If you are looking for an elegant French brasserie near Luxembourg-Gare, without the place feeling too stiff or overwhelming, Brasserie Alfa, inside the Marriott, is definitely one to keep on your list.

The Bar

We started the evening at the cocktail bar, which honestly deserves a little moment on its own.

The atmosphere has this chic London feel: elegant, sophisticated and slightly moody, making it the perfect place for a pre-dinner drink.

Naturally, we kicked things off with a Margarita.

Actually… another Margarita.

The Food

The restaurant follows the codes of classic French brasserie cuisine. Refined without being pretentious, comforting without being boring.

To start, I chose the vitello tonnato while my friend went for the shrimp cocktail. Both dishes felt true to the spirit of the place: classic, generous and executed with care.

We also trusted the recommendation of our lovely waitress when it came to wine and ended up with a glass that paired beautifully with the meal.

Main Courses

The cordon bleu was the star of the evening.

Impressive in size and wonderfully indulgent, it arrived with garlic green beans on the side and delivered exactly the kind of comfort food satisfaction you hope for when ordering such a classic dish.

Across the table, the beef tartare was accompanied by beef tallow fries that were impossible to ignore. Crispy, flavourful and dangerously addictive, they were worth stealing more than once.

Dessert

By the end of the meal we were completely full.

The kind of full where you promise yourself you won’t eat again until tomorrow.

Yet somehow my friend still managed to order a pistachio ice cream.

To this day, I have no idea where she found the space, but I admire the dedication.

Final Thoughts

What I particularly enjoyed about Brasserie Alfa is the atmosphere. It feels elegant without trying too hard.

There is a certain timeless charm to the place that makes you want to stay a little longer, enjoy another glass and forget for a moment that your train might be leaving soon.

If you are looking for a French brasserie near Gare that offers quality food, attentive service and a beautiful setting without feeling overwhelming, Brasserie Alfa is a great choice.

Perfect for a date night, a dinner with friends or a girls’ night before heading into town.

And ladies, never underestimate the power of a full-length mirror in the restroom.

Sometimes it is the detail that completes the experience.