Exploring Colmar with children or a group of mixed ages can turn a simple meal into a logistical puzzle. The Alsatian dining scene is famously warm, but not every traditional winstub is equipped to handle strollers, picky eaters, or the sudden need for a high chair. Fortunately, this fairy-tale town is more accommodating than you might expect, offering a range of spots where the food is authentic and the atmosphere is relaxed.
When looking for a family-friendly restaurant in Colmar, the definition often extends beyond just having a kids’ menu. It involves a combination of spacious seating, a tolerant attitude toward noise, and quick service that respects a child’s limited patience. Parents also want to enjoy the region’s rich culinary heritage without feeling like they are disrupting a quiet, romantic dinner service.
The layout of Colmar plays a significant role in your dining experience. The pedestrianized Old Town is a blessing for families, allowing children to wander safely near the tables of terrace restaurants while parents finish their glass of local Riesling. Many of the best options are clustered around the Little Venice district and the Cathedral square, where the people-watching provides built-in entertainment for younger diners.
It is also worth noting that Alsatian cuisine is inherently shareable. Dishes like Flammekueche, soft pretzels, and spaetzle are generally crowd-pleasers for children who might be wary of more complex French gastronomy. This makes the local food culture surprisingly accessible for family dining, even in establishments that pride themselves on traditional recipes.
The following list balances classic Alsatian ambiance with practical amenities. Whether you are looking for a quick bite between museum visits or a sit-down dinner where you can introduce the kids to choucroute, these restaurants offer the best balance of flavor and family practicality in Colmar.
Restaurant La Soï
| Address | 17 Rue des Marchands, 68000 Colmar |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM |
| Phone | 03 89 29 63 50 |
Must visit when you are in Colmar. The flammkuchen is amazing, I had the strudel version one night and the original the next day for lunch. I did not reserve a space but it is a busy little spot. The hostess lady is one of the best for two reasons. One she remembered my drink order from the night before and secondly her interaction with guests especially speaking to Japanese tourists in their own language and seeing their amazed reactions was great to see. Definitely will be back next time in Colmar.
Tried Flambe for the first time here. We stayed 2 nights in Colmar and came for dinner each day 🙂 the food is great and the restaurant was always 90% full! Don't be fooled by the tickness of the flambe! Even if thin, it is very consistent! We bought 1 per person and it was great!
The personal are also extremely nice and welcoming!
Highly recommend!
Make reservations here! It is a very small place with an unassuming exterior (no tables lining the street, etc) but seems it is always full - we went in the evening and had to reserve for the next day. We’re here in June and they have two dinner seatings - at 7 and 9pm. They only have tartes flambées on their menu and it was the best I’ve had in Alcase! Favorite - the “Basilic”!
If you are looking for a Tarte Flambee then this is the place you need to try. Reservations are almost required because this location gets booked up in advance almost every night. It is small but the staff is friendly and the food and drinks are delicious! Worth the trip!
Looking for a flamkuchen ? look no more, you found the place to be.
If you like a bite in a not overpriced, overhyped place, go here, the owner is very friendly and better yet the flamkuchen is pretty amazing. And the beer is cold too!
Tip of the day, we saw two people ordering one at a time and share … looked like a great idea instead of ordering two if you are with someone. We found out too late, but next time we will go for the “share kuchen” as well!
La Cocotte de Grand-Mère
| Address | 14 Pl. de l'École, 68000 Colmar |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 8:15 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 8:15 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 8:15 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 8:15 PM Friday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 8:15 PM Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 03 89 23 32 49 |
A must eat place in town! If I come first day already, for sure will eat here more than one time!! The food is great, service is welcoming, place is cozy!!! The restaurant is easily full, so recommend to make reservations.
Very interesting concept of a restaurant. It’s a small place with a few tables and only a few dishes on the menu (good selection of drinks though). Some may think the service is a bit slow but the sole waiter is very attentive and it’s really a one seating kind of thing - the atmosphere is nice, there is no rush and you can really enjoy your meal. I regret that we didn’t stay for dessert. Also, bonus points for being dog friendly!
We came here during our stop through Colmar and very glad we did. Everything is excellent - from service, wine, food and ambiance!! The restaurant offers small seasonal menu and we tried two different starters and two different mains, which are all delicious! Totally recommended.
Beautiful little Restaurant with a small menu. Thanks for the fantastic food and wine we will come again! Make a reservation upfront.
Not a big á la carte, but fresh and typical french. We enjoyed the meal as well as the service. Really friendly! We'll come again!
La Stub
| Address | 72 Grand Rue, 68000 Colmar |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 6:30 – 9:30 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 6:30 – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 6:30 – 9:30 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 6:30 – 9:30 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 6:30 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 6:30 – 9:30 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 6:30 – 9:30 PM |
| Phone | 03 39 10 94 79 |
If you are in Colmar and you want to have Flammkuchen for dinner, don't look further, this is the best place for Flammkuchen. They have lots of varieties and they are authentic. The waiters are professional and they looked after us nicely. The price is very good for the value of food you get and considering you are in the heart of the city centre. Recommended.
Two visits in a week when there are a multitude of places to eat in Colmar is sufficient to say we loved La Stub.
This is a family run restaurant and that is clearly visible in the quality of the service: relaxed, helpful, friendly and smiley staff
Then there were the tarte flambee’s. We tried 4 different ones. The one as good as the other. The only way is to go and experience it yourself
First time eating flammekueche.
Had one with ham and wild garlic and one with Szechuan pepper and the usual which is cheese, cured ham with cream cooked on a very thin “pizza like” base.
The bases were very well cooked with a slight bit of darkness which enhanced the taste of the dishes
We preferred the taste of the one without the peppers, not the pepper one was bad in any way.
In actual fact the food was so good we immediately made a second booking.
Staff were very helpful and friendly, even though there was a language barrier.
If you are in Colmar, give La Stub a go. Hopefully your experience is a similarly good one
Small cute restaurant specialized in tarte flambée in many varieties. We tried two different versions, both of which were superb. Friendly and lively atmosphere and quick and friendly service.
This was one of the best and most beautiful experiences for the two of us. If I ever go back to Colmar again, it will definitely be because I want to eat your delicious food again.🩵
Restaurant Au Koïfhus
| Address | 2 Pl. de l'Ancienne Douane, 68000 Colmar |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 03 89 23 04 90 |
Stumbled upon this restaurant during its opening hours (6.30pm), there was a que outside so we decided to give it a try. We ordered the classics, meat platter as a starter, escargots, main meat platter. None if the dishes came out good unfortunately. Food is 1 star but service is top notch. Its very painful to write this review as the staffs are just so polite.
Unfortunately, it was a very bad experience.
I ordered the Baeckeoffe, expecting a traditional and high-quality dish, but it was extremely disappointing. The presentation was very unappetizing – the potatoes were completely overcooked and mixed with the meat into a messy, unattractive dish. The taste was also unpleasantly bitter, and I could barely eat more than one bite.
When I told the staff, the response was cold and dismissive, which made the experience even worse.
Overall, one of the worst food experiences I’ve had. I would not recommend this place.
The restaurant has w perfect location, really pleasant deco and atmosphere. The food was ok, bit nothing special. It was our first dinner in Colmar, after trying a couple more places I can say, there are better addresses to have traditional food. Mine, as well as my son’s was just blend, gratin had a lot of fat and not a lot of taste. The burger also blend, no salt.
Good sweet though.
The food was absolutely delicious and the local specialities were particularly enjoyable. Portion sizes were very generous. My two teenage sons had Profiteroles for desert and neither could finish them.
The gentleman who hosted our table was attentive, helpful and also quite funny without being over bearing.
The prices were very reasonable. Particularly in a town that is quite touristy and knows how to charge.
I would thoroughly recommend this restaurant.
It was the only restaurant accepting us to have dinner at 21:30 PM. The service was really friendly and they organized to put a table for us. Environment was really nice and the food quite tasty. If you go here, must order the two dishes I’ve attached in the pictures.
Le Fer Rouge
| Address | 52 Grand Rue, 68000 Colmar |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 1:45 PM, 6:30 – 9:30 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 1:45 PM, 6:30 – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 1:45 PM, 6:30 – 9:30 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 1:45 PM, 6:30 – 9:30 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 1:45 PM, 6:30 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 1:45 PM, 6:30 – 9:30 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 1:45 PM, 6:30 – 9:30 PM |
| Phone | 03 89 20 80 69 |
If visiting colmar, this place is a must. Plenty of food for each meal, but quality on point too. The atmosphere outside is very cool by terrace. Seems a nice place for winter too. Very well attended by the waiters. We were very impressed by the restaurant and definitely would come back if I visit colmar again.
Located in the center of historic Colmar. Three level building with seatings at 3 levels. It was early April when we came so outside was not available. Outside seating would be lovely.
Food was ok. We ordered 4 mains. 3 were meh but the pork knuckle was really good with the honey sauce.
Service was professional. We came at a busy time and it was clear that there was only one server helping the entire floor. But we enjoyed sitting in this historical building and looking out of the window while we waited.
Really appreciate the restaurant staff’s approachable and service-oriented attitude.
Place was packed yet the staff was welcoming and prompt to find a table for our group. Willing to explain the menu offerings. Food quality and portions are good. Loved the atmosphere and even the washrooms are clean and with nice decor. Diners of different age group. Pet friendly. Highly recommended.
Visited on a Sunday around 8pm.
It was off‑peak season, but the inside was still very busy - luckily I managed to get an outdoor table. The food was great - the Flammekueche was delicious, and the salmon was thick, fresh, and full of flavour.
I will give 5 star review on food , but unfortunately we find piece of sharp plastic in our desert, waitress did remove from check this order, all other food was great, service itself and waitress all perfect, at the end I will recommend this restaurant, definitely will come again.
Aux Amis de la Lauch
| Address | 80 Chem. Lauchwerb, 68000 Colmar |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 7:00 – 9:30 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM |
| Phone | 03 89 41 88 32 |
The food was delicious… it was a very pleasant experience in a French restaurant with the right price.
Delicious food and the walk from Colmar to the restaurant is lovely. They also have a beautiful garden for the summer! A bit pricey but the food is good and fair service! I recommend this place!
A gem of a place albeit out of place, setting like fine dining and elegant food plating. Food is really good although communication may be a problem, lucky us with Google camera translate so we know what we are ordering. I recommend this place if you are around Colmar,cost us around $32 per person
Very nice place and good food. Takes some finding but we weren't disappointed. You'll probably need to book. Staff friendly, fish (in the nearby brook ) huge.
The “boeuf gros sel” was excellent . Nice place near a little lake, it’s a shame you don’t se the lake from the terrace due to a hedge. Staff could have been a little friendlier and paying more attention. Definitely a good place. I recommend!
Les Bateliers
| Address | 4 Rue de la Herse, Pont de la, Pass. de la Petite Venise, 68000 Colmar |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:45 AM – 4:45 PM, 6:30 – 8:30 PM Tuesday: 11:45 AM – 4:45 PM, 6:30 – 8:30 PM Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 11:45 AM – 4:45 PM, 6:30 – 8:30 PM Friday: 11:45 AM – 4:45 PM, 6:30 – 8:30 PM Saturday: 11:45 AM – 4:45 PM, 6:30 – 8:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | — |
A traditional Alsatian restaurant in the "Petite Venise" district of Colmar. The restaurant's location is excellent, and the atmosphere is pleasant.
The food is decent, the beer is good, and the service was friendly. Unfortunately, you only have one hour to eat, after which you have to give up the table.
We had the pork cheeks and the choucroute with meat (sausage and pork)! Both meals were very well prepared and filling! The place is very cosy and the service is excellent, very friendly and professional. You might need to wait because they do not accept reservations but it's definitely worth it!
My husband and I wait on line before they open the restaurante, was busy but we maid it. The place was cosy, warm and you could feel that was kind a home, everyone that attend us was super nice, specially our waitress gave us recommendations and always happy to attend. We love the alsace food, very tasty 😋🔝
The ambience and views here are amazing if you can get a table on the outside. I'd highly recommend you book a table online for an early sitting as this place is very popular among tourists. For reference, we booked for 6:45 on a Saturday and got one of the last exterior seats overlooking the canal.
The staff were very professional, efficient, and friendly. Unlike other French restaurants, their level of service is much more in-line with what you'd expect at a North American establishment. We noticed they revisited the table very frequently to check-in with guests (how is everything etc...). Food and drinks were served very quickly as well.
The food itself was solid in my opinion. The terrine seemed to be homemade and reminded me of a North American meatloaf. The pickled vegetables were a nice addition to balance out the savory and fatty terrine. The pork knuckle was very savoury with a strong wine aftertaste. The chicken dish was very creamy with a strong wine aftertaste as well. The mashed potatoes were very tender and creamy with good texture from the browned exteriors.
Overall, the food was solid. I'll admit I had a more balanced pork knuckle elsewhere. The menu clearly states there is wine within both dishes, but I would suggest diners who dislike the flavor of alcohol within their food to choose carefully from the menu.
There is only one toilet/washroom for the entire restaurant. It's very spacious and clean however.
We had a wonderful experience at this restaurant. The food was excellent — the pork knuckle was outstanding, and the salad was fresh and perfectly prepared. The wine and beer selection were also very good and complemented the meal nicely.
The service was truly impressive. A special mention goes to Christelle, who took care of us immediately and seated us in a perfect outdoor spot without any delay. She was attentive, efficient, and very welcoming throughout.
We highly recommend this place without hesitation and would definitely come back.
Jadis et Gourmande
| Address | 8 Pl. du Marché aux Fruits, 68000 Colmar |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 03 89 41 73 76 |
This charming classic café was one of my favorite stops in Colmar. The atmosphere is warm, and full of old-world charm.
The coffee was delicious, the pastries were fresh, and the service was friendly an.
I recommend it 👌
We arrived in Colmar past lunch time, and saw a long lineup at Jadis so we lined up for it. A staff came out and said kitchen was closed and they could only serve drinks and dessert; however my French husband asked him again, the staff went in to check, and came back to take us in.
We ordered lunch, and felt very lucky. We were treated well despite it being packed solid.
The food (Alsace style, my husband’s favorite) was amazing. It was generously proportioned and filling. Dessert was great as well.
There might be some misunderstanding about the lunch serving time, but we were thankful they got us in. We enjoyed the food and dessert. Price was fair for the quality and size. If you love Alsace style food you would love this restaurant. This remains one of the best meals I had on this trip.
I would not personally recommend this place. We had quiche Lorraine which was nice but a little overcooked. The apple strudel was burnt which you can’t really see under the powdered sugar. The apples also tasted a bit stewed. But - the staff were polite and it was nice place to sit. It is ok but one of the more expensive places we came in Colmar. I wouldn’t get the Apple strudel.
Jadis et Gourmande is a lovely spot in Colmar with a relaxed and charming atmosphere, especially when sitting outside. It’s a great place to take in the surroundings while enjoying a leisurely meal.
The beef was particularly impressive, very tender and well cooked, with a rich flavour that stood out. The salad was fresh and well prepared, making for a simple but satisfying accompaniment.
Overall, a very enjoyable dining experience with good food and a pleasant outdoor setting.
Had lunch there today had to wait for a table but not long and it was well worth it
The food was amazing including the dessert’s would highly recommended this place and would definitely love to go back 5 stars all round
La Cochonaille
| Address | 1 Rue de la Grenouillère, 68000 Colmar |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | 09 81 35 93 13 |
We came here because of the good reviews hoping to taste delicious Alsatian food. Unfortunately, the pork cheeks had so much salt that I couldn’t even finish them and had to drink tons of water. When I told about it to our waiter, I didn’t even get an apology. The pork steak was dry, so 26 euros for it seemed like a rip off. The fish was good, but the risotto (?) it was served with was overcooked… a pity.
If you’re in the mood for meat, this is a must-try. And even if you’re not — even if you’re vegetarian and just have one “meat coupon” to spend — choose this. You won’t be disappointed.
We visited the place to try the pork shank.
It is very small traditional restaurant and we had to queue 15’ for a table.
The atmosphere is nice, but unfortunately the staff is very rude.
Food and wine were both delicious!
We loved the shank and the stew, the meat was so soft and tasty!The spletze with cheese and bacon was amazing as well.
The restaurant deserves 5* for the food, but unfortunately the rest lower the rating.
Come hungry and you will have a great time. And try to save room for the creme brulee!
Very delicious traditional food! The decoration was amazing! Friendly staff! Very good price, too!
Restaurant Pfeffel
| Address | 1 Rue du Rempart, 68000 Colmar |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | 03 89 41 45 71 |
Unlike most local spots that close in the afternoon, this restaurant stays open all day. The meal was superb, from the savory main courses to the delightful dessert, complemented by flawless service. The setting is a beautifully preserved old building, spotless and charming. We wholeheartedly recommend it! A huge thank you to the entire staff for this wonderful and authentic Alsatian dining experience.
Nice central restaurant...serving Alcasian cuisine. Very few vegetarian options....but managed to find something to eat. Fast service...bit lacking in ambience
The overall experience that we had with Pfeffel was quite nice as the dishes were delicious. The restaurant was cozy and located in an old wooden house. Outdoor seating was available. The female staff, however, was quite rude and not welcoming.
After having tried several variations of the pork knuckle and flammekuchen, we can confirm that this restaurant does it the best. The flammekuchen was seasoned and cooked to perfection, with great texture.
Restaurant Pfeffel in Colmar delivers a truly memorable dining experience. The ambiance is elegant yet cozy, making it perfect for both a relaxed meal and a special occasion. Every dish is thoughtfully prepared, bursting with rich flavors and beautifully presented—clearly the work of a talented kitchen that cares deeply about quality and detail.
The staff are welcoming, knowledgeable, and happy to offer great recommendations, which makes the experience even more enjoyable. From the first bite to the last, everything feels refined and authentic. If you’re visiting Colmar, Restaurant Pfeffel is an absolute must—easily one of the highlights of the city’s food scene.
Chez Kuna - Colmar
| Address | 2 Rue de la 5E Division Blindée, 68000 Colmar |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | 03 89 23 51 14 |
Very tasty food, excellent service. Highly recommended for Ćevapi and Goulash. Man has to feel that taste. The price-quality ratio is in good measure. High recommendation and I will be happy to go there again. Zorica and her son are excellent hosts.
We chose this restaurant based on its Google reviews, and it exceeded our expectations. The service was outstanding, the meat was fresh and delicious, and the portions were very generous. Highly recommended!
Tasty well prepared grilled meat,
Welcoming service, reasonable prices.
The restaurant is a bit crowded since there are so many tables with very little distance one from another (and they are all fully booked)
Every meat dish comes with salad and french fries
Is a very nice Serbian food restaurant. The traditional meat food is excellent. The service is great and the portions are enormous. 20-30€/person including beverage.
Excellent food with that Smokey taste. Steak portions are very generous. Food is on the saltier side. Portions are huge.
Wistub de la Petite Venise
| Address | 4 Rue de la Poissonnerie, 68000 Colmar |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 7:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | 03 89 41 72 59 |
A truly exceptional, flawless 5-star dining experience at Wistub de la Petite Venise! If you are looking for authentic regional cuisine executed with care and served in a warm, welcoming environment, this is the perfect spot in Colmar.
We started with a couple of wonderfully fresh, crisp salads that perfectly balanced the heavier, traditional mains. One was beautifully layered with shredded root vegetables, a creamy dressing, and a vibrant beet topping, while the other featured crisp greens, fresh apple slices, and walnuts.
For the main courses, the food was spectacular. The traditional Choucroute Garnie was outstanding—hearty, authentic, and packed with an incredibly flavorful selection of perfectly cooked smoked meats, sausages, and tender potatoes over a delicious bed of sauerkraut. We also ordered the seared fish course, which was beautifully executed. The fish had a perfect sear, remaining incredibly moist on the inside, and was served over a rich, velvety vegetable purée with a subtle balsamic drizzle. Finally, the traditional meat-stuffed pasta rolls (Fleischschnacka) served in a rich, savory broth were comforting and absolutely packed with deep, authentic flavor.
The service was incredibly friendly, attentive, and welcoming throughout our meal, and the classic, intimate "Wistub" atmosphere made the whole evening feel incredibly special. Everything from the food to the hospitality was top-notch. Highly recommended
We walked by yesterday and saw how busy it was, so we immediately made a reservation for 7:00 PM today. It was absolutely worth it! The food was delicious, and the service was outstanding. Highly recommended if you’re in the area!
Wistub de la Petite Venise was one of the restaurants I specifically wanted to visit while in Colmar because it was famously visited and recommended by the late chef and television host Anthony Bourdain. Having enjoyed many of his shows over the years, I felt I had to give it a try for myself and experience a piece of Alsatian culinary tradition through one of the places he helped bring to the attention of travelers around the world.
The restaurant itself is beautiful and full of character. Located in La Petite Venise, one of the most picturesque areas of Colmar, it sits among the canals, colorful half-timbered buildings, and charming streets that make this part of the city so memorable. Even before stepping inside, the setting alone feels like something out of a postcard.
Inside, the atmosphere is warm, traditional, and inviting. The restaurant embraces its Alsatian roots and provides visitors with an authentic experience rather than trying to be something modern or trendy. It feels like the type of place where generations of families have gathered around the table to share meals and local traditions.
During my visit, I ordered the Choucroute Garnie, one of the most famous dishes in Alsatian cuisine. At its core, the dish is relatively simple: sauerkraut slowly cooked and served with a variety of sausages, pork, and other meats. The meal itself was good, although I would describe it as fairly basic in terms of ingredients and preparation. However, after learning more about its history, I realized that simplicity is part of the appeal.
Choucroute has deep roots in Alsace and reflects the region’s unique blend of French and German culinary influences. Sauerkraut was valued for its ability to preserve food through long winters, while the addition of various meats turned it into a hearty meal that could feed families and communities. Over time, it became one of the defining dishes of the region and remains an important symbol of Alsatian culinary heritage today. While it may not be the most elaborate meal you’ll ever eat, it provides an authentic taste of local history and culture.
What makes Wistub de la Petite Venise special is that it offers visitors the opportunity to experience these traditional dishes in a setting that feels connected to the history of the region. Between the historic atmosphere, the location in one of Colmar’s most beautiful neighborhoods, and the chance to sample classic Alsatian cuisine, the restaurant provides much more than just a meal.
Overall, I am glad I followed in Anthony Bourdain’s footsteps and gave this restaurant a try. The food, atmosphere, and location combine to create an authentic Alsatian dining experience that is well worth seeking out while visiting Colmar. If you want to experience traditional regional cuisine in one of the most beautiful corners of the city, Wistub de la Petite Venise is an excellent choice.
An absolutely magical spot with an incredible vibe, authentic charm, and great AC. The food is amazing—do not miss the foie gras on dark rye paired with a sweet Alsatian wine!
We got so lucky that the place next door we were going to had no room for us - this place is the classic Charming Alsacian Winston (its kinda German tavern). we had amazing local dishes, and top service - the waiter recommended a dish his grandmother used to make and it was one of the best dishes of the whole week! (see the picture, its kinda meat wrapped in Pasts, inside a beef broth cooked 24 hours)
Practical Tips for Dining Out with Kids in Colmar
Navigating meal times in a tourist-heavy town like Colmar requires a bit of strategy, especially during the summer months and the famous Christmas market season. While the restaurants listed above are welcoming, a little preparation can make the difference between a stressful meal and a highlight of your trip. Here are a few insights to ensure your family dining experience is smooth and enjoyable.
Book ahead, even for lunch. Colmar is a compact town with high demand for good tables. If you have a stroller or need space for a larger family group, calling ahead is essential. Mention that you are coming with children so the staff can seat you in a quieter corner or have high chairs ready upon arrival.
Adjust your dining schedule. French dinner service often starts later than what young children are used to, typically around 7:00 PM or 7:30 PM. To avoid a meltdown, consider making lunch your main meal of the day. Many restaurants offer a plat du jour at lunch that is cheaper and served faster than the evening menu.
Embrace the Flammekueche. If your kids are picky, look for restaurants specializing in Flammekueche. The classic version is essentially cream, onions, and bacon on thin dough, but most places offer a "gratinée" or a plain cheese version that functions much like a pizza. It is a safe bet for almost any child.
Look for pedestrian zones. Try to prioritize restaurants on streets closed to car traffic, such as the area around the Koïfhus or along the Lauch river. This allows kids to stand up and look around safely between courses without you having to worry about traffic.
Check the bathroom situation. In older, historic buildings, restrooms can be located up steep, narrow staircases. If you are in the middle of potty training or have toddlers, ask about the restroom access before you are seated to avoid a difficult scramble mid-meal.
The beauty of eating in Colmar is that the town’s magic works on children just as effectively as it does on adults. Watching the boats drift down the Lauch or gazing at the half-timbered houses painted in pastel colors can keep kids mesmerized long enough for you to enjoy a leisurely dessert. Even a simple plate of pasta feels special when eaten under the arcades of a centuries-old building.
Ultimately, the best family meal in Colmar is one where you feel welcome to linger. By choosing a spot that balances respect for the region’s culinary traditions with an understanding of family dynamics, you ensure that everyone leaves the table happy—and ready to continue exploring this enchanting corner of Alsace.
