Browse by Cuisine
Restaurants in Metz
Showing 12 of 12 restaurantsSignature Dishes
The cuisine of Metz is characterized by rich flavors, often featuring pork, game, and locally grown produce. Expect dishes that are both comforting and sophisticated, with a strong emphasis on seasonal ingredients and traditional techniques. The abundance of forests and farms in the surrounding area contributes to the availability of fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Quiche Lorraine
While Quiche Lorraine is popular throughout France, it originates from the Lorraine region. It's a savory tart made with eggs, cream, lardons (bacon), and sometimes cheese. The Metz version tends to be particularly rich and flavorful, often using locally sourced ingredients.
Potée Lorraine
A hearty stew made with pork, vegetables (cabbage, potatoes, carrots, turnips), and sausages. It's a traditional peasant dish, perfect for cold weather, and represents the rustic side of Metz cuisine. Different families may have their own variations of the recipe, passed down through generations.
Bouchée à la Reine
A puff pastry shell filled with a creamy mixture of chicken, mushrooms, and sometimes sweetbreads. It is a classic French dish often found on menus in Metz. The sauce is usually a rich béchamel or velouté.
Lorraine Pate
A cold appetizer typically made from pork, veal, and chicken liver. Spices and aromatics, like garlic, shallots, and thyme, are added to enhance the flavor. It is often served with crusty bread and cornichons (small pickles).
Macarons de Nancy
While technically from Nancy (a nearby city in Lorraine), these macarons are widely available and enjoyed in Metz. They are almond-based cookies, simpler than the colorful Parisian macarons, and have a characteristic chewy texture and delicate almond flavor.
Mirabelle Plum Dishes
Mirabelle plums are a regional specialty. Expect to find them in tarts, jams, brandies, and liqueurs. They are small, golden plums with a sweet and slightly tart flavor, and are a hallmark of Lorraine cuisine.
Local Tips
To truly experience the culinary delights of Metz, consider these tips. From finding the best local ingredients to navigating restaurant menus, these suggestions will help you make the most of your food adventure.
Visit the Marché Couvert
Start your culinary journey at the Marché Couvert. This covered market offers a wide variety of local produce, cheeses, meats, and other delicacies. It's a great place to sample local specialties and purchase ingredients for your own cooking.
Try a Local Brasserie
Look for traditional brasseries in Metz. These establishments often serve classic Lorraine dishes in a casual and welcoming atmosphere. Don't be afraid to ask the staff for recommendations.
Look for Seasonal Menus
Restaurants in Metz often feature seasonal menus, highlighting the freshest ingredients available. Pay attention to these menus to experience the best of what the region has to offer at any given time of year.
Learn a Few Basic French Phrases
While many people in Metz speak English, knowing a few basic French phrases will enhance your experience. Simple phrases like "Bonjour," "Merci," and "S'il vous plaît" will be appreciated.
Don't be Afraid to Try New Things
Metz offers a wide variety of culinary delights. Be adventurous and try dishes you've never had before. You might discover a new favorite!
About Metz
Alsace-Champagne-Ardenne-Lorraine
Food History
Metz, located in the Lorraine region of France, boasts a cuisine deeply influenced by its geographical location and historical ties. Being a border city, it has absorbed culinary traditions from both France and Germany, resulting in a unique blend of hearty, savory dishes and refined French techniques. The region's history, marked by periods under French and German rule, has significantly shaped its culinary identity, leading to the incorporation of ingredients and cooking methods from both cultures.
Food Culture
Food in Metz is not just about sustenance; it's deeply intertwined with the region's cultural identity. Meals are often a social occasion, shared with family and friends. Traditional markets play a vital role in preserving culinary traditions and providing access to fresh, local produce.
The Importance of Markets
The Marché Couvert (covered market) in Metz is a central hub for local food. It's a vibrant place where producers sell their goods directly to consumers, ensuring freshness and quality. Visiting the market is a great way to experience the local food culture.
Family Recipes
Many dishes in Metz are based on family recipes passed down through generations. These recipes often vary slightly from family to family, reflecting individual preferences and techniques. Sharing and preserving these recipes is an important part of the region's culinary heritage.
Festivals and Food
Several festivals throughout the year celebrate local food and drink. These festivals provide opportunities to sample regional specialties, meet local producers, and learn about the region's culinary traditions. The Mirabelle Plum Festival is a particularly significant event.
Wine and Beer Pairings
Lorraine is not typically known for its wine, but the region does produce some local wines. Additionally, due to its proximity to Germany, beer culture is also significant. Pairing local wines or beers with regional dishes is a common practice, enhancing the dining experience.