Reims offers surprising culinary depth. From Michelin-starred gastronomy to humble bistro classics, food culture here reflects centuries of prosperity from champagne trade. This guide covers the best restaurants across budget levels, highlighting local specialties and dining experiences not to miss.
Fine Dining: Michelin Stars and Prestige
L’Assiette Champenoise (★★★ Michelin, 3 Stars)
Chef: Thierry Voisin (3 stars since 2003)
Cuisine Style: Modern French gastronomy with champagne focus
Pricing: Menu dégustation €95-150, à la carte €130-200
What Makes It Special: Only 3-star restaurant for 200km. Impeccable service, sommelier-curated champagne pairings, presentation theatrical. Dishes feature local Reims ingredients (Reims biscuit in desserts, andouillette imaginative interpretations).
Reservation: Absolutely essential, book 3-4 weeks ahead
Dress Code: Smart casual minimum, jacket recommended
Duration: 3 hours full experience
Occasion: Anniversaries, celebrations, once-in-a-lifetime meal
Le Foch (★ Michelin, 1 Star)
Chef: Jean-Marc Michault
Cuisine Style: Modern French cuisine, lighter approach than L’Assiette
Pricing: Menu €40-70, à la carte €65-120
Atmosphere: More approachable than 3-star, still refined, jacket encouraged
Specialty: Fish and seafood treated with elegance. Sole meunière exceptional.
Reservation: 1-2 weeks advance recommended
Why Go: If L’Assiette Champenoise budget-restrictive, Le Foch offers excellent quality-to-price ratio at star-level cooking
Upscale Casual: Excellent Cuisine, Relaxed Vibe
La Table Kobus
Chef: Young classical training, creative modern approach
Pricing: Menu €45-75, à la carte €80-150
Atmosphere: Intimate small dining room, candlelit, personal service
Specialty: Seasonal ingredients, playful plating, excellent wine list emphasizing small producers
Booking: 2-3 days advance appreciated
Ideal For: Romantic dinner, food enthusiasts, wine exploration
L’Esprit Gourmet
Cuisine Style: Contemporary French with international influences
Pricing: Menu €35-55, à la carte €60-110
Vibe: Warm contemporary décor, friendly professional staff, less formal than Michelin stars
Specialty: Risk-taking with flavors, beautiful presentation, interesting wine pairings
Booking: 1 week recommended
Classic Brasseries: Elegant Tradition
Brasserie Excelsior
Opened: 1908, unchanged since
Décor: Art Deco masterpiece, mirrors, brass, original fixtures
Cuisine: Traditional French brasserie (steak frites, sole, cassoulet, duck confit)
Pricing: Menu €25-40, à la carte €35-80
Atmosphere: Authentic Belle Époque, feels like stepping into 1920s Paris
Famous For: Andouillette grillée (local specialty sausage), sole meunière, profiteroles
Best Seating: Terrace overlooking Place Royale if weather permits
Booking: Not always necessary but recommended weekends
Café du Palais
Location: Directly adjacent Palais du Tau museum
Cuisine: Traditional French bistro fare
Pricing: Plats €18-35, menu €25-45
Vibe: Casual elegant, mixed local and tourist crowd, efficient service
Specialty: Jambon de Reims (Reims ham, local cured specialty), salade rémoise (classic salad with egg, anchovies)
Advantage: Great for lunch post-museum exploring
Local Specialties: What to Order
Jambon de Reims (Reims Ham)
Pale pink cured ham, unique to Reims, tradition dating to 17th century. Delicate, salty-sweet balance. Order as plate appetizer or charcuterie starter. €8-15.
Best restaurants: Brasserie Excelsior, Café du Palais, any traditional bistro
Andouillette Grillée
Pork offal sausage, traditional Reims dish, acquired taste (intestinal flavoring distinctive). Served grilled, crispy exterior, paired with mustard sauce. Either love it or avoid. €15-25.
Controversial but authentic. Try at: Brasserie Excelsior, traditional bistros
Salade Rémoise
Mixed greens, hard-boiled egg, anchovy fillets, lardons, vinaigrette. Light, classic, appears everywhere. €10-15.
Sole Meunière
Whole fish, pan-fried in butter, parsley garnish. Champagne region classic (Loire river fish access historically). Delicate, elegant. €25-40.
Best at: Le Foch, L’Assiette, brasseries
Poularde Demi-Deuil
Chicken breast with truffle slices under skin, poached, cream sauce. Luxe Reims dish. €35-60. Appears on Michelin menus.
Macaron de Reims
Regional almond macaroon (not Paris type), available pink, white, or pistachio. Chewy, dense, authentic since 19th century. €2-3 each. Treat as dessert or gift.
Where to buy: Confiserie shops downtown, specialty markets
Budget-Friendly Dining
Casual Bistros Under €25
Au Clair de la Lune: Simple bistro, good value, traditional dishes, friendly owner. €15-25 mains.
Le Chambertin: Younger crowd vibe, seasonal menu, wine-focused, €18-30 dishes.
La Boutique du Boucher: Butcher shop with small restaurant (3 tables), excellent meat, €12-20 plats.
Markets and Street Eating
Halles du Boulingrin (Covered Market): Fruits, vegetables, fromage, charcuterie. Stand-up eating at café counter in market. €5-12. Open Wednesday-Sunday mornings only.
Street Vendors Place Royale (Summer): Crepes, sandwiches, ice cream. €3-8.
Bakeries: Excellent baguettes, croissants, pain au chocolat at neighborhood boulangeries. €2-5.
Wine and Champagne Pairings
Default Pairing: Brut Champagne pairs everything. Neutral, elegant, forgiving.
Fish/Seafood: Blanc de Blancs (100% Chardonnay) preferred, mineral, crisp
Red Meat: Rosé or heavier Champagnes acceptable, but local Pinot Noir from region interesting alternative
Dessert: Demi-Sec (off-dry) Champagne traditional, or skip and use wine
Budget Tasting Menus: Many restaurants include wine pairings in menu price (€15-30 additional). Worth for education if enthusiast.
Practical Dining Tips
Lunch vs Dinner: Lunch (12-2pm) offers better prices often (set menus). Dinner more formal, pricier.
Credit Cards: Accepted everywhere. Tipping optional (5-10% if exceptional service, rounded bills common).
Language: French-only menus common at traditional restaurants. English speakers at touristy spots. Restaurant names often posted outside with photos of dishes.
Closed Days: Many restaurants closed Sunday evening or Monday. Check ahead.
Reservations: Friday-Saturday dinner requires advance booking. Lunch walk-ins usually OK. Michelin stars mandatory booking.
Menu Format: Typical meal: aperitif (champagne, kir) → appetizer → main course → salad or cheese → dessert → coffee. 2-3 hours expected duration. Rushing discouraged in French dining culture.
Where to Sleep After Great Meals
Our studios offer comfortable retreat after dining out:
- California Dreamin’ – Warm relaxation space for post-dinner unwinding
- Glam Hollywood – Luxe ambiance matching fine dining experience
- Gaming Studio – Modern comfort in vibrant quartier Jean-Jaurès
Browse our neighborhood guide to choose quartier near your favorite restaurants, or our complete activities guide for non-eating pursuits.
Discover Our Studios in Reims
6 unique themed apartments for your Champagne stay