Combining traditional Alsatian cuisine with gastronomic excellence—that’s the challenge that Sonia and Sacha Bender have successfully taken on with their Winstub, Le Freiberg. Nestled in the heart of Obernai’s historic center, this establishment is more than just a restaurant; it’s an immersion into the spirit and culture of Alsace.

If you want to experience authentic, traditional, and carefully crafted Alsatian cuisine, I can only recommend a visit to Obernai’s Le Freiberg. Managed since 2010 by Sonia and Sacha Bender, this establishment follows the purest tradition of Alsatian Winstubs.

For those unfamiliar with this type of eatery, let me explain. The term Winstub—from Alsatian dialect—refers to a typical regional restaurant that originally allowed winemakers to sell off their surplus production. Regulars would gather there to enjoy wine served in pitchers, accompanied by small local dishes. The atmosphere was warm, family-friendly, and relaxed! Today, Winstubs still exist, although they have gained in prestige, and Le Freiberg is one of the finest examples.

All of Alsace on Your Plate

The menu features many classic Alsatian dishes, such as bouchée à la reine with free-range chicken and veal shoulder, traditional sauerkraut with seven garnishes, and oven-roasted blood sausage. However, the standout dish remains the braised pork cheeks in Pinot Noir, served with sautéed potatoes! Meat lovers will also find delight in their selection of ribeye steaks, Aberdeen Angus beef fillets, and whole-cooked veal kidneys, all masterfully prepared by Chef Sacha Bender. Of course, Le Freiberg wouldn’t be a true Bas-Rhin Winstub without its famous tartes flambées. The restaurant offers ten different recipes, including the must-try Freiberg flammekueche, made with cream, Black Forest bacon, onions, sauerkraut, and Munster cheese.

To end on a sweet note, the menu also features kougelhopf ice cream flavored with Marc de Gewurztraminer, profiteroles filled with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with hot chocolate, and a dark chocolate mousse (60% Ecuador cocoa) with cocoa crumble and meringue. But my personal favorite this December? Their Black Forest-style tiramisu!

Made in Alsace

À l’image de leur établissement, le chef Sacha Bender s’évertue à travailler avec des fournisseurs très locaux. En effet, sa volaille provient de la Ferme Goettelmann à Meistratzheim, son chou à choucroute de la Ferme Ades à Krautergersheim, ses fromages de la Ferme Haag à Saint-Pierre et son chocolat du producteur Schaal à Geispolsheim. Et même son safran est alsacien ! Son respect du produit et sa passion pour la cuisine, Sacha les doit à sa maman qui tenait elle aussi un petit bistro alsacien. Déjà à 12 ans, il s’activait en cuisine et aidait à la préparation de tartes flambées. Après son apprentissage en 1985 à la Maison Kammerzell à Strasbourg, Sacha a travaillé dans de nombreux établissements prestigieux tels que La Pinède à Saint-Tropez, le Château d’Insenbourg à Rouffach, le Ysehuet à Strasbourg et Chez Daniel à New-York. Il y a plus de 14 ans déjà, Sacha revient sur ses terres alsaciennes et donne une seconde vie au Freiberg à Obernai.

True to the spirit of his establishment, Chef Sacha Bender is committed to working with ultra-local suppliers. His poultry comes from Ferme Goettelmann in Meistratzheim, his sauerkraut cabbage from Ferme Ades in Krautergersheim, his cheeses from Ferme Haag in Saint-Pierre, and his chocolate from Schaal in Geispolsheim. Even his saffron is Alsatian! Sacha’s deep respect for ingredients and passion for cooking can be traced back to his mother, who also ran a small Alsatian bistro. At just 12 years old, he was already helping in the kitchen, preparing tartes flambées. After his culinary training in 1985 at the renowned Maison Kammerzell in Strasbourg, Sacha worked in prestigious establishments such as La Pinède in Saint-Tropez, Château d’Isenbourg in Rouffach, Ysehuet in Strasbourg, and Chez Daniel in New York. More than 14 years ago, he returned to his Alsatian roots and breathed new life into Le Freiberg in Obernai.

In the Heart of Obernai

Housed in a charming half-timbered building in Obernai’s city center, Le Freiberg is also beloved for its quintessentially Alsatian decor. Wooden tables, terracotta floor tiles, exposed stone walls, and red-and-white checkered cushions create a cozy, authentic atmosphere. Over the years, it has become a favorite gathering spot for professionals from nearby businesses, local families, and retirees—75% of its clientele are locals! So, why not join this circle of insiders yourself?