Germany's 39 best restaurants from fast food to fine dining

Germany's gourmet gems

Boasting more than 300 Michelin-starred restaurants and a rich culinary landscape that seamlessly blends tradition and innovation, Germany has an enviable food scene. Here, we’ve hunted down the best restaurants in every German state, from Berlin to the Bavarian Alps – and from fine dining spots to lively beer halls.

Read on to discover Germany’s greatest restaurants in every state, counting down to the best of all. 

Our selections and ranking are based on genuine user reviews, awards and accolades, and the first-hand experience of our well-travelled (and well-fed) team. The list is unavoidably subjective.

39. Saxony: Kaiserbad, Leipzig

Kaiserbad is housed inside an unassuming building that was once an iron foundry but is now a stylish restaurant with a seasonal menu. Time Out magazine named the eatery one of the best places for food and drink in Germany, with options available from breakfast through to dinner. In the warmer months, you can enjoy the view from the sunny terrace, too.

38. Bavaria: Pizza Zulu, Fürth

Germany boasts so many excellent pizzerias it’s impossible to choose the finest, but this beloved neighbourhood spot in Fürth is hard to beat. What’s more, the 2024 edition of the 50 Top Pizza list named it the best in all of Germany, ranking it 34th in the entire world. Pizza Zulu is a simple and relaxed affair, specialising in wood-fired artisan pizzas that are cooked to absolute perfection and topped with the finest meats and cheeses. Regulars recommend the signature Zulu Special, featuring spicy sausage, fresh basil and house-made tomato sauce.

37. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: Forsthaus Strelitz, Neustrelitz

If you’re seeking rustic charm instead of fancy fine dining, Forsthaus Strelitz is likely the perfect place. Chef Wenzel Pankratz has taken his experience working in the best kitchens in Berlin and brought it to a renovated farmhouse in the countryside. The food – cooked over a wood-fired stove – is incredible, and there’s even accommodation for those looking for an idyllic foodie getaway.

36. Hamburg: Witwenball, Hamburg

The stylish spot in the alternative neighbourhood of Eimsbüttel was first opened in 1922 as a dancing bar and was a must-visit during Germany’s Roaring Twenties. Over the years Witwenball went out of style, but it was revived in 2013 as a restaurant and wine bar, known for its chic interiors and inventive menu. The extensive wine list focuses on organic German wines, paired with dishes like pea panna cotta, gnocchi with artichoke, and, on Sundays, wiener schnitzel. Desserts like the signature rosemary creme brûlée are also excellent.

35. Bavaria: Hirschgarten Biergarten, Munich

Munich is world famous for its beer garden culture, and Hirschgarten – which has been around since 1840 – is one of the best of all. Located in a beautiful spot on the edge of a park, it can seat a whopping 8,000 people. As you'd expect the beer served is top quality, sourced from historic Löwenbräu brewery, and the food is hearty, including Bavarian pork roasts, schnitzel and all kinds of traditional sausages. There's always live music, and in good weather the fresh steckerlfisch (fish grilled on a stick) is a big draw.

34. Bremen: Bremer Ratskeller, Bremen

North German classics such as labskaus (salted minced beef, onion and potatoes mixed with beetroot) and knipp (a sausage made by mixing meat with grains) are served in style at Bremer Ratskeller, one of Germany's oldest wine cellars that dates back to 1405. The setting – inside the rustic but imposing vaults under Bremen’s UNESCO World Heritage town hall – is always impressive. The restaurant is also renowned for its extensive selection of German wines, cosy atmosphere and special dinners themed around topics as diverse as ABBA or even cabbage.

33. Berlin: Otto, Berlin

Otto prides itself on being a 'small and lively neighbourhood restaurant’ – and Michelin certainly agrees. The prestigious guide praised the restaurant's atmosphere and locally sourced food, which is given a fresh Nordic touch. Order small plates for the table and delight in ingredients often supplied by the restaurant’s garden or local artisanal producers. Highlights include pheasant rillettes with sourdough bread, and plum cake with black walnuts.

32. North Rhine-Westphalia: Adana Et, Cologne

Whether you like it made with chicken or lamb, with or without spice, the döner kebab is a German obsession. There are countless restaurants and snack bars offering this iconic fast food but where can you find the best of all? According to more than 110,000 users of food delivery company Lieferando, the winner is Adana Et in Cologne, which specialises in traditional Anatolian dishes and chargrilled meats. In addition to its excellent kebabs, the spot also serves soups, salads and grilled fish dishes.

31. Bavaria: Gasthaus Obere Mühle, Bad Hindelang

Gasthaus Obere Mühle has everything you could ever want from a restaurant and guest house. The welcoming destination is nestled inside a 500-year-old farmhouse located amongst the mountains in Allgäu, and there’s even a cheese shop, to boot. Guests will be spoilt for choice with a menu offering local delicacies such as wild game, fresh fish and artisan cheese.

30. Baden-Württemberg: Mauganeschtle , Tübingen

It's a steep climb to this restaurant perched directly below Hohentübingen Castle in the heart of Tübingen's old town, but the Swabian-Alemannic cuisine is worth every step. The house specialty is maultaschen, dumplings with fillings such as lamb, trout, salmon, porcini mushroom and veal, and you’ll also find local classics such as Allgäu cheese spätzle. Vegetarians are also well catered for with dishes like lentil dumplings and fresh chanterelles in a creamy herb sauce. The spot is always extremely popular so make sure you book a table.

29. Hamburg: Oberhafen-Kantine, Hamburg

Oberhafen-Kantine isn't a lot to look at from the outside. The small building is right next to a busy railway line, and the structure itself is leaning to one side thanks to local flooding. But the restaurant inside is another matter altogether. Its hearty dishes have earned it a solid reputation, with Time Out magazine recommending the labskaus, a traditional German meal featuring potatoes, corned beef, pickles, egg, beetroot and herrings.

28. Berlin: Konnopke's Imbiss, Berlin

Currywurst is one of Germany’s most popular street foods but it’s a particular obsession in Berlin, the birthplace of the delicacy. To make it, a pork sausage is boiled, fried, sliced and then slathered in curry powder, ketchup and spices. Berliners will all have their favourite spot, but it’s hard to beat Konnopke's Imbiss, a simple stand under the U-Bahn tracks in Prenzlauer Berg that has been perfecting the dish since 1930.

27. North Rhine-Westphalia: Sylt am Bült, Münster

Hidden inside Münster’s Old Fish Market, Sylt am Bült is a friendly and casual restaurant serving up some of the best seafood in the region. The menu includes classics such as fresh oysters and lobster soup as well as sea bass with artichokes or seaweed salad. The fish platter for two comes highly recommended and look out for the ever-changing daily specials.

26. Bremen: Das Kleine Lokal, Bremen

Das Kleine Lokal literally translates as ‘the small restaurant’ and this destination spot is certainly an intimate affair with just 34 seats, though the sunny terrace awaits during the warmer months. The experimental menu features dishes that look as good as they taste. It changes with the seasons, but you might find creations such as pikeperch with aubergine and white bean purée or Oldenburg duck breast with a cider-ginger jus and cabbage. The wine list is also second to none.

25. Berlin: Goldies, Berlin

Located in Berlin’s vibrant Kreuzberg district, Goldies redefines fast food with its gourmet smash burgers and French fries loaded with everything from Korean barbecue to truffle Parmesan. Burgerdudes – a burger review site considered by some to be the Michelin guide of burgers – even ranked the place as the 25th best burger spot in the whole world. The menu is short but sweet, featuring the joint's signature smashed patties topped with house-made sauces, American cheese and pickles. Goldies now has four locations in Berlin and one in Frankfurt.

24. Hesse: Zum Lahmen Esel, Frankfurt

Frankfurt is famous for three delicacies: apple wine, Frankfurter sausages and green sauce, made with seven different herbs and traditionally served with potatoes and boiled eggs. Every year, restaurateurs from the region compete at a festival for the title of Frankfurt's best green sauce – and for 2024 the winner was Zum Lahmen Esel in the Niederursel part of the city. One of the oldest and largest cider taverns in Frankfurt, the restaurant’s menu features hearty fare such as homemade soups, schnitzel, roast pork knuckle and beef liver.

23. Berlin: Schnitzelei Mitte, Berlin

After eleven years of running his much-loved wiener schnitzel spot Schnitzelei in Berlin’s Charlottenburg, chef Stefan Schneck opened a second branch in Mitte, which quickly won a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award in 2024. Working creatively with classic dishes is still the main theme, so alongside the traditional schnitzel you’ll also find a vegan oyster mushroom schnitzel, a fish version and all kinds of tasty German tapas dishes. Regulars also praise the smart design and cosy atmosphere.

22. Thuringia: Weinrestaurant Turmschänke, Eisenach

This rustic yet elegant restaurant inside Eisenach's Nicolai Tower is known for its charming interior, featuring paintings and original furniture dating from 1912. Here you’ll find regional dishes cooked with seasonal ingredients, like local catfish, Thuringian onion soup, crispy breast of guinea fowl and barbecued meats. Turmschänke holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand and is considered one of the city’s top restaurants for special occasions.

21. Hamburg: HYGGE, Hamburg

As you might guess from the name (hygge is the Danish term for a feeling of comfortable conviviality), this trendy timber-framed restaurant is the perfect spot for a cosy dinner. At the centre of everything is a roaring open hearth, and the menu is packed with hearty seasonal dishes – many of which are made with ingredients grown on HYGGE’s own farm. Highlights include white wine risotto with mountain cheese, marinated mackerel and juicy roast duck, served with apple compote and mashed potatoes.

20. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: Gutshaus Stolpe, Stolpe bei Anklam

How far would you travel for an outstanding meal? In the case of this remote restaurant, located inside an old manor house at the gates of Usedom Island, the food is well worth the journey. Gutshaus Stolpe is one of the Baltic Sea’s must-visit destination hotels, and its restaurant has held a Michelin star for over 20 years for its classical French cuisine. Fresh, regional and seasonal is the ethos here – expect game caught on the estate, and dishes made with the hotel’s own honey.

19. Saxony-Anhalt: Speiseberg, Halle

This Michelin-starred restaurant combines contemporary culinary techniques with regional ingredients, delivering refined dishes that really show off the flavours of Saxony-Anhalt such as kohlrabi with pear and walnut, or eel with basil and aubergine. Speiseberg not only impresses with its minimalist menu, but also reflects the city's cultural and artistic upswing – the bright and quirky interior is inspired by the nearby Burg Giebichenstein art academy, adding an extra dimension of fun to the space.

18. Saxony: Frieda, Leipzig

The charming bistro-style design and relaxed atmosphere at Frieda perfectly matches the creative, eco-conscious dishes served by restaurateurs Lisa Angermann and Andreas Reinke (the restaurant is named after the latter's grandmother). The spot has one Michelin star, and its much-loved Frieda En Vogue set menu changes constantly with the seasons, with a great vegetarian version available by reservation. Be sure to make use of the lovely terrace and orangery if the weather is good.

17. Brandenburg: Anna Amalia, Potsdam

One of the best reviewed restaurants in Brandenburg’s state capital is this little gem next to the stunning Templiner Lake. The dishes here have a strong seasonal focus – think white asparagus in spring, chanterelles in summer, and venison, duck and goose in autumn and winter. Red cabbage and traditional potato dumplings feature prominently on the menu, as does fresh fish like trout, char and pikeperch. The restaurant has some fantastic options for vegetarian and vegan diners, too.

16. Brandenburg: kochZIMMER, Potsdam

Nestled inside the Gaststätte zur Ratswaage – which has been one of Potsdam's oldest and most traditional inns since 1783 – you’ll find one of the city’s most chic restaurants. KochZIMMER excels at New Prussian cuisine, putting a modern twist on old German classics with its exceptional six-course tasting menus. Expect dishes like roast guinea fowl with black truffle, smoked pink potatoes and rabbit with pickled plum.

15. Schleswig-Holstein: Bodendorf’s, Sylt

Star chef Holger Bodendorf took over the Landhaus Stricker country house in 2001 and over the years has transformed it into one of the region’s most exciting eating spots. The historic building was built on stilts in the moor in 1784, but inside you’ll find modern, cutting-edge cuisine that promises to surprise and delight. Bodendorf’s is known for its tasting menus (available with six or nine courses), featuring dishes such as glazed saddle and stewed shoulder of lamb served with chervil mousse. It holds a Michelin star, and reviewers also praise the fun and casual atmosphere.

14. Saxony-Anhalt: Zeitwerk, Wernigerode

‘Welcome to the living room restaurant’ is the motto that greets diners as they take their seats at Zeitwerk, and the statement certainly sums up the cosy and welcoming vibe. Tucked away in the Harz mountains, this Michelin-starred restaurant is renowned for its avant-garde approach to German cuisine. The young kitchen team is led by owner and head chef Robin Pietsch, and you can see them all at work through a large pane of glass in the dining room. Expect traditional German dishes with a modern twist.

13. Thuringia: BjoernsOx, Dermbach

Located in rural Dermbach, BjoernsOx is the very personal culinary playground of acclaimed chef Bjoern Leist. The mini restaurant has just five tables, allowing him to get seriously experimental with ingredients from his homeland in the Rhön Mountains. His wife Michelle is at the front of house guiding diners through the evening with sensational drinks to complement the eight-course tasting menu. Dishes change constantly with the seasons, but a highlight is always meat from the restaurant's own pasture-raised oxen.

12. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: Der Butt, Rostock

Located inside the opulent Yachthafenresidenz Hohe Düne hotel, right on Rostock’s picturesque marina, this Michelin-starred spot is certainly one for the bucket list. It boasts sweeping sunset views of the Baltic Sea and outstanding modern German cuisine, which bears the signature of acclaimed chef André Münch. Fans say the dishes here are simple but intensely flavoured and perfectly balanced, bringing out the best of exquisite produce like Atlantic turbot or wild venison.

11. Saxony: Genuss-Atelier, Dresden

Diners descend a flight of stone steps to reach this cosy and inviting cellar restaurant, located in a charming old villa, where sandstone walls and brick vaults create a unique ambiance. At Genuss-Atelier, sibling duo Marcus and Nicole Blonkowski create inventive, modern cuisine in a relaxed setting, using the finest local ingredients. You can choose from the well-curated à la carte menu or let the kitchen surprise you with a custom tasting experience. The wine list exclusively showcases labels from eastern Germany, including some hidden gems.

10. North Rhine-Westphalia: Ox & Klee, Cologne

Star chef Daniel Gottschlich loves music as much as he loves cooking – which is why he enlisted composer Hans Günther Schmidt to develop a unique sound concept at Ox & Klee, so guests can enjoy the evening using all five senses. This unusual spot doesn’t offer a traditional menu. Instead, when you make a reservation, you can choose between two menus and decide on the number of courses you’d like. The rest is up to the kitchen, but all six basic flavours are always represented in dishes like scallops with dry-aged beef and fennel-dill cream.

9. Saarland: LOUIS, Saarlouis

Located in a former courtroom with a terrace overlooking the park, two-Michelin-starred LOUIS offers gourmet cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. Since 2023, Sebastian Sandor has been at the helm in the kitchen; his focus is on vegetables, and he often uses parts that would otherwise be discarded, such as Brussels sprout storks or celery root. The experimental chef likes to surprise diners with unusual flavour combinations, so expect to find classic ingredients such as beef and beetroot paired with shiso and cedar wood.

8. Hesse: Lafleur, Frankfurt

Frankfurt’s most popular fine dining restaurant – with two Michelin stars no less – is Lafleur, which also features on Les Grandes Tables du Monde, a French list of the 200 best restaurants in the world. Head chef Andreas Kronik creates dishes that are meticulously crafted, showcasing seasonal ingredients and refined flavours, often featuring innovative plant-based options, too. Guests can choose from carefully curated tasting menus, expertly paired with an impressive wine list by award-winning sommelier Alexandra Himmel.

7. Schleswig-Holstein: Söl'ring Hof, Sylt

A visit to this restaurant, housed inside a luxury hotel on the island of Sylt, is always an experience. The unique location on the dunes of Rantum offers breathtaking views, and the open kitchen promises a lively dinner you’ll really remember. Head chef Jan-Philipp Berner presents the best produce from the North Sea and northern Europe in six or eight courses. Expect hyper-local ingredients such as foraged sea buckthorn, trout rye and snails from the Wadden Sea.

6. Bavaria: Tohru in der Schreiberei, Munich

At Tohru in der Schreiberei, diners get a taste of Japan in Munich’s Old Town. Here chef Tohru Nakamura specialises in Japanese-inspired European cuisine, merging both cuisines to create some of the most unique food you’ll taste in Bavaria. An example? In one dish, what looks like a rose is Japanese hamachi tartare (made with a a type of sushi-grade fish), with green shiso and pine nuts artfully wrapped in a salad leaf.

5. Saarland: Victor’s Fine Dining by Christian Bau, Perl

Christian Bau, one of Germany's greatest culinary artists, has been working in the Schloss Berg castle high above the Moselle River for 25 years. In his menu ‘Paris to Tokyo’, he presents exquisite food that combines the quality, precision and traditions of Japan with a touch of French opulence. Highlights include a poached Gillardeau oyster with cucumber, ponzu and Champagne, and a wafer-thin tartlet filled with king crab, peas, caviar and tosazu seasoning. This is a three-Michelin-starred spot with prices to match, so definitely one to save for special occasions.

4. Rhineland-Palatinate: Waldhotel Sonnora, Dreis

Waldhotel Sonnora, nestled in the lush Eifel forest near Dreis, is a legendary three-Michelin-star restaurant and hotel known for its refined gastronomy and idyllic setting. Founded and helmed by chef Helmut Thieltges, the restaurant has gained a stellar reputation for its exceptional classic French cuisine with German influences. Desserts are a particular highlight here, including the signature rum baba served with creamy Tahitian vanilla ice cream and grilled pineapple.

3. Rhineland-Palatinate: schanz.restaurant., Piesport

Family-run schanz.restaurant. is a much-loved fine dining destination located in the charming wine region of Piesport. Headed by chef Thomas Schanz, the spot is celebrated for its innovative take on classic French cuisine, infused with modern German influences. The restaurant boasts two Michelin stars, awarded for its dedication to quality, creativity and impeccable presentation. With an intimate vibe and stunning views of the Mosel River, it ensures an unforgettable foodie journey.

2. Baden-Würtemberg: Schwarzwaldstube, Baiersbronn

It’s impossible to overlook the charms of Schwarzwaldstube, which has held three Michelin stars since 1992 – longer than any other restaurant in Germany. Nestled in the Black Forest, this fine dining gem is headed up by chef Torsten Michel, who combines traditional German ingredients with classic French flair to create dishes that are both elegant and inventive. Menu highlights include foie gras, truffles and local game, all crafted with bold flavours and flawless presentation. No wonder it attracts diners from all over the world.

1. Lower Saxony: Aqua, Wolfsburg

As head chef, Sven Elverfeld has been responsible for the amazing success of Aqua from the very beginning. He and his team have been creating culinary masterpieces since 2000, and the restaurant was awarded three Michelin stars for the first time in 2009. Elverfeld's dishes are often influenced by his culinary memories; as a result, each menu tells a bold and flavourful story. The dining room, situated within The Ritz-Carlton, provides the perfect backdrop, with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the water.

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