Germany's gastronomic landscape is as diverse as a well-stocked Konditorei. Whether you're craving a hearty helping of Sauerbraten in a cozy Gasthaus, yearning for a late-night Döner Kebab at a bustling Imbiss stand, or seeking an epicurean delight at a Michelin-starred establishment, Germany has you covered.
From the Schnitzel-serving Biergartens of Bavaria to the chic vegan cafes of Berlin, the variety is enough to make even the most decisive diner dither.
Italy's boot seems to kick its way into every city with a plethora of pizza and pasta joints, while American fast food chains dot the autobahns and city centers, offering a familiar taste for the homesick traveler.
So, roll up your sleeves, loosen your Lederhosen, and dive into the smorgasbord of culinary experiences that Deutschland has to offer!
Contents:
Best Restaurants in Düsseldorf
Best Restaurants in Heidelberg
How many Michelin star restaurants Germany?
How much do restaurants charge in Germany?
What time do restuarants close in Germany?
Are there many Italian restaurants in Germany? What are they like?
Popular Restaurants Germany
Germany has a diverse food culture, with a variety of popular restaurants spread across its many cities. These are some popular and highly-rated restaurants you might want to check out:
- Tim Raue (Berlin): Owned by Chef Tim Raue, this two-Michelin-starred restaurant offers Asian-inspired cuisine with a unique twist.
- Vendôme (Bergisch Gladbach, near Cologne): Headed by Chef Joachim Wissler, this three-Michelin-starred restaurant is located in the Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg and is known for its innovative German cuisine.
- Restaurant Bareiss (Baiersbronn): A three-Michelin-starred restaurant in the Black Forest, Restaurant Bareiss is famous for its traditional yet innovative cuisine.
- Atelier (Munich): Located in the Bayerischer Hof Hotel, this restaurant was awarded three Michelin stars for its creative and modern cuisine.
- Aqua (Wolfsburg): This three-Michelin-starred restaurant in the Ritz-Carlton Wolfsburg serves modern European cuisine with a focus on high-quality ingredients and presentation.
- The Table Kevin Fehling (Hamburg): This restaurant holds three Michelin stars and offers an intimate dining experience with a unique, curved counter design.
- Schwarzwaldstube (Baiersbronn): Located in the Hotel Traube Tonbach, this was one of the top culinary addresses in Germany, known for its traditional French cuisine.
- Rutz (Berlin): Known for its innovative approach to cuisine and a wine list with over 800 options, Rutz holds three Michelin stars.
Best Restaurants in Berlin:
- Tim Raue: Two Michelin stars, Asian-fusion cuisine.
- Facil: Two Michelin stars, contemporary international cuisine.
- Rutz: Three Michelin stars, innovative cuisine with an impressive wine list.
- Restaurant Bieberbau: One Michelin star, offering German cuisine with a modern twist.
- CODA Dessert Dining: One Michelin star, unique restaurant focusing on dessert-based menus.
Best Restaurants in Munich:
- Atelier: Three Michelin stars, creative and modern cuisine in the Bayerischer Hof Hotel.
- Tantris: Two Michelin stars, one of Germany's most famous gourmet restaurants with French and International cuisine.
- Schwarzreiter Tagesbar & Restaurant: One Michelin star, modern Bavarian cuisine.
- EssZimmer: Two Michelin stars, modern European cuisine located in the BMW Welt.
- Werneckhof by Geisel: Two Michelin stars, offers a fusion of European and Asian cuisine.
Best Restaurants in Hamburg:
- The Table Kevin Fehling: Three Michelin stars, innovative European cuisine.
- Jacobs Restaurant: Two Michelin stars, fine dining with views of the Elbe.
- Haerlin: Two Michelin stars, contemporary French and international cuisine.
- Restaurant 100/200: One Michelin star, focusing on local ingredients in a tasting menu format.
- Piment: One Michelin star, offering a blend of French and Moroccan cuisine.
Best Restaurants in Cologne:
- Vendôme: Three Michelin stars, located in Bergisch Gladbach near Cologne, offering innovative German cuisine.
- Le Moissonnier: Two Michelin stars, French cuisine.
- Ox & Klee: Two Michelin stars, modern European cuisine in Rheinauhafen.
- Taku: One Michelin star, East Asian cuisine in the Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
- Hanse Stube: Renowned for French and Rheinland specialities, located in Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Best Restaurants in Düsseldorf:
- Im Schiffchen: One Michelin star, classic French cuisine.
- Nagaya: One Michelin star, Japanese cuisine.
- Berens am Kai: Michelin-listed, modern European cuisine.
- Tafelspitz 1876: Offers Austrian and German cuisine, known for its eponymous tafelspitz dish.
- Agata's: Michelin-listed restaurant with a fusion of German and Mediterranean cuisine.
Best Restaurants in Frankfurt:
- Restaurant Lafleur: Two Michelin stars, French and German cuisine.
- Seven Swans: One Michelin star, gourmet vegan restaurant.
- Zarges: Michelin-listed, French-Mediterranean cuisine.
- Gustav: One Michelin star, focusing on regional ingredients and cuisine.
- Weinsinn: One Michelin star, innovative dishes with a selection of more than 400 wines.
Best Restaurants in Stuttgart:
- Restaurant Christophorus: One Michelin star, Mediterranean cuisine.
- Speisemeisterei: One Michelin star, modern European cuisine.
- Restaurant Top Air: One Michelin star, international cuisine in Stuttgart Airport.
- Délice: One Michelin star, French-inspired cuisine with regional ingredients.
- Zirbelstube: One Michelin star, Swabian and French cuisine in the Althoff Hotel am Schlossgarten.
Best Restaurants in Heidelberg:
- Le Gourmet: One Michelin star, located in Hotel Die Hirschgasse, offering French and international cuisine.
- Scharffs Schlossweinstube: One Michelin star, regional cuisine with French influence.
- Restaurant Goldener Pflug: Michelin-listed, German cuisine.
- Schnitzelbank: A local favorite, known for its German cuisine and, particularly, schnitzel.
- Backmulde: Historical restaurant offering regional and seasonal dishes.
German Restaurants in Berlin:
Berlin is a culinary hotspot with a wide variety of dining options. If you're looking for traditional German cuisine, here are a few top picks:
- Max und Moritz: A Berlin institution since 1902, this restaurant in Kreuzberg serves hearty traditional German fare. Expect to find dishes such as Eisbein (pork knuckle), Sauerbraten (pot roast, usually of beef), and a variety of Wurst (sausages).
- Zur letzten Instanz: Dating back to 1621, this is one of Berlin's oldest restaurants. Famous patrons include Napoleon and Beethoven. The menu features classic German dishes like Königsberger Klopse (meatballs in caper sauce), and Berliner Eisbein (cured pork knuckle).
- Aigner: Located in the historic Gendarmenmarkt square, Aigner serves a mix of Viennese and Berlin cuisine. You'll find dishes like Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz (boiled beef in broth), and Berliner Currywurst.
- Lutter & Wegner: Founded in 1811, this restaurant offers traditional German and Austrian dishes, including Sauerbraten, Wiener Schnitzel, and a variety of seafood dishes. It's also known for its extensive wine list.
- Die Henne: Legendary for its crispy, golden, Berlin-style fried chicken, Die Henne is a must-visit in the Kreuzberg neighborhood. Its old-world charm and limited menu — the fried chicken is the star — provide a unique dining experience.
- Dressler: This elegant restaurant on Kurfürstendamm is a great place for people-watching and classic German fare, including a variety of schnitzels and Flammkuchen, a type of German thin-crust pizza.
How many Michelin star restaurants are there in Germany?
As of 2023, there are 334 restuarants in Germany with Michelin stars, which is a record high for Germany. 8 restaurants received a second star, and 34 received a first star. All current 3-star restaurants kept their 3 stars, while one 2 star was attained the covetet 3 star. Germany has the 4th highest amount of restaurants with Michelin stars, behind France, Japan and Italy respectively.
How much do restuarants charge in Germany?
The cost of eating out in Germany can vary greatly depending on the type of restaurant and its location. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant might cost between 10 to 15 euros per person. A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant might cost around 40 to 70 euros. In a high-end restaurant, the cost could be significantly higher, especially for multi-course tasting menus. Please note that it's customary in Germany to tip servers, typically around 10% of the bill.
What time do restuarants close in Germany?
The closing times of restaurants in Germany can vary depending on the location and the day of the week. However, many restaurants typically open for lunch around 11:30 AM or 12 PM and close in the afternoon around 2 or 3 PM. They then reopen for dinner around 6 PM. Closing times can range from 9 PM to 11 PM for many restaurants, but some stay open later, especially on weekends or in larger cities. It's always a good idea to check the specific hours of operation for a restaurant you're planning to visit.
Are there many Italian restaurants in Germany? What are they like?
Yes, Italian cuisine is incredibly popular in Germany, and you can find Italian restaurants in virtually every city and town, ranging from small pizzerias and trattorias to high-end dining establishments.
Italian restaurants in Germany typically offer a range of traditional Italian dishes, including various types of pasta, pizza, risotto, and seafood. Many also have a selection of Italian wines. Here's a bit more detail:
- Pizzerias: There are many pizzerias offering a wide range of pizzas, from the classic Margherita to more elaborate and creative options. You'll find both Neapolitan-style (thick and doughy) and Roman-style (thin and crispy) pizzas in Germany.
- Trattorias and Osterias: These are casual dining restaurants serving traditional Italian food. The menu usually includes a variety of pastas, meat dishes, and sometimes seafood, depending on the region of Italy the cuisine is based on.
- Ristorantes: These are more formal Italian restaurants, often serving multi-course meals and a wider range of dishes from across Italy. You'll find more sophisticated and sometimes creative interpretations of Italian dishes in these establishments.
- Italian Bakeries and Gelaterias: Italian food isn't just about pizza and pasta. There are many Italian bakeries selling traditional Italian breads and pastries. And don't forget the gelaterias, where you can enjoy authentic Italian ice cream.
Despite the wide availability of Italian food, there can be variations in authenticity. Some restaurants offer truly traditional Italian dishes, while others may adapt the dishes to local German tastes. Some Italian restaurants are run by Italian families or chefs who have brought their regional recipes with them, while others are German-run but inspired by Italian cuisine.
As always, the quality, price, and atmosphere can vary from one place to another, so it's a good idea to check reviews or get recommendations when choosing an Italian restaurant in Germany.
That is it for our guide on restaurants in Germany. There is so much great food to explore in Germany. Guten Appetit!
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