Must-see restaurants in Frankfurt & Southern Rhineland

  • Gelato Go

    Heidelberg

    The Hauptstrasse is sprinkled with ice cream shops but Gelato Go trumps them all (hence the constant queue out the door, even in winter). In addition to…

  • El Chico

    Mainz

    Widely considered to serve Mainz’ finest steaks (from Argentina) and lamb chops (from New Zealand), as well as desserts like flaky apple strudel, El Chico…

  • Brasserie du Sud

    Frankfurt am Main

    Split between an informal bistro and bar, a 40-seat restaurant and a wraparound, awning-shaded terrace (heated in winter, and open to 10pm in summer),…

  • Café Weinstube Burkardt

    Heidelberg

    Charming Burkardt's has a superb selection of wines from the Heidelberg region available by the glass, and first-rate food, such as risotto with asparagus…

  • Bistro 1718

    German Wine Route

    Within the Ketschauer Hof, gourmet Bistro 1718 serves French classics such as salmon gravlax, duck confit with braised red cabbage, steak-frites with…

  • Lobster

    Frankfurt am Main

    In a one-time grocery and milk shop from the 1950s, this cosy ‘wine bistro’ chalks its daily French-influenced meat, fish and shellfish specials …

  • Karin

    Frankfurt am Main

    Across from the Goethe-Haus, Karin serves German and international dishes and nine different breakfasts named for different Frankfurt neighbourhoods, from…

  • Mozart Café

    Frankfurt am Main

    Take a seat on a red leather wing chair inside or at the Paris-cafe-style pavement tables to enjoy coffee and cake or something more substantial, such as…

  • Trüffel Feinkost

    Wiesbaden

    Gourmet goods at this tantalising deli range from 150 cheeses, 150 cured meats, antipasti and artisan breads to ready-to-eat dishes like bratwurst and…

  • Turmstüb'l

    German Wine Route

    Tucked down an alley opposite the church, this artsy wine bar serves seasonal dishes like white asparagus with poached eggs and parsley, and regional…

  • Die Kuh Die Lacht

    Heidelberg

    This sleek burger joint's 19 different, all-natural burgers are handmade on the premises. Choices include chicken caesar, barbecued beef, a Mexican burger…

  • City Braustüb'l

    Frankfurt & Southern Rhineland

    At this classic brewery-affiliated restaurant – with wood-plank floors, hops hanging from the rafters and a beer garden out back – you can wash down…

  • Erzeugermarkt Konstablerwache

    Frankfurt am Main

    This central farmers market is a great place to shop for wholesome picnic fare including fresh fruit and veggies, home-baked bread, delicious Wurst …

  • Südlandhaus

    Mannheim

    Filled with German and international wines, cheeses, breads, sausages, hams, olives, liqueurs and chocolates, this aromatic food emporium is an ideal…

  • Food Market

    Mainz

    Along the north and east sides of the Dom, this big, open-air market's colourful stalls spill over with fruit, vegetables, cheeses, sausages, breads and…

  • Café Kante

    Frankfurt am Main

    The tantalising aromas of baking breads, cakes and croissants engulf you as you enter this tiny space filled with vintage bric-a-brac. Fantastic coffee…

  • Food Market

    Wiesbaden

    Food stalls set up twice weekly next to the tourist office on the Schlossplatz.

  • Chocobar

    Rhine Valley

    Facing the Marktplatz, with a large outdoor terrace spilling onto the square, this is a terrific bet for breakfast, including a 'chocolate breakfast' of a…

  • Café Journal

    Mannheim

    In a prime people-watching location on Mannheim's Marktplatz, French-styled Café Journal serves dishes ranging from asparagus-stuffed pancakes and…

  • Ariston

    Frankfurt am Main

    Delicious Greek dishes, both traditional and contemporary, are served in an elegant corner dining room. Specialities include beef, lamb and wild-caught…

  • Metropol Cafe am Dom

    Frankfurt am Main

    At this cafe next to the cathedral, opening to a flowery courtyard, homemade food is inspired by the cuisines of the world: olive ciabatta with parmesan…

  • Trattoria-Pizzeria Pepe e Sale

    Heidelberg Region

    This long-established Italian-run trattoria/pizzeria serves dozens of varieties of pizzas and pastas along with Italian mains such as veal in Marsala or…

  • Café TE

    Heidelberg Region

    Just south of the Hauptbahnhof, sociable TE (‘Trans Europa’) has communal tables within a huge building. It's a student favourite for its different…

  • Leonhard’s

    Frankfurt am Main

    High atop the Galeria Kaufhof department store, this upmarket food court with an outdoor terrace serves everything from coffee and baked goods to freshly…

  • Gasthaus Zentrale

    Mannheim

    Dark and rustic, and opening to a terrace in warm weather, this welcoming place rustles up salads, steaks, schnitzel and other pub favourites. Great-value…

  • Harput Restaurant

    Wiesbaden

    Feast on Anatolian breads, börek (savoury pastries) and mains such as an adana kebap (spicy kebab) or pide (Turkish pizza) at this popular sit-down…

  • Eckhaus

    Frankfurt am Main

    With smoke-stained walls and ancient floorboards, this cornerstone of the neighbourhood is as old-school as they come. Don't miss its hallmark…

  • Wochenmarkt

    Mannheim

    Lively farmers markets set up on the Marktplatz three times weekly, selling fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, spices, wine, flowers and snacks to eat on the…

  • Food Market – Bockenheimer Warte

    Frankfurt am Main

    Bockenheimer Warte's weekly market brims with fresh fruit, vegetables, cheeses, breads and, of course, stalls selling Currywurst.

  • Mahmoud's

    Heidelberg

    This aromatic spot serves Syrian-style falafel, along with kebabs, hummus, baba ganoush and Middle Eastern salads. Enter via Heugasse.

  • Food Market – Südbahnhof

    Frankfurt am Main

    Colourful stalls sell fresh fruit and veggies, dark breads, cheeses, sausages and other picnic fare in front of the Südbahnhof.

  • Food Market

    Trier

    The city centre's largest outdoor market is a perfect place to pick up fresh local produce for a riverside picnic.