Alsace And Lorraine, France
Lorraine cuisine draws heavily from both French refinement and German heartiness. This culinary blend mirrors Metz's long history of shifting allegiances between France and Germany.
The result is a cuisine that often uses simple, quality ingredients to create flavorful, wholesome meals. It is a cuisine rooted in the agricultural bounty of the region and the practical needs of its historical population.
Pork in various forms, potatoes, cabbage, and cream are prominent. Lardons (small cubes of bacon), local cheeses, and Mirabelle plums appear frequently.
Flavors tend to be savory, rich, and often include smoked meats and earthy vegetables.
The Mirabelle plum adds a distinctive sweet and fruity note to both savory and sweet preparations.
The iconic savory tart of the Lorraine region. It features a rich custard made with eggs and cream, mixed with lardons (bacon), and sometimes cheese, all baked in a flaky pastry crust.
Find at: Most brasseries, bakeries ("boulangeries"), and traditional restaurants.
A savory pie combining marinated pork and veal, encased in a golden puff pastry crust. It often serves as a starter or a light lunch, seasoned with herbs and white wine.
Find at: Many traditional restaurants and specialty butchers ("boucheries").
A hearty, traditional stew ideal for colder months. It includes various cuts of pork, slowly cooked with potatoes, cabbage, carrots, and other root vegetables. Quintessential Lorraine comfort food.
Find at: Traditional, rustic restaurants or "ferme-auberges" in the countryside.
The Moselle region produces "Vins de Moselle," mainly light, crisp white wines (Auxerrois, Pinot Gris, Müller-Thurgau). Mirabelle Eau-de-Vie is a potent plum brandy, serving as a digestif.
The craft beer scene is growing. Fresh fruit juices, sparkling water, and coffee are widely available.
Metz boasts several Michelin-starred or recommended restaurants. These offer refined interpretations of local and classic French cuisine.
Numerous brasseries, bistros, and traditional restaurants present a good balance of quality food and reasonable prices.
For affordable meals, visit bakeries ("boulangeries") for fresh sandwiches, quiches, and pastries. Casual cafes offer light meals.
A must-visit culinary destination. This bustling market sells fresh produce, local cheeses, charcuterie, baked goods, and prepared foods.
Ideal for a casual lunch or purchasing picnic supplies. Open most mornings.
Regular outdoor markets happen on specific days in various city squares. These offer fresh produce and regional products.
Great for experiencing local life.
Pizza, pasta, and traditional Italian dishes.
Various Asian cuisines, from sushi to stir-fries.
Diversity extends beyond European. Often in the city center.
While French/Lorraine dominates, global flavors exist.
Awareness of allergies is growing in France. Communicate your needs clearly.
Use a Translation app or learn phrases like "sans gluten" (gluten-free), "sans lactose" (lactose-free), or "allergie aux arachides" (peanut allergy).
Not all establishments can guarantee cross-contamination prevention.
When in doubt, larger chain restaurants or supermarkets may offer more clearly labeled options.
Use apps like HappyCow for vegetarian/vegan-friendly places.
Supermarkets often stock clearly labeled options for various dietary needs.
These are less common in Metz compared to larger French cities.
Similar to cooking classes, dedicated food tours are not a main feature of Metz tourism.
In the surrounding countryside, visit farms producing Mirabelle products, local cheeses, or wines.
Recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends or for dinner. This helps secure your table.
The service charge ("service compris") is usually included in the bill. Tipping is a gesture for exceptional service.
Rounding up the bill or leaving an extra €1-€5 is a common practice, but not mandatory.
When ordering, try the "formule" for lunch. It delivers a great value fixed-price menu, typically including a main dish and a starter or dessert.
Bread is often served with meals. It accompanies savory dishes and is used to soak up sauces, rather than consumed as an appetizer with butter.
At most restaurants, wait to be seated by staff rather than choosing your own table. This is a common practice in French dining.
Remember these points for a smooth dining experience:
