Caveau Gurtlerhoft in Strasbourg

First Meal in Strasbourg, France
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In 2023, Don and I spent 2 days in Strasbourg's historic Old Town.

We knew close to nothing about the historic area. We had no clue about where to dine. But we lucked out with a traditional Alsatian meal, at Caveau Gurtlerhoft.

Christmas Markets

We had been in Paris for Thanksgiving and added a side trip to Strasbourg, after learning about the annual Christmas Markets. After checking into our hotel, we walked less than a minute, to Place de la Cathédrale.

It was the first weekend of the monthlong celebration and things were hopping in the main square. Right across from Notre Dame Cathedral, we spotted the restaurant's red awning.

Quite the Entrance

Around the side of the building we found this rather whimsical entrance!

The storks caught my eye. So did the odd little red figures, with wings and tails. I guess those are gremlins.

Stairs

A set of stairs (below the dining room photo) took us to the entrance. However, I took this photo much later. When we arrived around 1:30, there was a crowd of hopeful diners waiting on every step. 

That was enough to make us curious about the popular looking place. We decided to see about reservations for dinner.

We joined the line and read the displayed menu.

We weren't sure if needed to stay in line just to make a reservation, but the line was moving and the crowded stairway was a warm. A nice break from the damp and chilly air, out near the square.

Let's Stay!

Suddenly there were only a few in front of us and we were standing inside. It felt cozy in the cave-like setting.

The warmth and good smells made us hungry. We asked about a table for lunch, instead of dinner. 

From the 14th Century

Luckily we needed no reservation. I was happy to wait a little longer, gazing into the intriguing multi-level interior. I studied all the nooks and crannies. Every table looked appealing,

And so many little sets of stairs! It looked pretty tricky for the staff, carrying wine and hot soups and stews.

Home to Priests and Wine

Originally the building housed priests, in the 1300s. That was convenient, with the Cathedral right across. 

The rustic cellar also housed wine. I guess it still does. And maybe it did when the priests were here too.

The rock walls and ceilings should have made it feel like chilly cave. But the lively dining cellar felt warm and welcoming.  

Perfect

After a few minutes, we were given a tidy little table for 2, on one of the small landings.

I was pretty delighted with  the whole set up! The wooden "headboard" had a shelf that held our wooden lamp nicely. The ladder back chairs with woven rush seats were comfy and fitting for a fairytale meal.

Cellar... Cave... Church!
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We ordered wine and our glasses were delivered with a decorated crock of pretzels. Decorated with storks of course. The symbol for Strasbourg.

The setting conjured up memories.

I've been in lot of basements and quite a few caves in my time. This felt like a dining adventure in a cavern-cellar! The vaulted ceilings also made me feel like I was dining in a church!

​Alsatian Feast

​Luckily the menu had a little English.

Don ordered Flammekuech, an Alsatian favorite. The thin-crust flatbread was covered with cheese, cream, bacon and onion. Baked in a wood-fired oven.  

Don was amused with his handy rolling tool. The board reminded me so much of one that hung on the kitchen wall, in my childhood home.

I ordered Poelees de Roesti Bucheronne.  Grated potato, fried with bacon, egg and cream, topped with cheese, tomato and egg. 

My hearty browned pancake was the perfect dish for a misty winter day. I loved the iron serving dish and the weathered board it was served on. 

Quick Explore

Shortly after being seated, the restaurant began turning guests away. I felt extra lucky that we'd just stumbled across this sweet place and were able to be seated. 

Before leaving I made a quick trip to the restroom, which gave me an excuse to  snoop around a little more. I wish I knew the stories behind all the framed photos.

On my journey, I spotted yet another little stairway.

This one had red metalwork, that matched nicely with the red gremlins in the curious bathroom hallway. 

I've searched the internet for the story behind this little mascot. No luck.

Happy Heading Out

It was late afternoon by the time we headed up the empty staircase.

We couldn't have been happier with our very first meal in Strasbourg. Traditional Alsatian food, served by gracious and efficient staff, in a storybook setting!