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In our new section “KACHEN tests,” we review trending restaurants unannounced. On Thursday, July 25th, our journalist Charel Heinen tried out the new fish and seafood restaurant “RICO” in Luxembourg City and shares his experience.
I love fish and seafood. Whenever I go on vacation by the sea, I research the best seafood restaurants in advance, and from morning to night, my plate is filled with ocean delights.
Unfortunately, Luxembourg is landlocked, so fresh seafood isn’t a daily occurrence, aside from our freshwater trout. Therefore, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that a restaurant focusing solely on seafood had recently opened in the city. The pictures and reviews online looked promising, so “RICO” quickly topped my bucket list.
Last Thursday, I finally had the chance to visit.
Fresh from the Ocean
Booking a table on their website was quick and easy, though it turned out to be unnecessary as the restaurant wasn’t very busy when we arrived around 8:00 PM.
The restaurant is modern and tastefully decorated, with the open kitchen as its centerpiece.
Since it was still pleasantly warm, we chose to sit outside at one of the small tables. While this meant missing the chance to watch the chefs in action, we planned to make up for it on our next visit.
We didn’t have much time to settle in before the waiter invited us to follow him inside to the seafood counter. Here, the evening’s stars were laid out on ice: octopus, calamari, fresh oysters, and mussels, with lobsters still moving—a clear sign of freshness. The fish selection was limited but refined: red mullet, sea bass, sole, and turbot—a true symphony of the sea. The knowledgeable waiter took his time to explain the entire repertoire and the various preparation and combination options, making our choice quite difficult. Payment is by weight, so depending on your budget or hunger, you can select and weigh exactly what you want.
For starters, we finally decided on two raw Carabinero shrimp and two grilled prawns each. For the main course, we chose the grilled turbot in butter sauce.
Quality in Focus
Back at our table, we still needed to choose the right wine. The wine list is concise but well-curated, featuring a few Italian, Spanish, French wines, and even one from California. However, there were no Luxembourgish wines except for a Crémant, which was a bit disappointing. On the waiter’s recommendation, we went with a bottle of Grüner Veltliner from Weingut Bründlmayer, which, with its lightness and subtle acidity, was a perfect match for our meal. Austrian white wines are rare here, so I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy one.
First, we were some served warm baguette with a surprisingly good butter. Soon after came the starters: The raw Carabineros were simply presented, seasoned with olive oil, pepper, and Fleur de Sel, and accompanied by a lemon wedge for personal seasoning. No frills, no unnecessary decoration or sides. Nothing more was needed—the product and its flavor took center stage and convinced us entirely. The grilled prawns were also excellent, marinated with a bit of garlic and enhanced by the charcoal aroma. But the Carabineros clearly stole the show.
Then it was time for the highlight: the grilled turbot, freshly grilled, filleted before our eyes, and served in a delightful butter-lemon sauce. It was accompanied by homemade mashed potatoes and grilled zucchini. Nothing distracted from the main product, instead perfectly complementing it. Simple yet delicious. I repeat myself, but they truly understand what it takes to prepare good seafood here: The product must be fresh, of high quality, and well prepared. Then it doesn’t need much else. That’s the whole secret.
To finish, we were treated to an excellent Limoncello on the house—a thoroughly enjoyable dinner.
Conclusion
It’s safe to say that our capital now has a new hotspot for seafood. RICO is a fantastic addition to the ever-growing and diversifying culinary scene here. Personally, it has already secured a place among my favorite restaurants.
Sitting on the small terrace on a warm summer evening, enjoying the wonderfully fresh dishes with a good glass of wine, can quickly give you holiday feelings. RICO is a restaurant for enthusiasts, but it might not be for everyone. The menu is uncompromisingly focused on fish, with no alternatives. No steak for meat lovers and no vegetarian options. When assembling your group for a visit here, be aware of this. Those who don’t eat fish won’t find anything to their liking. Speaking of costs, also be aware that quality comes at a price. This might not be the best place for a first date if you’re on a tight budget. But for fans of fresh and perfectly prepared seafood who are willing to pay for an excellent meal, it’s an absolute must-visit!
RICO
15 Rue Louvigny
L-1946
Ville-Haute Luxembourg
Header Image: RICO
Images: Charel Heinen