Must-see restaurants in Frankfurt & Southern Rhineland

  • Zum Stiefel

    Frankfurt & Southern Rhineland

    One kitchen covers two dining options at this brewery and German restaurant. Zum Stiefel features good-value classic German and saarländische dishes,…

  • Unter Freunden

    Heidelberg

    Pizza al taglio (by the slice) is the speciality of this hip whitewashed space. Toppings include pear and gorgonzola, mortadella (Italian sausage) with…

  • Siesmayer

    Frankfurt am Main

    Experience highly civilised Westend life at this elegant cafe, whose lovely patio is surrounded by the greenery of the PalmenGarten. A glass case displays…

  • Alt Zalawen

    Trier

    The pick of the cluster of bar-restaurants right on the riverfront, with terraces extending to the path running along the grassy bank, timber-panelled Alt…

  • Restaurant 1832

    German Wine Route

    Inside the Hambacher Schloss, opening to a courtyard, Restaurant 1832 serves dishes such as Saumagen (stuffed pig's stomach) with Riesling bread, roasted…

  • Frankfurt & Friends

    Frankfurt am Main

    Nine different burgers – including a veggie burger, Frankfurt & Friends burger with bacon and cheese, and Tex-Mex burger with guacamole and jalapeño…

  • Weinhotel Landsknecht

    Rhine Valley

    The dining room and terrace at this wonderful spot 1.5km north of St Goar feel like being aboard a cruise boat, with close-up, uninterrupted river views…

  • Weinstube Lösch

    Mainz

    Traditional, timber-lined Lösch is a wonderful spot for local specialities, such as Kartoffeleintopf mit Speck und Fleischwurst (sausage casserole with…

  • Winzerstube Brachtendorf

    Moselle Valley

    The river-facing summer terrace at Winzerstube Brachtendorf makes an ideal spot to sample the Brachtendorf family's wines, peach liqueur and apple-and…

  • BurgerAMT

    Trier

    Huge burgers at this hip restaurant with a ceiling plastered in music and movie posters include vegetarian options with halloumi or vegetable patties, and…

  • Alt Thorschenke

    Moselle Valley

    Wedged into the old medieval walls, away from the busy riverfront restaurants, Alt Thorschenke is a diamond find for regional specialities, such as…

  • Main Nizza

    Frankfurt am Main

    A striking glass-box design gives this restaurant uninterrupted views over the Main from inside (even interior-facing tables have mirrors to draw in the…

  • Ristorante Comeback

    Wiesbaden

    Classical Italian secondi (mains) at this elegant restaurant include rabbit braised in Mirto (myrtle liqueur) and red wine, sage-pesto-stuffed chicken…

  • Herve's Crêperie

    German Wine Route

    In a contemporary, airy space in the town centre, this authentic Breton-run crêperie serves savoury buckwheat-flour galettes like forestière (with…

  • Heiliggeist

    Mainz

    Soaring Gothic vaults make this 15th-century former hospital a fabulously atmospheric spot to try inventive twists on German cuisine: wild garlic and…

  • Brot und Seele

    Frankfurt & Southern Rhineland

    Breads including sourdoughs, soft pretzels and gluten-free loaves are baked continuously throughout the day at this contemporary bakery. Creative…

  • Schnitzelbank

    Heidelberg

    Small and often jam-packed, this cosy wine tavern has you sampling the local tipples (all wines are regional) and cuisine while crouched on wooden…

  • Weinstube Kesselstatt

    Trier

    Dining on quality regional produce – and sampling the local whites – is a serious pleasure at this charming Weinstube, either in the barrel-filled, dark…

  • Café Prag

    Mannheim

    A former tailor’s shop and cigar store, built in 1902, is now an arty cafe with Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) woodwork, cranberry-red walls and a prewar…

  • Adolf Wagner

    Frankfurt am Main

    Hang your coat on a hook along the wood-panelled wall of this apple wine tavern, take a seat at a long table and order something local from the menu –…

  • Opern Cafe

    Frankfurt am Main

    French-inspired mains on Opern's weekly changing menu, such as salmon tartare with avocado mousse or beef with béarnaise sauce, are the pièces de…

  • Einstein

    Koblenz

    Grilled calf's liver with masala jus; gilthead, tiger prawn and lime risotto; ribbon noodles with feta, spinach and tomatoes; and chocolate cannelloni…

  • St Urban

    German Wine Route

    Within the Deidesheimer Hof is St Urban, whose modern take on regional cuisine might include Saumagen (stuffed pig's stomach; made with chestnuts in…

  • Zum Domstein

    Trier

    Feast like a Roman on dishes based on the recipes of 1st-century local chef Marcus Gavius Apicius: mulled Moselle white wine followed by barley soup, pine…

  • Weisser Bock

    Heidelberg

    Dark-wood panelling, linen-bedecked tables and low lighting make an elegant backdrop for newly interpreted classical dishes. Each is prepared with fresh…

  • Bockenheimer Weinstube

    German Wine Route

    You can just drop by to try local wines by the glass, but top-notch local specialities at this rustic Weinstube include Saumagen (pig's stomach) stuffed…

  • Bitter & Zart

    Frankfurt am Main

    Walk past the shelves piled high with chocolate pralines to order espresso brewed from Frankfurt-roasted beans, hot chocolate and luscious cakes such as…

  • Bruno's

    German Wine Route

    Picnic tables made from reclaimed timbers cover the pavement outside this photogenic half-timbered building. In the muralled interior, Bruno's sizzles up…

  • Buffalo

    Frankfurt am Main

    Founded in 1973, this renowned steakhouse serves some of Frankfurt’s most succulent sirloin, tenderloin and rib-eye steaks, ranging from 180g to 450g, all…

  • Die Graifen

    Moselle Valley

    In a prime riverside setting, Die Graifen has a shaded summer garden and glass-roofed, gas-heated winter garden. The menu is inspired: wild boar mousse…

  • Maximilian

    Heidelberg Region

    Always buzzing, this local favourite by the Altpörtel serves 12 different breakfasts, from traditional German spreads to eggs Benedict and French toast,…

  • Da Vinci

    Koblenz

    At this refined Michelin-starred restaurant, inspired multi-course menus served at white-clothed tables might include Riesling-cured salmon with trout roe…

  • Pizzeria Montana

    Frankfurt am Main

    Colourful Pizzeria Montana has vivid blue walls framing a communal table down one side and stool seating along the other, with a bright yellow wood-fired…

  • Cafe Mohr

    Trier

    Heavenly Berliner mit Pfannkuchen (doughnuts filled with spiced plum jam) are the draw at this bakery cafe (arrive early before they sell out) but it also…

  • Café Hauptwache

    Frankfurt am Main

    One of Frankfurt's most beautiful buildings to have escaped WWII's destruction is this 1730-built baroque city guardhouse. A restaurant since 1904, it's…

  • Severus Stube

    Rhine Valley

    Smoked trout roasted in herb butter, pheasant with roast potatoes and bacon, braised beef in horseradish sauce, and warm apple strudel with vanilla…

  • Rotisserie Royale

    Moselle Valley

    Seriously good cooking inside this half-timbered house spans starters like pan-fried foie gras on a potato-and-apple rösti or sautéed calf's liver with…

  • Bellpepper

    Mainz

    Sunlight streams in through the glass walls and ceiling of this upmarket restaurant overlooking the Rhine. Watch the chefs in the open kitchen prepare…

  • Gundel

    Heidelberg

    Gundel's bakery section has 30 kinds of bread and rolls, as well as delectable pastries. It's a great stop to stock up for a river or forest picnic;…

  • Zuppa

    Trier

    Five different soups served with sourdough bread are the mainstay of this bright little hole in the wall: two vegetarian, one vegan and two meat-based…