“Favorite” Brewery

In the heart of Luxembourg’s old town, tucked away in a quiet alley off Rue Chimay, lies an establishment that stands out from the Grand Duchy’s typical gastronomic offerings. For several years now, Brasserie “Favorite” has been providing a unique culinary experience dedicated to the flavors of Central Asia and the Caucasus. This family-run restaurant, managed by owner Aslan and his team, attracts a diverse clientele seeking authenticity, from nostalgic expatriates to Luxembourgers eager to explore distant culinary horizons.

The location and the atmosphere

Located at 15 Rue Chimay, in the historic Ville-Haute district (postal code 1333), the brasserie enjoys a central location just a few minutes’ walk from the Knuedler parking garage, making it easily accessible for both visitors and regulars. The restaurant’s interior is distinguished by its understated yet welcoming décor, creating an intimate and family-friendly atmosphere that invites exploration. The space is relatively small, which fosters a convivial atmosphere but can also make the place noisy during peak hours. The main dining room and a small terrace can accommodate a limited number of guests, hence the frequent need for reservations, especially for weekend dinners.

Authentic Georgian and Kazakh cuisine

What truly sets Brasserie “Favorite” apart from other restaurants in Luxembourg is its menu entirely dedicated to two culinary traditions rarely found in the region: Georgian and Kazakh cuisine. This dual identity is reflected in every dish, prepared according to traditional recipes passed down through generations. The restaurant prides itself on using fresh ingredients and preparing most of its dishes on-site, including homemade noodles and pastries.

Among the takeaway dishes and specialties to enjoy on site, some consistently receive praise from customers:

• Adjarian khachapuri , this Georgian flatbread filled with melted cheese and an egg, is a true emblem of Caucasian cuisine.
• Khinkali , these purse-shaped dumplings filled with juicy meat and fragrant broth
• Beshbarmak , a Kazakh national dish made with pasta and meat (often beef or horse)
• Lagman , thick noodles simmered in a broth rich in vegetables and meat.
• Manty , steamed dumplings filled with beef and pumpkin
• Samsas , crispy pastries inspired by samosas, filled with meat or vegetables
• Chkmeruli , chicken simmered in a generous garlic sauce
• Chakapuli , lamb flavored with fresh herbs
• Lobio , a Georgian red bean stew with walnuts
• Badrijani , eggplant rolls with walnuts, a vegetarian classic
• Kharcho , a thick beef and spice soup
• The beef ribs , slow-cooked for a long time, melt in your mouth.

To accompany these dishes, the restaurant offers a selection of Georgian wines (red, white, and semi-dry) as well as traditional lemonades such as tarkhun (tarragon) or pear lemonade, which are very refreshing. The homemade desserts, particularly the medovik (a multi-layered honey cake) and the Napoleon cake, are also worth trying.

The service and the welcome

The staff at Brasserie “Favorite” are distinguished by their warmth and helpfulness. Several team members, including Ekaterina, speak Russian, English, and French, which facilitates communication with an international clientele. The servers take the time to explain the origin and composition of the dishes, recommending the best pairings according to each person’s tastes. This personalized attention often transforms a simple meal into a true cultural experience.

The restaurant’s highlights

• A unique culinary offering in Luxembourg, allowing you to discover flavors rarely found in Western Europe
• Generous portions that justify the price, often considered excessive but satisfying
• A warm atmosphere and a feeling of being welcomed like family, especially for Russian-speaking visitors.
• A variety of vegetarian options (ajapsandali, badrijani, lobio), a rare thing in this type of cuisine.
• A central location ideal for a gourmet break during a visit to the city
• The option to take away certain dishes is available, although this service is less emphasized than eating in.
• Fair prices for Luxembourg standards, especially considering the quality and quantities

Areas for improvement

Despite its many qualities, the establishment has some weaknesses that should be mentioned:

• The limited space sometimes makes waiting times long during peak hours, and booking is strongly recommended.
• The noise level can become high when the room is full.
• Some dishes are considered greasy by some customers, particularly beshbarmak and meat dishes in sauce.
• The prices of some dishes (khachapuri, lagman) may seem high compared to the portion sizes.
• The kitchen closes relatively early on some days, particularly on Sundays at 6pm.
• Wait times can be long during peak periods, and some customers report having to wait a long time before being served.

Practical information

To reach Brasserie “Favorite”, the opening hours are as follows: Tuesday to Thursday from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The restaurant is closed on Mondays. The kitchen closes slightly earlier than the dining area. For reservations, please contact the establishment at the following telephone number: +352 28 20 62 06. The official website brasseriefavorite.site also provides further information on takeaway options and events.

The average price per person is moderate for Luxembourg, comparable to other restaurants of similar quality in the capital. Those seeking culinary discoveries will find here a truly exceptional experience within the local gastronomic scene.

Verdict

Brasserie “Favorite” is a true gem for takeaway and dine-in enthusiasts seeking authentic Central Asian and Caucasian flavors. Despite some minor logistical shortcomings due to its small size and growing popularity, this restaurant offers a memorable experience thanks to its authentic cuisine, generous portions, and warm welcome. For anyone looking to explore beyond the typical Luxembourgish culinary scene, this is a must-visit.