Esplanade

This listed Gründerzeit building (1890) in the centre of Saarbrücken is tasteful through and through. Once a school, it now houses a charming little boutique hotel and this chic restaurant, where chef Silio Del Fabro combines classic and modern cuisine. He incorporates French, Mediterranean and Japanese influences. Supremely fresh seasonal ingredients of outstanding quality, some of which are sourced from a farm in the region, go into the dishes. The craftsmanship is superb and the flavours are bold – a prime example being the perfectly roasted US entrecôte, served with a crispy potato millefeuille, crunchy grilled spring onions, Chablis cream-glazed Krause Glucke, a dollop of N25 Kaluga caviar and a wonderfully rich jus. Diners can opt for the "Menu Signature – Classics" or the "Menu Racine – Ritorno alle Origini" (note the reference to the chef's Italian roots) or a range of à la carte dishes. At lunchtime, it is worth bearing in mind the "Plat du Jour". The wine list, which focuses on a French and German selection, is excellent. The front-of-house team is knowledgeable and charming.

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