La Lorraine (Luxembourg City, Luxembourg)

On the ground floor of a building constructed in 1778, Brasserie La Lorraine combines stone, wood, and velvet to create a sublime atmosphere. An S-curve feature divides the front room, with tables cleverly inserted into both sides of the spine. Designer lighting and a stylized mermaid logo provide extra panache, and New Agey versions of New Wave songs like ABC’s “S.O.S.” provide a luscious background.

I took a seat by the window, making sure I’d get a good view of the marathon runners who would be jogging by later, participating in a race that started at about 7 p.m. and would continue well past midnight. But before that all started, I relished a fantastic dinner.

Try This: While you’re munching on some delicious buttered bread, a sweet and tart cherry lemonade will slake your thirst generated from climbing the hilly older cobblestone streets of the city (or from hiking up from the Lower Town). A large portion of the delectable free-range chicken cordon bleu, with Luxembourg ham and Muenster AOP cream, is a great choice; it’s served with mushrooms on a bed of mashed potatoes, accompanied by a mound of flavorful french fries. For dessert, don’t miss the lemon curd pie with raspberry sauce and a couple of fresh raspberries.