Restaurant Le Jardin de la Cathédrale occupies a townhouse dining room on the rue de la Petite Boucherie in Metz, the historic capital of the Moselle department in the Lorraine part of Grand Est. The restaurant's principal asset is its terrace, which faces directly toward the Gothic facade of the Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Metz — one of the tallest Gothic cathedrals in France and famous for its exceptional collection of medieval and 20th-century stained glass. The kitchen delivers well-priced French bistro cooking with a deliberate Lorraine identity: quiche mirabelle et chèvre uses the region's signature plum with goat's cheese in an unusual savoury pastry; côte de veau à la crème is a classic Lorraine preparation of veal in cream sauce; and soupe de mirabelles chaude is a warm dessert soup that frames the golden plum as a sweet finish. Mains cost €14 to €26. The Moselle Valley produce on the menu keeps prices accessible without sacrificing quality. The wine list is a short but practical selection of French regional wines. Service is relaxed and friendly. Reservations for terrace tables are recommended during the summer season, when the cathedral view is at its most dramatic in evening light. The restaurant is closed Sunday and Monday.
Signature dishes
- Quiche mirabelle et chèvre
- Côte de veau à la crème
- Soupe de mirabelles chaude
Good to know
- Known for
- Terrace view of Metz Cathedral; well-priced menu using Moselle Valley produce
- Hours
- Tue–Sat 12:00–14:30 & 19:00–22:00; closed Sun–Mon
- Reservations
- Recommended for dinner
Location
2 rue de la Petite Boucherie, 57000 Metz
49.1196, 6.1766 View on map
Highlights
- Terrace with a direct view of the Gothic facade of the Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Metz
- Quiche mirabelle et chèvre: a Lorraine pastry combining the region's golden plum with goat's cheese
- Well-priced Lorraine bistro cooking (€14–€26 mains) in the heart of Metz's cathedral quarter
- Côte de veau à la crème — a faithful preparation of the classic Lorraine veal-and-cream dish
- Soupe de mirabelles chaude: a warm golden-plum dessert that opens an unusual seasonal dessert menu
Tips for visiting
- Reserve a terrace table for an evening meal — the stained-glass windows of the cathedral glow at dusk
- Visit during mirabelle season (late July to September) when the plum dishes are made with fresh fruit
- The lunch menu offers the best value; a two-course formule is typically under €25 per person
- Closed Sunday and Monday; book from Tuesday through Saturday
- The cathedral is a short walk from Metz station — combine a visit to the restaurant with the Centre Pompidou-Metz nearby
When to visit
Summer and early autumn for the terrace with cathedral views; mirabelle season (late July to September) for the freshest plum-based dishes. Evening visits for the dramatic cathedral illumination.
Accessibility
The dining room and terrace are on the ground floor with street-level access from the rue de la Petite Boucherie. The surrounding cathedral quarter includes some cobbled streets. Visitors with mobility requirements should contact the restaurant in advance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Metz known for?
The cathedral is one of the tallest Gothic cathedrals in France and is celebrated for its extraordinary quantity of medieval stained glass — the largest collection of any cathedral in the world by surface area. The windows include work by Marc Chagall and Hermann Göring-commissioned pieces from the 20th century.
Is the terrace available in all seasons?
The terrace is most pleasant in spring, summer, and early autumn. In colder months the indoor dining room is used. Terrace reservations are essential in summer when the cathedral view is the principal draw.
What is the price range?
Mains run €14 to €26. A two-course lunch formule is typically €22–€28 per person including bread. A full dinner with wine costs approximately €40–€55 per person.
Is the restaurant near other Metz attractions?
Yes — the rue de la Petite Boucherie is within the cathedral quarter, close to the Place de la Comédie, the Musée de la Cour d'Or, and within 15 minutes' walk of the Centre Pompidou-Metz.
Is the restaurant accessible for visitors with mobility limitations?
The ground-floor dining room is accessible from the street. The terrace is on the same level. Metz's cathedral quarter has some cobbled surfaces nearby. Contact the restaurant to confirm access.