Places to eat in Hamburg

Exquisite local produce: Hamburg restaurants offer a rich array of fresh fish dishes that use produce caught in the Elbe river and North Sea to create mouthwatering meals. Common fare includes herring prepared in a number of different ways, fried plaice with bacon and, of course, the famous smoked eel.

Hamburg’s countless fish restaurants leave nothing to be desired – take full advantage of the fresh fish caught just hours earlier. We recommend Fischereihafen in Altona, Zum alten Lotsenhaus by the port, VLET on the Alster, Catch of the Day in HafenCity.

Lobscouse, a potato-based stew with beef and beetroot, is a hugely popular dish among Hamburg locals. Once the fare of seafarers, it’s no surprise that the dish soon became established in the Hanseatic City. Other local favourites include turnip stew and, for dessert, a red berry compote known as Rote Grütze.

You can find regional specialities prepared in the traditional style in the many of the smaller eateries throughout the city. We recommend the following restaurants in particular: Krameramtsstuben by the Michel church, Brodersen by the Messe, Gasthaus zur Post by the Elbe, Ahrberg on Blankeneser waterfront, and Restaurant zur Kastanie in Duvenstedt. If you’re more into turf than surf, check out Bullerei, a meat-lover’s paradise in Sternschanze.

Of course, Hamburg has much more to offer than just its fish and other local specialities – the city also boasts a wide selection of international cuisine. The city’s immigrant population have brought some delicious dishes with them over the years, including fare from elsewhere in Europe, Asia, and the rest of the world.

You can find great Italian food at Luigi’s by the harbour. If you love French food, head to Brasserie La Provence. At Copper House in St Pauli, top Chinese chefs prepare dishes from all across Asia, while you can also find Thai food at Tai Tan in the HafenCity. Enjoy stunning dishes from Spain at Picasso in the Old Town, or tasty Turkish fare at Arkadasch near the university.

In Hamburg, the culinary delights aren’t just limited to mealtimes. The city’s quaint cafés brew fresh tea and coffee as well as cold drinks for your refreshment – not forgetting the delicious cakes, tarts and exquisite breakfasts. Head to the Alster or the port for a wonderful view of the water while you enjoy a quick treat.

Hamburg enjoys an exceptional range of first-rate cafés. We recommend Die Zuckermonarchie near the Reeperbahn, Café Schmidt by the Elbe, Herr Max in Sternschanze, Café Paris in the city centre and Gretchens Villa in St Pauli. Café Hadleys, elbgold Kaffeerösterei, and Café Hüftgold are also worth checking out.