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Frankfurt
Frankfurt am Main, Germany’s financial hub, boasts a culinary landscape as diverse and dynamic as its skyline. Beyond the gleaming skyscrapers, you’ll find a world of flavor, from Michelin-starred temples of gastronomy to cozy apple wine taverns serving hearty, traditional fare. This guide navigates the city’s best dining, offering a taste of both innovative modern cuisine and timeless German classics.
Welcome to Frankfurt: A Culinary Capital
Frankfurt am Main, often celebrated as Germany’s financial powerhouse, harbors a sophisticated and surprisingly diverse culinary scene that commands international attention. This city on the Main River masterfully blends the old with the new, a duality reflected perfectly in its gastronomy. Here, centuries-old apple wine taverns serving robust, time-honored dishes exist in harmony with sleek, Michelin-starred establishments pushing the boundaries of modern European cuisine. Whether you’re seeking the refined elegance of a multi-course tasting menu, the comforting embrace of a traditional German meal, or a vibrant taste of global flavors, Frankfurt’s restaurants deliver. This guide will take you on a journey through the ten best dining experiences the city has to offer, showcasing the depth and creativity of its culinary landscape.
Lafleur
The Place: Holding two Michelin stars, Lafleur is the pinnacle of classic haute cuisine in Frankfurt. Located in the elegant Gesellschaftshaus Palmengarten, Chef Andreas Krolik creates sophisticated dishes that are both visually stunning and deeply flavorful, often with a vegetarian counterpart of equal brilliance.
My Top Pick: The seasonal tasting menu with wine pairing is an unforgettable experience.
Lafleur
The Place: Awarded two Michelin stars, Lafleur is a beacon of classic haute cuisine located within the stunning historical building of the Gesellschaftshaus Palmengarten. Chef Andreas Krolik’s philosophy revolves around creating dishes of intense flavor and aesthetic perfection. His menus are a masterclass in precision and quality, with a unique highlight being his equally ambitious and celebrated vegan tasting menu, ensuring a world-class experience for every diner.
My Top Pick: The ‘Krolik’s Favourites’ tasting menu, paired with wines selected by the expert sommelier, is a truly sublime gastronomic journey.
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Gustav
The Place: Another two-Michelin-star gem, Gustav champions a modern, purist approach to German cuisine. Chef Jochim Busch focuses on regional, seasonal ingredients, transforming them into creative and refined dishes that celebrate the flavors of the surrounding Hesse region.
My Top Pick: Opt for the ‘Querfeldwein’ menu for a journey through local produce.
Gustav
The Place: Holding two Michelin stars, Gustav is at the forefront of modern German cuisine. In a minimalist, chic setting, Chef Jochim Busch and his team craft dishes that are both innovative and deeply rooted in the region. The focus is on hyper-local, seasonal produce, often sourced from small, dedicated producers. The resulting cuisine is pure, expressive, and an exciting reinterpretation of Germany’s culinary heritage.
My Top Pick: Place your trust in the kitchen with the surprise menu, which offers the most authentic and creative expression of the season’s best ingredients.
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Erno’s Bistro
The Place: A Frankfurt institution for over 40 years, this one-Michelin-star bistro in the Westend district serves exquisite French-Mediterranean cuisine. The atmosphere is intimate and classic, with a focus on high-quality seafood and an exceptional wine list.
My Top Pick: Any of the fresh fish preparations, guided by the sommelier’s choice.
Erno’s Bistro
The Place: A cherished institution in the elegant Westend district, the one-Michelin-starred Erno’s Bistro has been delighting diners for over four decades. It offers an intimate, club-like atmosphere perfect for enjoying its superb French-Mediterranean seafood-focused cuisine. The service is impeccable and personal, and the legendary wine cellar is one of the best in the country, making it a must-visit for oenophiles.
My Top Pick: Ask for the daily catch recommendations; the kitchen’s preparation of fresh fish and seafood is consistently flawless.
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Villa Merton
The Place: Set in a beautiful historic villa, this one-Michelin-star restaurant offers a unique culinary philosophy: using only regional and national products. Chef André Großfeld’s innovative dishes are a testament to the richness of German terroir, presented with artistic flair.
My Top Pick: The ‘Menu Regional’ for a true taste of Germany’s finest ingredients.
Villa Merton
The Place: Housed in a magnificent historic villa in the Diplomatenviertel, the one-Michelin-starred Villa Merton operates on a strict and fascinating culinary concept: no ingredients from outside Germany. This means no olive oil, no citrus, no pepper. Instead, Chef André Großfeld ingeniously uses local oils, vinegars, herbs, and spices to create dishes that are uniquely German, deeply flavorful, and incredibly creative.
My Top Pick: The full ‘Menu Regional’ is the best way to immerse yourself in the restaurant’s unique and compelling philosophy.
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Carmelo Greco
The Place: For high-end Italian cuisine, Carmelo Greco is unmatched in Frankfurt. This one-Michelin-star restaurant presents refined and modern interpretations of Italian classics, where premium ingredients take center stage in a sleek, contemporary setting.
My Top Pick: The handmade pasta dishes, particularly those with truffle when in season.
Carmelo Greco
The Place: For an exceptional Italian fine dining experience, the one-Michelin-starred Carmelo Greco is the definitive destination in Frankfurt. In a sophisticated and modern dining room, Chef Greco presents dishes that are light, elegant, and bursting with authentic Italian flavor. He masterfully elevates traditional recipes using the finest ingredients, creating a menu that is both comforting and surprising.
My Top Pick: The homemade pasta is divine, especially the taglierini with white Alba truffle when it’s in season.
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Main Tower Restaurant & Lounge
The Place: Dine amongst the clouds at this restaurant on the 53rd floor of the Main Tower. While the panoramic city views are the main draw, the modern European cuisine is equally impressive. It’s the ultimate location for a special occasion.
My Top Pick: Booking a window table for the sunset dinner menu.
Main Tower Restaurant & Lounge
The Place: Perched 187 meters above the city on the 53rd floor, the Main Tower Restaurant & Lounge offers a dining experience with an unparalleled ‘wow’ factor. The floor-to-ceiling windows provide breathtaking panoramic views of the Frankfurt skyline. The menu features sophisticated, modern European cuisine that lives up to the spectacular setting, making it the premier choice for celebrations and romantic dinners.
My Top Pick: Time your reservation to coincide with sunset and opt for the multi-course dinner menu for a truly memorable evening.
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Atschel
The Place: Experience authentic Frankfurt in the heart of the Sachsenhausen district. Atschel is a traditional ‘Apfelweinwirtschaft’ (apple wine tavern) serving hearty, local specialties. The atmosphere is rustic, communal, and always lively.
My Top Pick: Frankfurter Grüne Soße (Green Sauce) with a side of schnitzel and a ‘Bembel’ of apple wine.
Atschel
The Place: For a true taste of Frankfurt’s culture, head across the river to Sachsenhausen and find a seat at Atschel. This is a classic, bustling ‘Apfelweinwirtschaft’ (apple wine tavern). Expect long wooden tables shared with strangers, a lively atmosphere, and a menu of hearty, no-frills local dishes. It’s an unpretentious and essential Frankfurt experience.
My Top Pick: Order a large ‘Bembel’ of sour Apfelwein to share, and pair it with the classic Frankfurter Grüne Soße (Green Sauce) served with schnitzel.
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Lohninger
The Place: Chef Mario Lohninger brings sophisticated Austrian cuisine to Frankfurt. This stylish restaurant expertly balances rustic traditions with modern elegance, serving up refined versions of classics like Wiener Schnitzel and Tafelspitz.
My Top Pick: The perfectly executed Wiener Schnitzel is a must-try.
Lohninger
The Place: Celebrity chef Mario Lohninger brings a taste of his native Austria to Frankfurt with this eponymous, stylish restaurant. The ambiance is contemporary and chic, while the menu beautifully reimagines Austrian classics with a modern, refined touch. It’s a perfect blend of cozy tradition and metropolitan elegance, with dishes that are both comforting and sophisticated.
My Top Pick: While the entire menu is excellent, the classic Wiener Schnitzel, served with potato salad, is executed to perfection and is an absolute must-order.
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Stanley Diamond
The Place: Part of the acclaimed Gekko Group, Stanley Diamond is a modern grill restaurant with a sophisticated, cosmopolitan vibe. It offers a refined menu focused on high-quality meats, fresh seafood, and contemporary interpretations of classic dishes.
My Top Pick: A prime cut of steak, perfectly cooked and paired with their signature truffle fries.
Stanley Diamond
The Place: A jewel in the Bahnhofsviertel, Stanley Diamond is a high-end grill restaurant that combines the energy of a New York steakhouse with European sophistication. The interior is dark, elegant, and intimate. The menu is a celebration of quality ingredients, focusing on premium cuts of meat, fresh seafood from the raw bar, and inventive side dishes that go far beyond the expected.
My Top Pick: Indulge in one of their specialty steak cuts, like the Japanese Kagoshima Wagyu, accompanied by their famously decadent truffle fries.
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Zarges
The Place: Located near the Alte Oper, Zarges exudes classic, Parisian-style elegance. The menu is a delightful fusion of French and German influences, featuring everything from fresh oysters and steak tartare to refined local dishes in a plush, opulent setting.
My Top Pick: The seafood platter for a luxurious start to your meal.
Zarges
The Place: With its plush velvet seating, crystal chandeliers, and prime location opposite the Alte Oper, Zarges offers a dining experience steeped in old-world glamour. The ambiance feels like a grand Parisian brasserie, and the menu reflects this with a strong French influence, complemented by German favorites. It’s a place to see and be seen, perfect for a pre-opera dinner or a celebratory meal.
My Top Pick: Start with the impressive ‘Étagère Zarges’ seafood platter before moving on to a classic like Steak Frites or Wiener Schnitzel.
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Bonus:
The Place: While Frankfurt is known for its fine dining, don’t miss the Kleinmarkthalle, an indoor market hall teeming with food stalls. It’s the perfect spot for a casual lunch, offering everything from local sausages to international delicacies and fresh produce.
Bonus:
The Place: Beyond the top ten, Frankfurt’s culinary scene offers endless exploration. For a truly unique experience, seek out ‘Straußenwirtschaften’ in the city’s outer districts during the autumn. These are temporary pop-up taverns run by local wineries, where you can sample young wine and simple, hearty food directly from the producer. Also, keep an eye out for the city’s vibrant street food scene, especially at weekly markets like the one at Schillerstraße, for a more casual but equally delicious taste of Frankfurt.
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Expert’s Opinion: One to Choose?
Choosing just one is a challenge, but it depends on the experience you seek:
- For Ultimate Luxury: For an evening of unparalleled culinary artistry and flawless service, Lafleur is the top choice. Its two Michelin stars are well-deserved, offering a classic fine dining experience that is second to none in the city.
- For Authentic Frankfurt: To truly taste the city’s soul, a visit to Atschel in Sachsenhausen is essential. The communal tables, the tangy Apfelwein, and the hearty local food provide an experience that is authentically Frankfurt.
Expert’s Opinion: One to Choose?
Frankfurt’s dining scene is a tale of two cities: one of high-finance and haute cuisine, the other of traditional charm and hearty fare. Selecting a single ‘best’ depends entirely on which story you wish to be a part of for the evening.
- For The Pinnacle of Fine Dining: If your goal is to experience the absolute height of culinary craftsmanship, service, and ambiance, then Lafleur is the unequivocal choice. Chef Andreas Krolik’s two-Michelin-star creations are edible art, and the entire experience, from the moment you arrive, is a seamless display of classic, luxurious hospitality. It is a significant investment, but one that delivers an unforgettable gastronomic memory.
- For An Authentic Cultural Immersion: To connect with the true spirit of Frankfurt, you must visit a traditional Apfelweinwirtschaft, and Atschel is one of the best. The experience is about more than just the food; it’s about the communal atmosphere, the clinking of ‘Gerippte’ glasses, and the unapologetically robust flavors of the region. It’s loud, it’s friendly, and it’s the most authentic culinary experience the city has to offer.
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Travel Guides: Frankfurt, Germany
Your guide to making the most of your Frankfurt adventure.
1. A Guide to Reservations and Dining Etiquette in Frankfurt
Mastering Reservations: For any restaurant with a Michelin star or a significant reputation (like Lafleur, Gustav, or Erno’s Bistro), booking is not just recommended, it’s mandatory. Aim for at least 4-6 weeks in advance, especially for weekend dining. For popular but more casual spots like Lohninger or Zarges, a week or two should suffice. Most reservations can be made online through their websites.
The Art of Tipping: In Germany, the bill always includes ‘Bedienung’ (service) and ‘Mehrwertsteuer’ (VAT). Therefore, a large tip is not expected. The standard practice for good service is to round up the bill to a convenient number or add a tip of 5-10%. You can tell the server the total amount you wish to pay (e.g., if the bill is €46, you can say ‘fünfzig’ (€50) when paying). Leaving cash on the table is less common than including it in the card payment.
Dressing the Part: Frankfurt is a business city, and attire often reflects this. At top-tier restaurants, opt for smart casual or business casual. A jacket for men is a good idea, though often not required. For traditional taverns like Atschel, the dress code is completely casual.
Reservations and Etiquette
Reservations: For high-end and Michelin-starred restaurants, booking weeks or even months in advance is essential. For casual spots, a few days ahead is usually sufficient.
Tipping: Tipping is customary but not obligatory. A ‘service charge’ is included in the bill, but rounding up the total or adding 5-10% for excellent service is appreciated.
Dress Code: Fine dining establishments often have a smart casual or business casual dress code. Traditional taverns are very relaxed.
2. Frankfurt’s Must-Try Local Delicacies
Grüne Soße (Green Sauce): This is Frankfurt’s most famous dish. The sauce is a creamy blend of sour cream or yogurt with precisely seven herbs: borage, chervil, cress, parsley, salad burnet, sorrel, and chives. It’s typically served cold over hard-boiled eggs and boiled potatoes, but also accompanies fish or schnitzel.
Apfelwein (Apple Wine): Do not call it cider! ‘Ebbelwoi’ is the city’s signature drink. It’s tart, dry, and refreshing. Order it ‘pur’ (straight), ‘sauer’ (mixed with sparkling water), or ‘süß’ (mixed with lemon soda). It is served from a blue-and-grey ceramic jug (‘Bembel’) into a ribbed glass (‘Gerippte’).
Handkäse mit Musik: A small, translucent, sour milk cheese, marinated in a vinaigrette with chopped onions. It’s a pungent, acquired taste beloved by locals. The ‘music’ is a humorous reference to the flatulence the raw onions can cause.
Frankfurter Rippchen: Cured pork ribs, slowly simmered in sauerkraut or meat broth. This hearty and flavorful dish is a staple in traditional German restaurants.
Frankfurt’s Signature Flavors
Grüne Soße: A cold green sauce made from seven specific herbs, often served with boiled potatoes and eggs. A true local specialty.
Apfelwein: The city’s famous alcoholic apple cider, known locally as ‘Ebbelwoi’. It’s traditionally served in a grey earthenware jug called a ‘Bembel’.
Handkäse mit Musik: ‘Hand cheese with music’ is a sour milk cheese marinated in oil, vinegar, and onions. The ‘music’ refers to the effect the onions have on digestion!
3. Exploring Frankfurt’s Best Neighborhoods for Food Lovers
Sachsenhausen: Located south of the Main river, this is the historic heart of Apfelwein culture. The cobblestone streets are lined with dozens of traditional taverns, making it the perfect place for an authentic, rustic German meal and a lively night out.
Westend: This affluent and leafy residential district is Frankfurt’s hub for fine dining. Here you will find a high concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants and elegant bistros tucked away on quiet, beautiful streets.
Bahnhofsviertel: The area around the central train station has shed its gritty reputation to become one of the city’s most exciting and diverse culinary hotspots. You can find authentic food from all corners of the globe here, from Turkish grills to Vietnamese pho and high-end cocktail bars.
Fressgass: Literally translating to ‘Grazing Alley’, this pedestrian street in the city center is packed with delis, cafes, and restaurants with outdoor seating, making it a popular spot for lunch or an afternoon coffee.
Best Foodie Neighborhoods
Sachsenhausen: The go-to district for traditional Apfelwein taverns and rustic German food.
Westend: A posh residential area home to many of the city’s Michelin-starred and fine dining restaurants.
Bahnhofsviertel: The area around the central station is a melting pot of cultures, offering a vast array of authentic international cuisines.
4. A Guide to Pairing Drinks with Your Frankfurt Meal
Local Wines: Frankfurt is on the doorstep of the Rheingau, one of Germany’s most prestigious wine regions, famous for its world-class Riesling. A dry (‘Trocken’) Riesling pairs beautifully with lighter dishes like fish or poultry. For something richer, ask for a Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), Germany’s premier red wine.
The Apfelwein Rule: In a traditional tavern, Apfelwein is the drink of choice. It cuts through the richness of hearty dishes like Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle) and Rippchen (ribs) perfectly. Ordering anything else might earn you a playful frown from the locals.
Beer Culture: While not a traditional beer city like Munich, Frankfurt has a growing craft beer scene. Look for local breweries like ‘Binding’ or seek out bars offering a wider selection of German and international beers. A classic Pilsner is always a reliable choice.
Digestifs: End your meal like a German with a ‘Schnaps’. A local specialty is ‘Mispelchen’, a drink made from calvados (apple brandy) in which a medlar fruit is preserved. It’s a unique and warming way to conclude a rich meal.
Navigating the Drinks Menu
Wine: Germany is famous for its Riesling. The nearby Rheingau wine region produces some of the world’s best. Ask your sommelier for a local recommendation.
Beer: While Frankfurt is Apfelwein country, you can still find excellent German beers. Look for local craft breweries or classic Pilsners and Weizens.
Schnaps: For a digestif, try a locally produced fruit brandy, such as ‘Mispelchen’, a calvados with a loquat fruit.
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