Au Crocodile
Au Crocodile is a fine-dining restaurant in Strasbourg, at 10 Rue de l'Outre, close to Place Kléber. The house has existed since 1801 and owes its name to a crocodile brought back from Napoleon's Egyptian campaign. Long associated with chef Émile Jung, it has been led in the kitchen by Romain Brillat since 2020.
A crocodile back from Egypt
The story begins in 1801, when Captain Ackermann acquired the property and turned it into an inn. He had taken part in Bonaparte's Egyptian expedition and brought back a stuffed crocodile, which gave the house its name. The Michelin Guide still recalls this origin, an animal brought home by one of Napoleon's veterans. More than two centuries later, the restaurant has kept this unusual name, now closely tied to Strasbourg's gastronomic history.
The Émile Jung era
Le Crocodile earned its first Michelin star in 1958, under Ernest Schenck. In 1971 chef Émile Jung took over: he won a second star in 1975 and a third in 1989. The restaurant then ranked among France's great tables, before returning to two stars in the early 2000s. In 2009 Émile Jung sold the business to chef Philippe Bohrer. Those years firmly fixed the Crocodile's name in the minds of food lovers.
A new chapter since 2015
In 2015 restaurateur Cédric Moulot bought the Crocodile, which was fully renovated in 2019. Since January 2020 the kitchen has been in the hands of Romain Brillat, formerly second-in-command to Gilles Goujon. The house is still in the Michelin Guide selection, which describes a modern, elegant dining room and cooking that balances classic and contemporary, built on fine produce. It is also a member of Relais & Châteaux. Awards change every year, so check the current guide.
Planning an evening at Au Crocodile
As with any fine-dining restaurant, Au Crocodile should be booked ahead, and opening days are best checked on its official website. Rue de l'Outre lies on the Grande Île, between Place Kléber and the cathedral, so dinner combines easily with a walk through the historic centre. Before the meal, a stroll around Place Kléber or towards the lit-up cathedral is a good way to start the evening.
Practical information
Address: 10
Frequently asked questions
Where is Au Crocodile?
At 10 Rue de l'Outre, on Strasbourg's Grande Île, a short walk from Place Kléber.
Where does the name 'Au Crocodile' come from?
From a stuffed crocodile brought back from the Egyptian expedition by Captain Ackermann, who opened the inn in 1801.
Is Au Crocodile a Michelin-starred restaurant?
The house has been recognised by the Michelin Guide almost continuously since 1958, with three stars under Émile Jung from 1989. It is still in the guide's selection; check this year's rating on the Michelin Guide website.
What can you do before or after dinner?
A walk to Notre-Dame Cathedral, a few minutes away on foot, or a turn around Place Kléber, the city centre's main square.
Wikimedia Commons — Photo Claude TRUONG-NGOC · Wikimedia Commons — westher
