René Fieger

René Fieger cooks alone in a 16-seat restaurant in Strasbourg's Petite France quarter, while his wife Jessica manages the dining room. Fieger's Japanese-French fusion developed during two formative years in Shanghai, where Asian culinary philosophy reshaped his French training. Umami — named for the fifth taste in Japanese cuisine, the savory depth that the restaurant embodies — has held 1 Michelin star since 2009. There is no à la carte; guests choose between a 5-course meat/fish tasting menu or a pre-ordered vegetarian menu. Due to permanent use of soy sauce, the kitchen cannot accommodate gluten, garlic, sesame, or dairy allergies.