By Marco Antoima – The Culinary Chronicle

Tucked away in the small town of Greenwich, Elsasser’s 111 feels like one of those hidden gems you almost want to keep secret, but it’s simply too good not to share. From the moment you step inside, you’re welcomed by a cozy bar that feels like you’ve just walked into a friend’s home. It’s where locals gather, glasses clinking and conversations flowing, setting the tone before you even sit down to eat.

Step into the dining room and the energy shifts, not fancy, but warm and genuine, with details like wine bottles hanging in the front windows that transport you straight to Germany. It’s rustic, inviting, and grounded in history; you can sense the decades of experience behind every plate and pour.

The soul of this restaurant is Christopher Bischoff, the owner and often your server. A trained sommelier with over 30 years in the restaurant industry, Christopher’s recommendations are always on point, whether it’s a crisp Riesling or a fuller-bodied red to pair with heartier fare. His presence adds to the experience,  attentive and warm without ever hovering.

The Food

The menu is intentionally concise, a reflection of traditional German cuisine, which favors hearty, soulful dishes over endless options. To start, Flammkuchen is a must. This Alsatian-style flatbread, thin and crisp with toppings like caramelized onions, bacon, and crème fraîche, is perfect for sharing and pairs beautifully with a good glass of wine.

Entrees are deeply comforting: pork schnitzel with its golden crust, Cordon Bleu oozing with cheese, tender sauerbraten (wine-braised beef), and of course, brats, each dish rooted in German tradition yet prepared with care and balance. Daily specials often steal the show; they’re creative, seasonal, and frequently served with spätzle, Germany’s beloved egg noodles, soft, slightly chewy, and perfect for soaking up rich sauces.

For salads, expect freshness and thoughtful dressings that complement the heartier mains rather than compete with them.

A Note on Desserts

If I had one personal wish, it would be for a dedicated dessert menu. While the sweet flammkuchen options satisfy a craving, as someone who loves ending meals on a sweet note, a classic German dessert like Black Forest cake or apple strudel would complete the experience. Still, this is more of a personal longing than a critique; the meal itself rarely leaves room for more.

Why It’s Special

Elsasser’s 111 isn’t about showiness, it’s about connection: to food, to history, and to the people around you. It’s the kind of place you find yourself returning to again and again, knowing the food will be delicious, the wine will be thoughtfully chosen, and the welcome will be genuine.

Recommendation: Go with friends, order the Flammkuchen to share, let Christopher guide your wine choice, and don’t skip the specials. 

Thanks for reading, Marco.

Visit Elsasser’s 111