Le Winstub, Riquewihr

Le Winstub in Riquewihr occupies a stone-vaulted cellar on the rue du Général de Gaulle in one of Alsace's most photographed medieval villages, located in the Haut-Rhin department of Grand Est. Riquewihr's main street is a procession of 16th- and 17th-century half-timbered houses, decorated well-heads, and painted wooden signs — an exceptionally well-preserved example of Alsatian medieval urbanism on the Wine Route between Ribeauvillé and Kaysersberg. The winstub descends from the street into a low-ceilinged vaulted cellar that offers one of the most atmospherically Alsatian dining rooms on the entire route. The cooking is straightforward and honest: flammekueche classique arrives on a thin blistered base with fromage blanc, lardons, and onions; jarret de porc braisé au Pinot Noir is the kitchen's most substantial main, a slow-braised pork knuckle in red wine with spätzle; and tarte à la cannelle — cinnamon tart — closes the meal in a typically Alsatian way. House Riesling drawn from the neighbouring Grand Cru Schoenenbourg vineyard is the most compelling item on the wine list. Mains cost €12 to €22. The restaurant opens daily including in summer, when Riquewihr's visitor numbers are highest and advance reservations are strongly advised.