Restaurant le Caprice is a French restaurant at 44 Rue Vauban, 68000 Colmar, on the northeastern edge of the historic center. Its appeal is a sit-down meal rooted in the French and Alsatian dining tradition, within easy walking distance of the Musée du Jouet and Colmar’s medieval streets. With separate lunch and dinner services and a midrange price position, it fits naturally between museum visits or at the end of an afternoon exploring the old town.
What to Expect at Restaurant le Caprice
Plan around a traditional French restaurant rhythm rather than continuous all-day service: lunch runs from 11:45 to 13:30, followed by an evening session from 18:45 to 21:30. That makes Le Caprice a place to settle in for a meal, not a dependable late-afternoon food stop. Its Rue Vauban location puts you just outside the busiest canal-side dining circuit around Petite Venise, while keeping the principal old-town sights comfortably walkable.
The culinary reference point is Alsace, where French cooking meets a strong central European food culture. When asking about the current menu, useful regional names include choucroute garnie, sauerkraut traditionally accompanied by pork and sausages, and baeckeoffe, a slow-cooked meat-and-potato casserole; ask which local specialties the kitchen is preparing rather than assuming either is a permanent offering. For drinks, ask about Alsatian Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Gewurztraminer, and request a pairing suited to your actual dish. Discuss vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy requirements before booking, particularly where sauces, stock, or garnishes are involved.
- Rue Vauban address: A practical old-town location close to the Musée du Jouet at number 40.
- French and Alsatian identity: A regional dining stop to combine with Colmar’s architectural and museum circuit.
- Early lunch opening: The 11:45 start works well before an afternoon museum visit.
- Separate evening service: Dinner begins at 18:45, useful for travelers who prefer eating before a later stroll.
- Telephone planning: Call directly to discuss tables, current dishes, dietary requirements, and access needs.
Restaurant le Caprice at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 44 Rue Vauban, 68000 Colmar, France |
| Neighborhood / Area | Northeastern historic center, near the Musée du Jouet |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Saturday: 11:45–13:30 and 18:45–21:30; Sunday: closed |
| Admission / Price Range | Paid dining; $$, midrange. Ask for current menu and set-menu prices. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 1.5 hours; allow 2 hours for a leisurely meal |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | TRACE buses serving Théâtre; Parking Mairie and Parking Lacarre are nearby walking options |
| Official Website & Phone | Current menu and reservations by telephone: +33 3 89 23 84 09 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve by telephone for Saturday dinner and during Colmar’s Christmas-market season, when central restaurants face particularly concentrated demand. For a straightforward lunch, aim for the beginning of service rather than arriving close to 13:30; ask whether the listed closing time is the final seating or the end of service. Confirm card acceptance and any minimum payment when reserving, and check set-menu conditions before ordering. Smart-casual clothing is a sensible choice for a sightseeing-day meal without making the occasion formal.
From Colmar railway station, allow roughly 25–30 minutes on foot; for buses, consult the official TRACE network for services toward Théâtre. Drivers can use Parking Mairie or Lacarre rather than relying on a space outside. Central streets include uneven paving and narrow pedestrian passages: wheelchair users should ask specifically about the entrance threshold, table clearance, and an accessible toilet, while families should request stroller space. Pair lunch with the Musée du Jouet, almost next door, Saint-Matthieu church, around five minutes away, or the Unterlinden Museum, roughly ten minutes on foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours and best arrival times?
Le Caprice opens Monday through Saturday, 11:45–13:30 and 18:45–21:30, and closes Sunday. Choose the start of either service for the simplest sightseeing schedule, and reconfirm holiday openings by telephone.
How expensive is it, and should I reserve?
Le Caprice sits in the $$ midrange category; request current dish and menu prices when booking. Reserve ahead for weekend evenings, celebrations, and the Christmas-market period.
How much time should I allow?
Allow 60–90 minutes for a regular meal, or about two hours for several courses and wine. Leave extra walking time before a fixed museum admission or train departure.
Is it suitable for families and visitors with mobility needs?
The nearby toy museum makes this location convenient for a family outing; request high chairs or stroller space in advance. For mobility needs, establish the entrance and toilet arrangements directly before committing to a reservation.
When planning your Colmar travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and french restaurant in Colmar, pair this stop with standout local spots including Flamm's Colmar, Hôtel Saint-Martin Colmar | 3 étoiles, Restaurant du Marché, and Musée du Jouet (nearby).
