L'Atelier du Peintre — Restaurant in Colmar-Ribeauvillé

L'Atelier du Peintre, nestled in the historic heart of Alsace, is a restaurant that celebrates the art of fine dining in every sense. As I entered, I was immediately struck by the tasteful décor, reminiscent of an artist's atelier, with soft lighting and a touch of artistic flair that set the tone for an exquisite culinary experience.

The menu, a carefully crafted selection of seasonal ingredients, showcased a journey through flavors and textures, each dish artfully presented as if it were a canvas painted by a master artist. The attention to detail and the harmonious blend of flavors made each course a delightful exploration.

The first dish, Asperge blanche d'Alsace, Betterave, Passion et sapin, was a delicate presentation of white asparagus, beetroot, passion fruit, and pine, bringing a refreshing start to the meal. The combination of earthy and citrusy notes created a perfect balance.

Next, the Oeuf de poulette bio aux morilles et sabayon au vin jaune was a highlight. The organic hen's egg with morel mushrooms and a creamy sabayon made with yellow wine was a symphony of rich flavors, enhanced by the earthy taste of the mushrooms and the luxurious texture of the sabayon.

The Canon de lotte, Raviole de petits pois, Pamplemousse et jus iodé, a dish of monkfish, pea ravioli, and grapefruit, was a delightful blend of flavors from land and sea. The iodine-rich jus added depth, while the grapefruit provided a refreshing acidity to balance the dish.

The Filet de rouget grillé, Tarte fine aux oignons caramélisés, Poivrons marinés à l'ail des ours, Jus au vinaigre de sureau, featured grilled red mullet with a thin tart of caramelized onions and marinated bell peppers. The jus with elderberry vinegar added a subtle sweetness that complemented the savory elements beautifully.

For the meat course, the Filet de canette rôtie, Asperge verte à l'estragon, Tartare de fraise confite, Petit épeautre au parmesan, was a triumph. The roasted duck filet with green asparagus and strawberry tartare was an imaginative combination, with the spelt and Parmesan providing a satisfying texture.

Desserts were equally impressive, starting with L'insolite hibiscus, Framboise et laurier, a creation of hibiscus, raspberry, and bay leaf, which was as visually stunning as it was delicious. The finale, Douceur de rhubarbe et mascarpone, Jus de rhubarbe rouge et sorbet riesling à la vanille, offered a delicate rhubarb and mascarpone dessert, with a Riesling sorbet that added a touch of sophistication.

Throughout the meal, the service was impeccable, attentive without being intrusive, and each course was delivered with precise timing. L'Atelier du Peintre is a testament to the artistry of fine dining, offering a culinary experience that delights both the eyes and the palate. If you're seeking a restaurant that combines creativity, finesse, and exceptional service, this is a destination not...

I booked a table around 6 weeks before the dinner. I also re-confirmed the booking some days before. In the afternoon when we had the dinner booked for the evening, I received a phone call from the restaurant. I was asked if we are interested in "a VIP experience to sit at the chef's table". I asked if this table is somewhere in the back of the restaurant and was told no, it is next to the kitchen. I said fine, we will take the table.

We were shocked when we got to the restaurant and were shown to a small table with high bar chair - like stools, right in front of the kitchen which is in a small, dark room separate from the dining area, next to the coat hangers. The whole area smelled strongly like food and it was super loud and busy as there were waiters walking in and out constantly to pick up food and return dishes. I told the maitre d (a woman) immediately that this was not acceptable to us and she never told me we were going to be sitting on uncomfortable high chairs, in the back area separated completely from the dining room. To my shock, she started yelling at me that i am a liar "that i should have known it would be high chairs because she asked me if we have disabled people in the party". I also asked if it is acceptable to try to make it seem like a VIP experience and be seated where all your clothes smell like food afterwards? She continued her extremely rude behavior and even the chef (owner) started to yell at us when we said that we are leaving now. It is clear that they overbooked the restaurant and tried to sell this small table in the back. Not ready to pay minimum €400-€500 for dinner in such a location. Interestingly, we also had booked this place for dinner last summer, only to receive a cancellation the day before saying they had water damage in the restaurant and would no longer accommodate us.

I would stay away from this place, unless you want to be called a liar, and be yelled at. Never experienced anything like this in my years of travels all over the world and eating at some of the finest...

I loved my experience here! I came in as an explorer and wanted to taste and smell everything - so I ordered the menu "Big Gallery". Fantastic clean dishes with a clear focus what's the star of the dish. Not too experimental, but with an emphasis on seasonal local produce - something that I support dearly! They have someone on staff who is really great at making sorbets and placing them together with the right ingredients - the elderflower sorbet; the basil sorbet - amazing! My favorite dish was the seabass with artichoke puree! The dish I learned most from was the duck with carrots and raspberry. It sounds weird, but oh-my-God do those things go together! The diner has the opportunity to try the duck with carrots and raspberries prepared with different techniques! Visually stunning, yet not too pompous compositions on the plates. If someone from the staff is reading the next lines - please don't hate me, I'm just a lay person ... One out of ten dishes stood out as a bit odd, because compared to the others it just had too much going on - the lobster dish from July 2023. It was lacking flavor in the croquette; what's up with the olive tapenade blob?; a single wild asparagus... I don't know, maybe... most likely... I just don't get it. The star of that particular dish was the smoked cottage cheese, though. Before I went home I had a glimpse of the kitchen - it was already almost 4 pm (after almost 4 hours of having lunch). The kitchen was so clean, it was sparkling! There was just a huuuuge pot still left on on one stove - I assume it was some sort of stock :) Overall - stunning, absolute recommendation, I'll make sure to come again. I wish you a...