In the heart of Mamer, a striking golden building has found new life as Wëllebau. Opened on 9 September 2025 by three friends, it is more than just a brasserie: it is a place where guests are greeted in Luxembourgish, traditional dishes are reimagined with a modern flair, and the motto “Komm als Gascht, gei als Frënd” [Come as a guest, leave as a friend] sets the tone for every visit.
From Idea to Reality
The founders — Eric, David, and Gilles — bring diverse backgrounds together. David is a trained chef with experience in Michelin-starred kitchens. Gilles managed restaurants before moving into HR. Eric, though new to gastronomy, had long wanted to work with people in a more personal way. The three crossed paths professionally and soon discovered they shared a common vision: to create a warm, welcoming brasserie accessible to all.
The project found its home in a landmark: a building developed by the Mamer municipality and designed by architect Jim Clemes. The golden façade now shines in the town centre, divided into two spaces — the main restaurant and the Event Hall, which is already in high demand. The municipality helped them navigate the administrative hurdles and meet their ambitious opening date, something the founders remain very grateful for.
A Tribute to Mamer’s History
Wëllebau is more than a restaurant; it is a nod to Mamer’s cultural heritage. The name comes from the local music association Harmonie Mamer. Farmers who played music were once teased as “Déi Wëll ginn an hirem Bau Musek maachen” — “The wild ones are making music in their den” — and from that phrase, the name Wëllebau was born.
Inside, the design honours both music and conviviality. Black chairs with red legs echo the golden exterior’s boldness, while piano-like wall patterns and vintage instruments recall the building’s past. The founders’ wives added softer touches to make the space warm and welcoming. Photographs of Luxembourgish sporting legends keep the building tied to its local roots.
Seasonal Cuisine with a Twist
At Wëllebau, the kitchen works with local and seasonal products. The menu changes monthly. October celebrated pumpkin, while November will highlight venison. Some early favourites already stand out: Vitello tonnato, prepared like roast beef for a tender, medium finish; and the classic Bouchée à la Reine, with puff pastry baked in-house and mushrooms picked by hand. Even desserts get playful, such as a lemon crème brûlée served in the fruit’s peel.
Affordability is central to the concept: dishes start at around €20, and a daily special (plat du jour) is offered during the week for €17.50. As the founders put it: “The idea is simple: good food and a welcoming atmosphere should be accessible to everyone in the municipality, not only to fine-dining circles.”
Sustainability is another cornerstone. The team strives to use every part of each product, limit waste, and source as much as possible from Luxembourg. All white wines come directly from local vintners. They have already collaborated with a local social initiative centred around a garden project involving people with special needs, and they hope to renew this kind of partnership through similar initiatives in the future.
Hospitality & Community
What truly sets Wëllebau apart is not only its food, but its philosophy. Every team member is a trained professional, and every guest is welcomed in Luxembourgish — a rarity near the capital. Older visitors in particular are delighted to converse in their native language, while all guests feel the warmth of being treated like friends rather than strangers.
The founders also hope to pass this spirit on to the next generation, with plans to create apprenticeship opportunities for local students.
Just weeks after opening, Wëllebau is already attracting regulars. The Event Hall is busy with upcoming events, and the founders are planning themed soirées to engage the community.
They remain clear about their identity: “People tell us the food and service are of a higher standard than one might expect from a brasserie. But we chose this format deliberately. Brasseries are about conviviality, warmth and people. We are not a brasserie, we are not a restaurant — Mir sinn einfach mir! [We are just us!].”
A Living Landmark
With its golden exterior, music-inspired design, and inventive brasserie menu, Wëllebau has quickly become a new landmark in Mamer. Guests come for the food, return for the atmosphere, and leave with a sense of belonging. In the words of its founders: “Komm als Gascht, gei als Frënd.”
