Savour traditional Bavarian fare, Michelin-starred eats, street food and all the rest at the best restaurants in Germany
When visiting Germany, don’t forget your appetite. They don’t skimp on the portions here, and the best restaurants in Germany are tailor-made for hungry visitors with plenty of time on their hands. Germany is a country in tune with its past, present and future, meaning you can find as much traditional grub as you can flavourful dishes from the many people who have settled here in the past, well, centuries. German food has always been diverse, but it has never been more so than it is today. Or tomorrow, but you get the point.
From Hamburg to Munich via Berlin, Frankfurt and all the rest, these are the restaurants in Germany that you need to check out in 2023. Delicious, extravagant, homely and filling; you’re in for a treat. A treat that fills the entire plate, to say the least.
Franconia, Bavaria
Home-slaughtering might not sound very appealing, but for Zum Goldenen Ochsen, the restaurant at the Winkler family’s guesthouse, it is the main attraction. This inn in the Franconian countryside is worth a trip to take in the rich nature, Southern German hospitality and the hearty leberknödelsuppe (liver dumpling soup). A paradise for carnivores and their vegetarian friends.
Berlin
With no sign, curtains across the windows and only eight seats, ernst in Berlin-Wedding might seem a little unwelcoming at first; however once inside the experience is anything but. Guests gather at a wooden counter overlooking the kitchen and interact with the mesmerizing creative team – including highly acclaimed young chef Dylan Watson-Brawn – preparing their dinner.
Leipzig
Despite its name – which translates to ‘emperor pool’ – Kaiserbad is not just an old pool, but an old iron foundry. Lovingly restored and filled with stylish furniture, the kitchen here serves a weekly changing menu inspired by the season and its produce. Make sure to explore the Baumwollspinnerei arts centre down the road.
Münstertal
In the same family for six generations, this female-led hotel and restaurant in the Black Forest serves comforting regional fare combined with Asian flavors. Think steamed wild boar dim sum or crispy veal with kimchi and miso mayonnaise. Their dining rooms, with traditional tiled ovens and wood-paneled walls, transport you to another time.
Frankfurt
We’re well past vegetarianism simply meaning over-cooked tofu burgers. Seven Swans elevates the vegetarian diet to an art form. Using ingredients from their own permaculture farm, the kitchen team creates knockout dishes in tune with the seasons. Best coupled with a drink before and after dinner at the bar Tiny Cup downstairs.
Berlin
After impressive stints aboard, including at Noma’s pop-up in Mexico, celebrated chef Vadim Otto Ursus has returned to his old neighborhood with a place of his own. Offering German-inspired cuisine, the dishes are simple but pack a punch thanks to subtle twists and a spot of fermentation. Every visit should start with their bread and pickles.
Düsseldorf
Home to Germany’s largest Japanese community, Düsseldorf is the place to come to for sensational sashimi, sushi and sake. While the choice of restaurants here can feel overwhelming, Nagaya stands out with its stunning presentation, Michelin star and… the final bill. If fully booked, try sister restaurant Yoshi by Nagaya.
Hamburg
Once an old sailors’ bar, Haco is now one of the Hamburg’s most exciting restaurants. Nordic cuisine, combined with Hamburg’s rugged hospitality, makes for an explosive mix. Head chef Björn Juhnke has worked in some of the world’s best kitchens and uses his experience to create unforgettable dishes. Definitely order the dessert.
Neustrelitz
This renovated farmhouse surrounded by woodland in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern attracts people from far and wide with its rustic flair, elegant food and comfortable accommodation. Another chef to return to his roots after working in top kitchens around the world, Wenzel Pankratz now finds inspiration from the produce grown by his family site.
Cologne
NeoBiota is usually known as a fine-dining hotspot with a wine selection focusing on Georgia, Hungary and Bulgaria, but during the day, the owners offer an interesting and exceptional breakfast until 3pm. The perfect place to take a date the morning after or to nurse the kölsch hangover.
Hamburg
A local institution, the leaning Oberhafen-Kantine (shifted due to floods) is located next to a rattling railway bridge in Hamburg’s HafenCity district. The cheap and cheerful joint is great for a quick bite and dishes designed to line the stomach. Start with Labskaus, a mix of potatoes, pickles, mincemeat, egg, beetroot and herrings.
Frankfurt
While MUKU’s low-key exterior might not grab you from the outside, its perfectly balanced bowls of ramen will soon have you hooked. Known well beyond the neighborhood of Sachsenhausen, the chefs working in the steam-filled kitchen have mastered everything on the menu. Come for the soup, but try all the appetizers too.
Heringsdorf
Few eateries are as cute as Uwe's Fischerhütte. From the outside, it's a tiny shack by the sea, but inside it's like a cosy old pub, albeit one with a fish counter. There are a few tables inside this family-run restaurant (which has been in the Krüger family since 1830) and more outside, or you could pop in to take fresh fish home with you.
Sylt
Söl’ring Hof is a five-star hotel with a top restaurant to boot. Perched on rugged sand dunes on the popular island of Sylt, the large white house with a thatched roof wins on setting alone. The nail on the head is the selection of local fish, including Sylter Royal – Germany’s only oyster.
Binz
A little space right next to internationally renowned Freustil, serves small dishes, good drinks, and a daily changing ‘captain’s dinner’ in three courses for a very reasonable price. The wine selection is small but packs a punch. For special occasions, book a table at big sister Freustil for product-focused high-end dining.
Berlin
Ex-model Dalad Kambhu heads a gourmet temple known for its unique approach to regional dishes, combining the taste of Thailand with seasonal ingredients from Berlin and Brandenburg. Papayas make room for kohlrabi, endives for betel leaves. The confit octopus is a dish you’ll be dreaming about for a long time.
Berlin
The final shoutout for the capital goes to a zero-waste vegan restaurant in Mitte. The first of its kind in Germany, the concept doesn’t overshadow the food. Guests can feast on exciting dishes featuring coffee-glazed eggplant and zucchini tempura, knowing that any leftovers will be gobbled up by the restaurant’s in-house composter “Gersi”.
Leipzig
This restaurant’s old façade and intriguing name let you know that it has a story to tell. Built in the nineteenth century, the building was a neighborhood chemist from the 1930s until the late 1990s. Now attracting a different set of loyal customers, regulars come for candlelit tables, European cuisine and good wine.
Leipzig
Relive the Roaring Twenties in this art déco café in the heart of Leipzig. Café Grundmann has seen its fair share of debauchery, destruction, and deviant behaviour in its long history. Founded in 1919, the café was known as an artist hangout and a haven for critic folk. Try the Austrian veal schnitzel with warm potato salad and check the website for live jazz evenings.
Bad Hindelang
This 500-year-old farm in the heart of the Allgäu region comes with an organic cheese shop, simple accommodation and a cozy restaurant in an old mill. Arrive hungry and sample some of the best food the area has to offer. A good starting point is the Alpine Trilogy with cheese dumplings, Käsespätzle and Maultaschen.
Hamburg
Salt & Silver is actually not one, but two eateries: a street food bar and a restaurant with a family-dinner vibe and experimental Mexican-inspired cuisine. The founders are usually busy travelling the world, hunting for new dishes to serve. The fiery tacos are a must and adventurous eaters should try the crispy fried locusts.
Hamburg
With exposed brick and industrial pipes, this converted space in a former freight station is a market and restaurant in one. The structure stood empty for years until a number of artists and later top chef Thomas Sampl saw its potential. Diners sit alongside wooden shelves packed with goods from over 200 local producers.
Berlin
Germany’s first and best street food market continues to bring Berlin’s diversity to your taste buds. A few years ago Markthalle Neun was a dilapidated covered market ready for demolition. A neighbourhood initiative saved and restored it, enabling the market to now house some of the best butchers and bakers in town.
Frankfurt
Club Michel is Frankfurt best/worst-kept secret: founded by club owner and DJ Ata Macias, the restaurant has no fixed menu but offers something totally different every week. One week they might invite a celebrity chef from Israel, the next might be Japanese-themed. Deliciousness is always guaranteed.
Stuttgart
The question of where to try the best kebab in Germany has no clear answer, but with a cult following, long queues and a regular spot at the top of many rankings, Alaturka in Stuttgart is a strong contender. Opt for the spicy sauce and grab a soothing homemade Aryan for the road.
Cologne
Julia Wallstab and Iga Raczka worked in cafés and restaurants all over Cologne before opening Wallczka together. This little bolthole in hip Ehrenfeld serves fantastic breakfasts to share and a unique take on mezze, all in a stunning interior. Even the trip to the loo turns into an artistic experience.
Neustrelitz
On a rebuilt old farm, Forsthaus Strelitz is a family affair. Son Wenzel Pankratz cooked in some of the best kitchens in Europe but decided to rather take over his family’s farm and pursue his own vision. His father grows whatever is needed, his son uses whatever is growing in his inventive and outstanding menus. Make it a trip and stay in their cosy rooms overnight.
Frankfurt
This relaxed bistro in Frankfurt describes itself as a well-known insider tip. Tucked away in a quiet alley, those in the know come here for a set menu of veggie-heavy grub and excellent local wines. A pairing menu is available in the evening.
Hamburg
Translating as ‘heroes’ place’, Heldenplatz clearly thinks a lot of its customers. And why not? Hamburgers are a great bunch after all. Rub shoulders with the best of them at this French-inspired joint, where you can dine on white wine risotto and veal fillet. Plus, they're open until midnight, making for a great alternative to the kebab.
Nuremberg
One of the original sausage houses in the old town of Nuremberg, the smoky Bratwursthäusle dates back to the 1300s. Made onsite, the sausages come in combinations of six, eight, ten or twelve, and arrive on a tin plate with a selection of sides. This spot popular with locals and tourists alike.
Munich
Don’t queue with tourists to be herded through the Hofbräuhaus. Head straight to Spezlwirtschaft, where industrial chic meets centuries-old architecture (the building is said to be about 800 years old). Here traditional Bavarian fare is paired with smashing drinks. Turns out doughy spinach dumplings go well with a Sazerac, who knew?
Munich
A bastion of Munich’s culinary scene, this foodie favorite is worth more than one visit. Thanks to strong relationships with producers in Austria and Germany, the menu changes daily to showcase the best of Bavaria and beyond. Keep an eye out for cheese from award-winning affineurs jamei Laibspeis.
Dresden
While it’s unclear where currywurst was invented (Berlin even dedicates a museum to the humble snack), Dresden takes the lead when it comes to taste. Curry & Co offers pork, beef, and vegan sausages, as well as six different sauces to top them with. Try the non-traditional honey-mustard sauce.
Dresden
The crumbling walls of this old house in Dresden’s Neustadt remind us that we are in former East Germany, while simultaneously disguising an attractive restaurant and backyard beyond. This hidden gem serves pelmeni, borscht and other light bites, best enjoyed in the garden on a warm summer’s evening.
Heringsdorf
The woods, the sea, the beaches, and nude Germans – the Baltic sea has plenty to offer. Inspired by its environment, the kitchen team of O’ne in Heringsdorf manages to give old favourites a fresh and new twist. Try the königsberger klopse, beef dumplings with caper sauce and beetroot.
Baiersbronn
And finally, it would feel wrong to write about Germany’s best restaurants without touching upon the municipality renowned for its high concentration of world-class chefs. At the top of the food chain is three-star hotel restaurant Bareiss, with crisp white table cloths, haute cuisine and an upholstery heavy interior. Dress smart.
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