The story
In the heart of Bitburg, the Brauerei-Ausschank “Zum Simonbräu” occupies the original family home of the Bitburger brewery. Founded in 1817, the brewery’s story is intertwined with this house. In 1842, Elisabeth Simon and her husband Ludwig Bertrand established the pub here, and after his early death, Elisabeth continued the tradition. Today, the Foegen family welcomes guests with the same warmth and hospitality that has defined the house for generations.
The kitchen serves modern German cuisine with a clear French influence. The menu is rooted in regional ingredients, presenting dishes that are both refined and grounded. Starters might include a tartare of Simmentaler beef fillet with egg yolk, mustard, and Crème de Bresse, served with a crispy potato rösti. A foie gras terrine with rhubarb, salted caramel, and brioche is a standout recommendation.
Main courses range from a T-bone steak “Johnstone” (ca. 1 kg for two, with Café de Paris butter) to a delicate fillet of skrei poached in olive oil, paired with a potato-smoked purée and black truffle. Duck breast comes with chicory, orange, and chestnut gnocchi; the Eifel pork cordon bleu is served with market vegetables and a Schwarzbier jus. For lighter appetites, there are flammkuchen variations and a children’s menu.
The setting is the original brewery taproom, a space that has been carefully modernized over the years while retaining its convivial character. Several private rooms are available for celebrations, and outdoor seating is offered when the weather permits. The beer list naturally features Bitburger Pils from the tap, alongside Eifelbräu Landbier and a selection of craft bottles.
Zum Simonbräu’s recognition as a Michelin Recommended restaurant reflects its consistent quality and the skill of the kitchen. It is a place where Bitburg’s brewing history and a serious, contemporary German kitchen meet in a genuinely welcoming atmosphere.
Recognition
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