Restaurant Julien Binz

I have travelled the world extensively over 40 years. I ate at all restaurants ranging from pop & mom’s to Michelin three stars. This is my honest review of the restaurant Julien Binz in Ammerschwihr, Alsace, France. This Michelin one-star restaurant is located right in the heart of the village, with convenient parking options nearby, which already makes the experience quite comfortable from the start. Inside, the décor is richly golden and clearly inspired by a Rococo style. While quite opulent, the tables are well spaced, allowing for private and relaxed conversations, which is very much appreciated. The atmosphere is elegant and refined. Service was friendly, professional, and efficient throughout the meal. We opted for the tasting menu and had a mix of very good and more average impressions on the culinary side. The amuse-bouches—based on beetroot and fish eggs —were particularly interesting, with thoughtful plays on texture and presentation. For the starters, we tried both the foie gras and a caviar-based dish. The caviar starter was somewhat disappointing, as the caviar itself was overshadowed by other flavors and not sufficiently highlighted. The foie gras, served in two variations (terrine and pan-seared), was well executed and enjoyable, though not especially memorable. As main courses, we chose the beef and the venison (deer). Both were correctly cooked and technically well executed, but the seasoning and accompaniments did not stand out in a remarkable way. The venison was clearly the stronger of the two dishes. Dessert, however, was a real highlight and probably the strongest part of the menu. The fruit-based dessert featured three distinct interpretations around pear: a pear tart, a pear Belle-Hélène style preparation, and a version with a sablé. Each element was well thought out, distinct, and enjoyable, ending the meal on a high note. Overall, this explains why I would give 5/5 for ambiance and service, 4/5 for the food, and 4/5 overall. A very pleasant experience in a beautiful setting, with solid cuisine, even if some dishes did not fully reach the level one might expect from a Michelin-starred table.

Their food is great and there sommelier knows her wine. Yes my wife has a unique allergy and takes some explaining, but food prepared fresh shouldn’t be an issue for a talented Chef. I am still happy however we only received 5 courses to a Total of €532.00 for the 2 of us. A little steep in my books and we left hungry.

Food was good and delightful arranged. wine was below average, but tested my taste. But the service from the team of waiter’s was incredible…

This place is a bit fancy so if you want to blend in is better to get smart casual. Otherwise the experience is great. Food and services are remarkable. The wine list is as you would expect. Definitely a true one star restaurant. Hope to enjoy it again.

Great restaurant with interesting menu

Excellent service and professional! I had an amazing birthday dinner here ! Food is no doubt qualified for Michelin star ! Every detail here is concerned for the customer ! Highly recommend!!

Excellent meal. Exceptional service. Sometimes Michelin Star restaurants can have stuffy servers, but not here! Thank you for the great food and sincere hospitality.

Excellent service and amazing food accompanied by soft Sade music. As the only non-French speakers in the house, we were treated with plenty of respect by a charming staff with adequate English speaking capabilities. The food was absolutely amazing: a first course of Foie Gras topped with a rhubarb gelatin, then an amazing fish course accompanied by white asparagus w/ a home smoked beurre blanc, a perfectly cooked sous vide filet mignon, and an amazing dessert served in a hollow white chocolate sphere that melted with the application of a hot raspberry puree. All in all, a delightful rainbow of unusual but coordinated tastes. Expensive - yes, worth it - absolutely. (Though in hindsight, i would have passed on the tiny 25 Euro glasses of champagne) I booked our reservation last minute through Google at a time when neither the restaurant's website or "TheFork" showed any availability. I fully expected to arrive with apologies that a table was not actually available but no such thing happened. We were seated immediately. Parking was easy as was the short drive from Colmar. As we were leaving, we were asked to pause to speak the Julien who came out to bid us adieu. He speaks very little English but seemed to understand our praises well enough. Menus and prices are posted on the restaurant website.

We are used to "fancy" restaurants having snobby staff and food that is often...not worth the price. However, I loved how welcoming and friendly the staff as. They were refined and approachable and very attentive. We met the chef at the start and end of the meal. We chose the menu gourmet, which was a fascinating parade of Alsatian flavors in fun and interesting presentations. They also accommodated our gluten-free party members. My favorite was the filet mignon de veau and the fraises et fleur de sureau sorbet. Here was a place where presentation was as critical as the quality and taste of the food. Every dish was thought to balance the flavors and textures perfectly. As a treat, this was a great, if pricey, last restaurant before we depart the region.

This restaurant gastronomic is an excellent place for a lunch or dinner. Served with expertise and raffinements, every single dish is a travel through Alsace. Delicious! Even though the price tag could refrain some appetites. I really recommend this if you're in the area.