here since 2001. Think mouth-watering, technically polished, modern dishes with a distinct Italian twang: saffron-spiked creamy risotto, squid, broad beans and spicy ventricina. In fine weather, soak up la dolce vita and enjoy your meal alfresco on the patio of the small courtyard. Pleasant, unstarched service.

At this handsome regional abode steeped in bourgeois, countrified elegance, fine dining meets a judicious selection of wines, particularly regional labels. The chef takes pleasure in thinking outside the box and sweeps us along too – think classically inspired dishes with a smattering of creative touches. Alternatively, soak up the buzzy atmosphere at Brasserie Chez Julien, which is housed in a converted cinema.

Set in a cosy hotel, this eatery’s trendy, minimalist interior is the HQ of a chef who adds a new spin to regional ingredients: pan-fried Vosges ceps and hazelnuts; seabass roasted in champagne, tartare of oysters and watercress gnocchis; a meringue, chestnut and cream delight… His flawless modern score is paired with a fine list of Alsace wines. It makes the heart sing!

Chef Olivier Lamard crafts a modern culinary score that draws on the terroir of Alsace: house-made foie gras in gewurztraminer; guinea fowl with velvety parsnips and mushrooms; upside-down plum pie, tonka bean-laced mascarpone cream and vanilla ice cream. Savvy, deft craftsmanship and premium produce, some of which from the chef’s granddad’s garden: it ticks all the boxes!