A more intimate atmosphere, a menu full of surprises, and plenty of ambitious projects: welcome to the new semi-gastronomic hotspot of the South!
“Chez Franco” at the “Belvédère” had become a must-visit for local food lovers over the years. While the venue, tucked away in nature on the edge of Gaalgebierg Park, added to its charm, it was the heartfelt Italian cuisine that truly made it a success. However, with Franco now retired, it was time to find a worthy successor for this charming establishment perched above Esch-sur-Alzette.
Enter Boho, launched at the end of October: Guy Gardula and Karim Nezreg took up the mantle, bringing fresh ideas to this serene spot. Inside, it seats around 46 guests, with a seemingly endless terrace in good weather (“around 150 seats”), shaded by magnificent intertwined plane trees.
“I Grew Up Here”
Guy Gardula had long dreamed of taking over this place. “I grew up here, in Esch. When I was a child, this was the tennis club’s café. My grandmother and I would often visit the nearby animal park, and on our way back down, we’d stop here for a drink or a crêpe…” So, in 2017, when he learned the venue was available, he considered it seriously. “Unfortunately, I didn’t know my chef, Karim Nezreg, back then!” Instead, Il Belvedere, under Franco Tiese’s leadership, operated here for a few more years.
Thus, when word spread of the Italian chef’s departure, it felt natural for Gardula and Nezreg to take up the project. “At the time, we were both working at Kesselbetrieb in Differdange,” the partners explain. “But it wasn’t working out there — the space was fantastic but too large, and the 1525 area didn’t have enough foot traffic to support another restaurant. Plus, parking costs were exorbitant…”
Now, Karim Nezreg has been heading Boho’s kitchen since 21 October 2024. With experience from the Golf Kikuoka Hotel restaurant, Nezreg joins Gardula, a steel construction entrepreneur, for this new culinary adventure.
Boho for “Bohemian”
“Boho is short for Bohemian,” the pair explain. It’s an easy name to remember and sounds the same in all languages. “Bohemian reflects the vibe we’re going for — in the decor as well as the menu,” says Chef Nezreg. “I’ve travelled a lot and learned from these journeys, so I’m just as comfortable preparing a classic bouchée à la reine with sweetbreads, quenelles, and fresh mushrooms as I am with roasted octopus, creamy polenta with cranberries, and venison jus,” he shares enthusiastically.
Expect to pay between €16 and €23 for a starter, around €30 for a main, and between €9 and €12 for dessert. Children’s meals are priced at €15.
Focusing on Local and Sustainable
“We prioritise local, regional, and very short supply chains: for example, our fruit and vegetables come from Dan Escher Gemeisgaart, the organic gardens of Esch City, just a few metres from here. Our meat is sourced from Cobolux (formerly the ‘Luxembourg Eastern Butchers’ Cooperative’), and we offer a selection of fine Luxembourgish wines, including bottles from Bob Molling,” explains Gardula.
photos Boho
Although Boho has only just opened, several projects are already in the pipeline: “We’re keen to fire up the outdoor oven and serve delicious grilled dishes. The idea is to keep the grill running all year and offer lobster, octopus, quality meats — grilled even in winter.”
For now, the team, consisting of (from left to right in the photo) Tino, Karim, Eva, Guy, Matteo, and Bernard, will welcome guests Monday through Sunday, except Tuesday and Sunday evenings, with no service on Wednesdays. Last orders are at 8:45 pm.
Boho
52, rue du Stade
L-4325 Esch-sur-Alzette
bohorestaurant.lu
