Restaurant du Marché is a traditional French and Alsatian restaurant at 20 Place de la Cathédrale, 68000 Colmar, directly beside the Gothic Église Saint-Martin in the city’s historic centre. It focuses on fresh local ingredients, regional Alsatian cooking and carefully presented plates, making it a natural choice for a relaxed lunch between old-town sights or an unhurried evening meal.
What to Expect at Restaurant du Marché
The appeal here is regional cooking in an exceptionally central setting: Place de la Cathédrale places diners amid Colmar’s half-timbered streets, Renaissance façades and the sandstone bulk of Saint-Martin. The kitchen’s stated identity is traditional Alsatian cuisine shaped by fresh, local produce, with an artistic approach to plating. Expect a table-service meal rather than a quick counter stop, with the room suited to couples, families and small groups exploring the old town.
Alsatian food reflects the borderland character of the region, where French technique meets Germanic culinary traditions; Restaurant du Marché approaches that heritage through seasonal ingredients rather than a generic tourist menu. Lunch is a practical stop before continuing toward the canals of Petite Venise, while dinner works well after the surrounding lanes quieten. For dietary needs, contact the restaurant when reserving so the team can advise on the day’s available preparations and ingredients.
- Traditional Alsatian focus: Regional French cooking is the core of the restaurant’s identity, with local ingredients guiding the kitchen.
- Place de la Cathédrale setting: Dine beside Église Saint-Martin, one of Colmar’s defining Gothic landmarks.
- Fresh-produce approach: Seasonal availability informs the kitchen, so dishes can change with market supply.
- Artistic presentation: Plates are prepared with visual care as well as a strong regional sensibility.
- Old-town meal stop: Its central position suits lunch between sights and dinner after a walk through Colmar’s historic streets.
Restaurant du Marché at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 20 Place de la Cathédrale, 68000 Colmar, France |
| Neighborhood / Area | Historic Centre, beside Église Saint-Martin |
| Operating Hours | Mon–Tue, Thu–Sun: 11:45am–2pm and 6:30pm–9pm; closed Wednesday |
| Admission / Price Range | Paid dining; $$ for a sit-down regional French meal |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | TRACE stop Théâtre; Parking Montagne Verte is a short walk away |
| Official Website & Phone | Phone: +33 3 89 41 58 20 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Book or call ahead for Friday and Saturday dinner, especially in the summer and during the Alsace wine-harvest and Christmas-market periods, when central Colmar fills quickly. An early lunch shortly after the 11:45am opening or an early dinner at 6:30pm is the easiest way to keep the day moving. The restaurant is closed on Wednesdays; plan accordingly if it is the anchor for an old-town itinerary.
From Colmar railway station, the historic centre is roughly a 20-minute walk, while local TRACE buses stop at Théâtre, a useful nearby arrival point. Drivers can use Parking Montagne Verte and continue on foot through the pedestrian core. Place de la Cathédrale and its adjoining lanes have uneven historic paving, so wheelchair users and parents with strollers should call ahead to confirm entrance access, dining-room circulation and restroom arrangements. Within 5–15 minutes on foot are Église Saint-Martin, the 1537 Pfister House, the Maison des Têtes and the canal-side quarter of Petite Venise; Flamm’s Colmar is also close by for a casual flammekueche-focused alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Restaurant du Marché’s hours, and when is the best time to go?
The restaurant opens Monday, Tuesday and Thursday through Sunday from 11:45am to 2pm and from 6:30pm to 9pm, and closes on Wednesday. Arrive near the start of either service for a calmer experience, particularly during peak visitor seasons in Colmar.
How much does a meal cost, and do I need a reservation?
Restaurant du Marché is in the $$ range, meaning a paid, sit-down meal rather than budget snack pricing; menu prices vary with the selection and season. Reservations are a sensible precaution for evening dining and weekend tables; call +33 3 89 41 58 20 to arrange one.
How long should I allow for a meal?
Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for a comfortable lunch or dinner. That timing leaves room to combine the meal with Saint-Martin Church, the Pfister House and a walk toward Petite Venise without rushing.
Is Restaurant du Marché suitable for families and guests with dietary or mobility needs?
The central, table-service format suits family meals as well as couples. Tell the restaurant about vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or other dietary requirements when booking, and call ahead about step-free access because the surrounding historic square has uneven cobbles.
When planning your Colmar travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and french restaurant in Colmar, pair this stop with standout local spots including Hôtel Quatorze, Winstub Unterlinden, Le Fer Rouge, and Le Touareg (nearby).
