It's always good to find out about the best restaurants in Frankfurt and what each one has to offer, where to eat typical dishes and food, as this is an excellent way to make the experience of your trip to one of the main cities in Germany a memorable one. even better.
The fifth largest German city and financial center in the country, Frankfurt is considered a multicultural metropolis in Europe, since, although most of its population is native, the rest is made up of more than 180 different ethnic groups.
This miscegenation brought part of the culture of each people, as well as their typical foods. Therefore, today it is possible to find both restaurants specializing in local cuisine and a variety of restaurants of the most diverse ethnic groups in the same block.
So much so that, to illustrate this fact, we have a little street sympathetically nicknamed by the people of “Freßgass” (Food Alley), but which on maps you will find under the name “Große Bockenheimer Straße”.
It was on this street where, after the First World War, grocery stores and delicacies were located, which today give way to restaurants, cool bars, cool cafes, breweries and gourmet shops, where you can try pork knuckle and other delicacies in the best restaurants from Frankfurt. Check out.
What are the typical dishes of Frankfurt?
A Germany is world-famous for its cuisine, especially when it comes to cheeses, sausages and fermented drinks.
In Frankfurt, it couldn't be different: the city prides itself on offering a variety of typical dishes exclusive to the Main river region, which can be seen below.
1. Handkäse with music
The famous “hand cheese” has this name because it is made manually with sour milk and has its shape molded by hand. This appetizer can be served with or without onions, accompanied by black bread and butter.
To the unwary, this dish may seem like a simple bread and cheese, but in fact its flavor is quite unusual: while the cheese has its own acidity, the onion marinade with olive oil ensures that the whole combination is quite sour.
2. Green sauce
Made with yogurt, sour cream and hard-boiled eggs, it is called 'sauce verde' due to the color the mixture acquires when adding the 7 fresh herbs that flavor the cold sauce.
This is so popular that, in May, the city hosts a seven-day festival in honor of the spice. It is usually served with boiled potatoes or accompanying another famous German recipe, the Schnitzel.
3. Frankfurter sausages
Probably the most famous spice in the region, this sausage is made exclusively from pork meat wrapped in sheep intestines and has been traded in the region since the XNUMXth century.
Thinner than other traditional sausages, its special flavor is due to the method used to smoke it at low temperatures.
It is traditionally served with bread, mustard and potato salad.
4. Frankfurt Ribs with Sauerkraut
Another famous regional dish based on pork is the ribs cooked with sauerkraut, also served with mashed potatoes and yellow mustard.
5. Cider
Considered the national drink of the state of Hessen, 'apple wine' is actually a sour-tasting cider, the result of apple fermentation.
Traditionally it is served plain, but as its strong flavor does not please all palates, it is also commonly served “gespritzt” with water or “süßgespritzt” with lemonade.
And as everything in Germany is a reason to celebrate, this spice is also honored at a festival that takes place every year in August, in the city center of Frankfurt.
6. Frankfurter Kranz
This dessert was created in 1735 in honor of the city of Frankfurt, which at the time was considered the crown city of the German Empire.
As the name implies, the “Frankfurt crown” imitates a real crown, with a donut shape, its sponge cake dough is filled with cream and jam, while the crunchy topping is made with caramelized nuts that represent gold, and the decorative cherries symbolize the rubies in the crown.
Where to eat in Frankfurt?
- Kleinmarkthalle
- Tonbul Grill Kebaba House
- To the Old Frankfurt
- Vapiano
- Paulaner at the cathedral
- In the heart of Africa
- Relais & Châteaux Restauraunt Lafleur
- Villa Merton
- Main Tower Restaurant & Lounge
cheap restaurants in frankfurt
1. Kleinmarkthalle (Small Market)
One of the main frankfurt tourist attractions, the Kleinmarkthalle is the city's central market; where you can buy fresh fruits, flowers and vegetables, as well as local and international specialties such as cheeses, sausages, wines and dried fruits.
Most stalls also offer tastings of these spices, so it's impossible to leave there with an empty stomach.
In addition, they also have snack stalls and delicacies that are freshly prepared and can be enjoyed right there. An example is Mrs. Schreiber's stall, whose famous sausages with bread and mustard are often the reason for queues for tourists and locals alike.
If you are still not satisfied, just go up to the mezzanine floor to find restaurants that offer more complete meals and generally at a more friendly price than other restaurants in Frankfurt.
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 18 pm and Saturday, from 8 am to 16 pm.
- Address and directions: Hasengasse 7, Altstadt. The nearest metro stations are Hauptwache and Konstablerwache, which are 500 meters from the market.
2. Tonbul Grill Kebab House
For years, Turks have been the ethnic group that most immigrates to Germany. So much so that its cuisine has already become part of the daily lives of the Germans and the döner is by far the favorite dish.
Great for those who want to have a hearty, quick, tasty and cheap meal. The snack made with pita bread is filled with pieces of meat roasted on a skewer, lettuce, tomato, onion, yogurt sauce and even french fries; for vegetarians there is also the option of replacing meat with falafel balls, which is also delicious.
The famous Turkish fast food can be found both in taverns in the metro and in restaurants and food trucks around the city, just find a huge revolving spit with meat roasting and you will know that there will definitely be a döner for you.
Despite the large offer in the city, one of the best restaurants in Frankfurt to eat the famous snack is Tonbul, a small restaurant in the center of the city that has won over the public both for the döner and for the other delicious Turkish dishes. You can sit down to eat calmly, or order a snack to go to eat at home or on the street.
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday, from 10 am to 1 am; Saturday from 8 am to 3 am and Sunday from 10 am to midnight.
- Address and directions: Töngesgasse 4, Altstadt. Close to Konstablerwache station.
3. To the Old Frankfurter
typical german food, good and cheap. If that's what you're looking for, this will be an ideal place for you to visit, as it is a family restaurant that, despite being in the center, is not very touristy and is mostly visited by locals.
The atmosphere is pleasant and cozy, while the menu offers a variety of typical foods such as Schnitzel and Frankfurter Würstchen. You can also try a variety of beers from the region.
- Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 11 am to 23 pm, closed on Sundays.
- Address and directions: Ziegelgasse 2, Altstadt. Closest to Dom/Römer station, but less than 700 meters from the Hauptwache.
- One of the best value for money restaurants in Frankfurt.
4. Vapiano
It is a German restaurant chain, but specialized in Italian cuisine, bringing a new concept of fast food.
With fresh and natural ingredients, the dishes are prepared on the spot and customized by the customer, who can choose from a menu with varied pastas, risottos, salads, pizzas and soups, in addition to delicious desserts.
Vapiano is an excellent option for those shopping at Zeil and looking for a light, healthy and tasty meal at an excellent cost-benefit ratio.
- Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, from 11 am to 23:30 pm; on Friday and Saturday from 11:00 to 30:XNUMX.
- Address and directions: Goetheplatz 1-3, old town. Approximately 300 meters from the Hauptwache.
5. Paulaner at the cathedral
If you are a fan of german beers, you will definitely recognize that name. The Paulaner brewery is one of the oldest and most famous in Bavaria, being one of the six brands participating in the Munich Oktoberfest and one of the most exported worldwide.
It was created in the XNUMXth century by monks of the Paulaner Order, who fermented the drink for their own consumption and to sell in the monastery's tavern.
Paulaner am Dom is a franchised restaurant of the Paulaner brewery and offers both a wide variety of beers from the brand and typical foods from the Bavarian region that are the best known worldwide, such as pork knuckle, bretzel and a variety of sausages.
- Opening hours: every day from 11 am to midnight.
- Address and directions: Domplatz 6, Altstadt. Located just behind the Dom, so the nearest station is Römer/Dom itself.
6. In the heart of Africa
For those looking for more exotic alternatives, this restaurant offers a complete experience with its traditional African dishes and a cozy atmosphere decorated to make you feel like you are in another continent.
The menu at Im Herzen Afrikas is divided into meat and meatless options, as well as a variety of vegan dishes. Located in the Bahnhofsviertel district, where most of Frankfurt's hotels are located, this is a good option for tourists staying in the area.
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday and Sunday from 17 pm to 23 pm and Saturday from 16 pm to midnight.
- Address and directions: Gutleutstraße 13, Bahnhofsviertel. Close to Willy-Brandt-Platz station.
Best restaurants in Frankfurt
7. Relais & Chateaux Restauraunt Lafleur
With two Michelin stars, this is considered the best restaurant in Frankfurt. Located within the Palmengarten botanical garden, its kitchen is led by renowned chef Andreas Krolik, who, according to him, follows a “classic contemporary line, combined with Mediterranean aspects and local ingredients”.
The Relais & Châteaux has menus with small dishes, but with a contrasting flavor and extremely tasty. It is important to note that the restaurant stresses the importance of booking in advance and that only children over 12 are welcome.
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, from 18 pm to midnight.
- Address and directions: Palmengartenstraße 11, Westend. Located in the southern part of the Palmengarten, next to the Bockenheimer Warte station.
8. Villa Merton
The old villa that houses this restaurant and is responsible for its name was built in 1927 by Richard Melton, who at the time was part of Frankfurt's manufacturing elite.
Currently, under the supervision of chef André Großfeld, conqueror of a Michelin star, the village restaurant brings a combination of classic and modern cuisine, with dishes rich in both aroma and flavor.
Before visiting the Villa Merton restaurant, check its availability and, if possible, make a reservation to guarantee a table.
- Opening hours: the bistro is open every day from 12:14 to 18:22 and from 18:22 to XNUMX:XNUMX; while the restaurant only serves dinner from Monday to Saturday, from XNUMX pm to XNUMX pm.
- Address and directions: Am Leonhardsbrunn 12, Diplomatenviertel. Straßenbahn 16 stop on Juliusstraße is the closest station to the restaurant, 4 blocks away.
9. Main Tower Restaurant & Lounge
With one of best panoramic views from the city, the restaurant is located on the XNUMXrd floor of the Maintower, the tallest building in Frankfurt.
As it is completely covered in glass, the place has a privileged view of the city and the horizon, which can also be enjoyed from the lounge, where you can relax enjoying a drink and appetizers.
But anyone who thinks that the look is the only thing that makes the Main Tower Restaurant a must visit is wrong: with dishes signed by chef Benjamin Karger, the kitchen promises to surprise you even more with its tasting menus with several dishes and its extensive menu of wines.
Those who do not make a reservation in advance will be charged a fee of €7,50 to enter the tower, as is charged for tourists who come just to enjoy the view.
- Opening hours: for lunch from Tuesday to Friday, from 12:14 to 30:18; for dinner Tuesday to Thursday from 18 pm to midnight and Friday and Saturday from 1 pm to 21 am. The lounge is open Tuesday and Thursday from 21 pm to midnight and Friday and Saturday from 1 pm to XNUMX am.
- Address and directions: Neuer Mainzer Straße 52-58. The nearest S-Bahn stop is Taunusanlage station, where lines S1 to S9 run.
Enjoy the restaurants in Frankfurt
It is unquestionable that Frankfurt has an extensive offer of varied cafeterias and restaurants in Frankfurt that promise to please both the most demanding palates and the tightest pockets, without leaving anything to be desired in terms of taste and quality.
This is just one more reason to convince you to get to know this amazing and unmissable city for those who want to experience a little more of German culture.
See more of the delights served in the city in this video made by the official Frankfurt tourism website:
Do you have plans to travel to Germany and visit the best restaurants in Frankfurt? Share your questions in the comments!
