Les Bateliers — Restaurant in Colmar-Ribeauvillé

I visited Les Bateliers in Colmar hoping to enjoy a simple pleasure - a dessert in a beautiful setting. Unfortunately, I was refused a table because the restaurant, as explained by the administrator Stéphane, only serves customers who order a full meal. The experience left me feeling unwelcome and disappointed.

I want to live in a world where I can walk into a restaurant and savor a dessert without needing to investigate policies or wonder if my order is “enough” to earn a seat. Dining out should be about joy and connection, not navigating rules that aren’t even communicated clearly beforehand.

What saddened me most was the lack of transparency. Policies like this should be clearly stated online and at the entrance. I understand that restaurants need to manage their space and profitability, but there’s a missed opportunity here to create a welcoming experience for everyone - whether they’re there for a full meal or just a sweet indulgence.

I hope Stéphane and the team at Les Bateliers will consider embracing a more inclusive dining culture. A little flexibility and transparency could make all the difference in creating a memorable and welcoming experience for...

We did a thorough research to eat at this restaurant when we visited Colmar. Based on the other reviews, they provide great service and food. We arrived at the restaurant at around 12:05pm, but saw that the outside tables were occupied already. We waited patiently at the entrance to be seated (as indicated by the sign). After around 15 mins, a lady came over to tell us that the restaurant is full. I told her that we have 5 people, and asked if tables in the restaurant are available. She said no, and told me that the minimum waiting time is 40 mins. After discussion, my husband decided he will wait at the restaurant, and the others can walk around the lovely town. After around 10 mins my husband called me and said that the restaurant refused to serve us because 5 people is too big of a group. I would have hoped that the lady told us the first time, instead of letting us wait. (I see other reviewers say that they do not serve groups with more than 6 people).

We ended up eating at “Caveau Saint Jean,” only a few minutes walk away. The service was attentive and friendly, and the food was great....

It’s my second visit to Les Bateliers and I’m pleased to have returned. The setting is absolutely wonderful alongside a pretty canal in beautiful Colmar. The service is fair and friendly. Best of all the food is scrumptious! Today I opted for the Burger Münster served with salad and sautéed potatoes. My, my, as far as burgers go, this is one of the best. It’s big and beautiful. And once you can get your mouth open wide enough to take a bite (not a problem for a hungry girl like me) it’s damn tasty too! Generously packed with beef and pork burger, oozing the meltiest Münster and cottage cheese, and with all the trimmings, including gherkins and a good dab of local horseradish and creamy mustard (served as side condiments) this burger really packs a punch. Thoroughly enjoyed every mouthful - although I could only manage just over half but fortunately my hubby was more than willing to polish off the rest (after enjoying his dish of 12 escargot which were also delicious). They could actually offer this as a “burger for two with smaller...