Im Schiffchen

Im Schiffchen is a Michelin-starred French restaurant at Kaiserswerther Markt 9 in Kaiserswerth, the northern district of Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It is the restaurant of chef Jean-Claude Bourgueil and has operated in Kaiserswerth since 1977, which makes it one of the longest-running fine-dining addresses in the region. The cuisine is classical French, and the signature offer is the French tasting menu by Bourgueil, with seasonal game and fish courses as recurring features. The setting is a protected historic building on the old market square, and the dining room is formal, with a traditional atmosphere, attentive service and a quiet noise level. Dress is smart. A French wine list is expected at a restaurant of this style, though visitors should confirm the current beverage programme with the restaurant. Reservations are required, and booking several weeks ahead is advisable for Friday and Saturday evenings. Hours vary, so the restaurant's website should be checked before travelling. Prices are at the top of the local scale, and a tasting menu is a significant evening's commitment, so it is best treated as a special-occasion meal. Choosing between a tasting menu and an à la carte selection, if both are offered, is worth asking about at booking. Kaiserswerth lies on the Rhine about 10 kilometres north of the city centre, with its own medieval ruins, the Kaiserpfalz, and a village-like centre, so a visit can be combined with a daytime walk along the river and through the old town. It is reachable by the U79 line or by taxi, and the contrast with the modern Medienhafen restaurants makes it a distinct part of any Düsseldorf dining plan.