In the heart of the Neustadt district lies the “Chère amie” brasserie. We go there for its elegant, light-filled setting in the legendary Hôtel des Postes, but also for its typical French brasserie cuisine. My favorite? Their oysters from the Bay of Mont St-Michel!
Scrawled white sheets hanging above the tables, postcards and even its name: everything about the “Chère amie” brasserie evokes epistolary correspondence. This is because the establishment is located in the heart of the Hôtel des Postes: a site rich in history, which notably housed Strasbourg’s central post office. As soon as you step inside, you’re immediately transported by its sleek, elegant decor. I love the high ceilings and huge skylights, which give the room a breath of fresh air and natural light.
A new lease of life
The vaulted ceilings, pillars and arches are a reminder of the historical dimension of the building. Indeed, the Hôtel des Postes, built in 1899, served as a postal sorting center. Its neo-Gothic style breaks with the buildings constructed earlier around Place de la République. With its sculpted decor, interior courtyards and towers, the 20,000 m2 building is imposing. For many years, it housed the postal sorting center, offices and apartments. In 2019, the Hôtel des Postes did undergo major renovation work. The aim? To breathe new life into this emblematic building! It now houses residential accommodation, offices, a residence for senior citizens, a post office and the “Chère amie” brasserie.
Seafood bar
“Chère amie” also stands out for its central bar, undoubtedly the centerpiece of the establishment. Here you can watch the entire service team at work. But what I really love is the seafood bar, offering caviar, whelks, langoustines and the all-important oysters. If, like me, you can’t resist, you should know that the establishment offers hollow oysters tinged with notes of hazelnut and almond, whelks with lemongrass, crab halves with ginger, razor clams with aniseed herb butter and, of course, oysters from the Bay of Mont St-Michel. French Baeri Caviar from Kaviari is also on the menu, if you so desire.
IGP sauerkraut
“Chère amie” is also the ideal place for lunch with friends. The menu features brasserie classics such as beef tartare au couteau, filet de boeuf sauce bordelaise and bouchée à la reine with soufflé spätzles. Are you a vegetarian? Don’t worry, you can choose from Japanese-style vegetable curry, coquillettes au Comté risotto and croque bistro champignons et Comté. But his signature dish is sauerkraut – Alsace oblige! – made with IGP cabbage from Alsace and charcuterie from Maison Janes in Marmoutier.
Sweet treats
I also like to go there for a snack break. The tempting display case integrated into the central bar leaves us spoilt for choice! Whether it’s the pear and white sesame tartlet, the cookie and citrus coconut bavaroise or the green apple and hazelnut financier, everything is made with finesse and precision. And to recall the place’s postal past, “Chère amie” offers a unique dessert called “L’Enveloppe” with pain de Gêne, raspberry compote and Madagascar vanilla mousse. Natural wines, cocktails with surprising recipes and flavored lemonades round out the already extensive menu.
Unique encounters
The establishment organizes events combining culinary art and culture. For example, “Chère amie” will open its doors at the Opéra, as part of a lyrical dinner. During their meal, guests will be treated to musical performances by two international artists, Clara Orif and Iannis Gaussin. The brasserie can also be privatized for any type of event, such as a seminar, a company party or your next large family gathering. Who knows?
