It is a crime against gastronomy to visit Alsace without taking the time to sit down to a generous helping of la choucroute garnie. The historic ‘island’ of Strasbourg, found on UNESCO’s World Heritage list, is home to many local eateries that honour their Alsatian terroir and its most symbolic dish.
Porcus
Restaurant, Charcuterie, French, $$$
Porcus is an exceptional charcuterie that has added a restaurant for guests to enjoy their home-style specialities ‘from counter to plate’. They serve different choucroute recipes taken from several Alsace regional recipes, including the ‘most beautiful choucroute in town’ with 12 side dishes served on two platters. If you’re still hungry, they’ll add an extra supplement of sauerkraut and one of the meat choices at no charge.
The quintessential Strasbourg address for traditional cuisine, Maison des Tanneurs is located in a stunning historical building in the medieval Petite France district.
A charming setting facing the magnificent cathedral, the beautifully-preserved Maison Kammerzell was erected between 1427 and 1589. Enjoying a typical Alsatian dish in this historical venue is a must on your visit to Strasbourg.
An easy 5-minute walk from the Cathedral, guests praise Le Clou’s friendly service and quick turnaround. A great option for those visiting the historical area and wanting to experience a typical dish on the go rather than a formal meal.
For the ultimate choucroute experience, there’s nothing quite like holding a piping hot barquette de choucroute garnie in your chilly hands while you are strolling around the food stalls at the Christmas Markets. The atmosphere and the weather are perfect for enjoying the hearty and filling dish with a tanker of local beer or a glug of aromatic vin chaud. There are several locations around town (Strasbourg is the Capital of Christmas after all), including the main one at the Place de la Cathedrale and the smaller, mostly foodie-focused marché des saveurs alsaciennes et des irréductibles petits producteurs d’Alsace held in place des Meuniers in the Petite France district. Follow your nose (and the locals) to find your favourite. For example, look out for Laurent Henrot, spotted serving vins chauds, choucroute, and sausages in the round chalet in the Carré d’Or market… or sample a few to compare.
