Quick answers — eating in Frankfurt
- Best restaurant overall
- Lafleur
- Best value
- Restaurant Emma Metzler (€40-€60 / $45-$65)
- Strongest cuisines
- Modern European, Italian, German & Austrian, French, Asian fusion
- Dishes to try
- Frankfurter Grüne Soße, Apfelwein (Ebbelwoi), Handkäse mit Musik, Frankfurter Würstchen
- Booking window
- For MICHELIN-starred restaurants, booking 4-8 weeks ahead is advisable, particularly for Friday or Saturday evenings. Utilize online reservation platforms or the restaurant's website for convenience.
Booking several weeks or even months in advance is essential for MICHELIN-starred restaurants, especially for weekend evenings. Dress codes typically range from smart casual to business elegant. Tipping around 10% is customary for good service. Dinner hours usually commence between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM, with kitchens often closing around 9:30 PM to 10:00 PM.
Modern European
Best modern European restaurants in Frankfurt
Modern European is the catch-all for kitchens that borrow technique from France, produce from their own region and ideas from everywhere — usually tasting-menu only.
Lafleur
Two MICHELIN StarsModern European · Westend-Süd (Palmengarten) · €225-€285 / $240-$300
Andreas Krolik
Nestled within the Palmengarten, Lafleur is celebrated for Andreas Krolik's exquisite, aromatic, and often plant-focused cuisine, with a dedicated vegetarian tasting menu matching its superb meat and fish offerings. The elegant, contemporary setting provides a luxurious backdrop for truly innovative and perfectly executed dishes, accompanied by an impressive wine list. It's a culinary oasis.
Order: Wild garlic risotto with green asparagus; Challans duck with fig and Sichuan pepper
Weinsinn
One MICHELIN StarModern European · Bahnhofsviertel · €125-€165 / $135-$175
Julian Stowasser
Weinsinn offers a vibrant, modern dining experience with a focus on bold, well-balanced flavours and excellent wine pairings. Julian Stowasser's cooking is precise yet approachable, emphasizing seasonal ingredients and creative presentations in a stylish, somewhat industrial-chic setting. The atmosphere is less formal than some starred establishments, making it inviting for a sophisticated evening.
Order: Atlantic turbot with artichoke and truffle; Wagyu beef with root vegetables and jus
Ernst im Palais
One MICHELIN StarModern European · Innenstadt · €120-€160 / $130-$170
Erik Wagner
Located within the historic Palais Thurn und Taxis, Ernst offers a contemporary fine dining experience focusing on seasonal ingredients and meticulous presentation. Chef Erik Wagner's dishes are characterized by their clarity, balance, and modern execution, served in an elegant and sophisticated setting. It provides a refined culinary journey in a grand architectural context.
Order: North Sea turbot with kohlrabi and beurre blanc; Guinea fowl with truffled polenta
Oroy
MICHELIN SelectedModern European · Sachsenhausen-Nord · €60-€100 / $65-$110
Lukas Nagel
Oroy provides a charming and intimate dining experience, celebrated for its creative, ingredient-driven modern European cuisine. Chef Lukas Nagel presents beautifully plated dishes that are both imaginative and comforting, reflecting a strong commitment to seasonal produce. The inviting atmosphere and attentive service make it a delightful choice for a refined yet relaxed meal.
Order: Duck breast with parsnip and pear; Scallops with cauliflower and brown butter
Grünfink
Bib GourmandModern European · Nordend-West · €45-€65 / $50-$70
Grünfink offers excellent quality cuisine at a more approachable price point, earning its Bib Gourmand distinction. The menu features seasonal ingredients expertly prepared with a modern European touch, often with creative vegetarian options. The atmosphere is casual, contemporary, and welcoming, making it a great spot for a high-quality meal without the fine-dining formality.
Order: Risotto with seasonal vegetables; Confit duck leg
Restaurant Emma Metzler
Bib GourmandModern European · Sachsenhausen-Süd · €40-€60 / $45-$65
Situated next to the Museum Angewandte Kunst, Emma Metzler is beloved for its consistently delicious, straightforward, and seasonal European cooking. The ambiance is relaxed and friendly, with a lovely outdoor terrace for warmer months. It focuses on clarity of flavour and high-quality ingredients, offering a rotating menu that appeals to both locals and museum-goers seeking a satisfying meal.
Order: Frankfurt green sauce with eggs and potatoes; Braised beef cheek
Italian
Best Italian restaurants in Frankfurt
Italian kitchens abroad split into two camps: the classic trattoria doing pasta, fish and a short wine list, and the modern dining rooms treating Italian produce with tasting-menu precision.
Carmelo Greco
One MICHELIN StarModern Italian · Sachsenhausen-Nord · €135-€175 / $145-$185
Carmelo Greco
Chef Carmelo Greco brings sophisticated, authentic Italian flavours to Frankfurt, elevating classic dishes with precise techniques and premium ingredients. The intimate and elegant dining room, complemented by warm service, creates a refined atmosphere perfect for special occasions. His nuanced approach to Italian gastronomy makes it a standout for discerning diners seeking exquisite Mediterranean fare.
Order: Homemade pasta with white truffle; Sicilian red prawns with burrata
German & Austrian
Best German and Austrian restaurants in Frankfurt
German-speaking Europe hides a lot of quiet fine dining: precise, produce-led cooking in small rooms, alongside the beer halls everyone already knows.
bidlabu
One MICHELIN StarModern German · Westend-Süd · €110-€150 / $120-$160
Felix Wessler
bidlabu is known for its inventive and unpretentious take on contemporary German cuisine, showcasing high-quality, often regional ingredients. The atmosphere is relaxed yet chic, with an open kitchen providing a glimpse into the culinary artistry. Felix Wessler's cooking is characterized by clear, intense flavours and creative combinations, offering a fresh perspective on local traditions.
Order: Frankfurt green sauce interpretation; Saddle of venison with celery and hazelnut
French
Best French restaurants in Frankfurt
French cooking is still the backbone of fine dining almost everywhere — expect sauce work, butter, precise service and set lunch menus that cost a fraction of dinner.
francais
One MICHELIN StarClassic French · Innenstadt (Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof) · €160-€200 / $170-$215
Patrick Bittner
Housed within the opulent Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof, francais delivers classic French haute cuisine with impeccable service and a grand, luxurious ambiance. Chef Patrick Bittner honors traditional techniques while incorporating modern sensibilities, using premium ingredients to create timeless and elegant dishes. It's an enduring institution for those seeking a truly grand dining experience.
Order: Brittany lobster with saffron risotto; Périgord truffle soup
Asian fusion
Best Asian fusion restaurants in Frankfurt
Fusion kitchens work across Asian traditions rather than inside one — best judged on whether the combinations actually taste deliberate.
Zenzakan
MICHELIN SelectedPan-Asian · Innenstadt · €70-€120 / $75-$130
Zenzakan offers a stylish and expansive journey through Pan-Asian cuisine, focusing on Japanese and Korean influences with a modern twist. The dramatic, darkly lit interior creates an atmospheric dining experience, complemented by expertly crafted sushi, sashimi, and grilled dishes. It’s a popular spot for both business dinners and trendy evenings out, offering vibrant flavours and elegant plating.
Order: Black Cod Miso; Wagyu Tataki
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Frankfurt
Kleinmarkthalle
Explore this vibrant indoor market for local delicacies. Try the famous 'Grüne Soße mit Eiern und Kartoffeln' (green sauce with eggs and potatoes), local cheeses, or a 'Frankfurter Würstchen' (sausage) from various stalls. Expect to pay €5-€15 for a hearty snack or light meal.
Best Worscht in Town
A quintessential Frankfurt experience, offering customizable currywurst with various levels of spiciness and toppings. Choose your sausage, sauce, and spice level for a quick, satisfying, and iconic German street food. A meal typically costs around €4-€7.
Imbiss Bei Frau Nanna
A beloved local spot for authentic Turkish Döner Kebab, known for its high-quality meat, fresh ingredients, and flavourful sauces. It’s a reliable choice for a delicious and filling meal on the go, popular with locals for its consistency. A Döner costs approximately €6-€8.
Atschel
Dive into traditional Hessian cuisine at this rustic apple wine pub in Sachsenhausen. Enjoy classic dishes like 'Frankfurter Schnitzel' or 'Handkäse mit Musik' with a glass of local 'Ebbelwoi' (apple wine). Main courses typically range from €12-€20.
Sushiedo
A popular, casual spot for fresh and affordable sushi in the city center. They offer a wide range of rolls, sashimi, and bento boxes, perfect for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner with friends. Expect to pay €10-€20 for a substantial sushi meal.
Local dishes
What to eat in Frankfurt
Frankfurter Grüne Soße
This iconic Frankfurt specialty is a cold herb sauce, typically made from seven specific herbs: borage, chervil, cress, parsley, salad burnet, sorrel, and chives, blended with sour cream or quark. It's traditionally served with boiled potatoes and hard-boiled eggs, or with Tafelspitz (boiled beef) or Schnitzel. Atschel in Sachsenhausen is highly recommended for an authentic version.
Apfelwein (Ebbelwoi)
Frankfurt's signature beverage, often simply called 'Äppler,' is a tart, dry apple wine with a lower alcohol content than grape wine. It's traditionally served in a ribbed glass (Geripptes) from a stoneware jug (Bembel). Best enjoyed in the traditional taverns of Sachsenhausen, such as Zum Gemalten Haus, where locals gather for hearty meals and convivial conversation, particularly in warmer months.
Handkäse mit Musik
A strong-smelling, translucent sour milk cheese, 'Handkäse' is typically marinated in oil, vinegar, onions, and caraway seeds. The 'Musik' refers to the flatulence-inducing onions. It's a bold flavor, usually served with rye bread and Apfelwein, a staple in traditional Frankfurt taverns. Look for it at Gasthaus Zum Bären in Sachsenhausen for an authentic local experience.
Frankfurter Würstchen
These slender, parboiled pork sausages are a protected geographical indication, meaning only those produced in and around Frankfurt can bear the name. Distinct from the American 'frankfurter,' they are traditionally served hot with mustard, horseradish, and bread. They offer a delicate, smoky flavor. Find them fresh and authentic at Metzgerei Dey in the Kleinmarkthalle for a true taste of local produce.
Rippchen mit Kraut
A hearty Frankfurt classic, 'Rippchen mit Kraut' consists of cured, slow-cooked pork cutlets (Rippchen) served alongside generous portions of sauerkraut (Kraut) and often mashed potatoes. It’s comforting, substantial, and perfect for a chilly day. Many traditional eateries in Sachsenhausen serve this dish, with Zum Wagner being a particularly beloved spot for its authentic preparation.
Bethmännchen
A small, marzipan-based pastry with almonds, traditionally associated with Frankfurt and particularly popular during the Christmas season. Its name comes from the Bethmann family. These sweet treats are rich and fragrant, often found in local bakeries (Bäckerei) and cafés throughout the city, offering a delightful bite-sized indulgence. Look for them at ConditCouture for an exquisite version.
Frankfurter Kranz
A classic German layer cake representing a crown (Kranz) due to Frankfurt's past as a coronation city. It features layers of sponge cake, filled with rich buttercream, jam, and often covered in crunchy brittle (Krokant) and glazed cherries. This decadent dessert is a staple in Frankfurt's traditional cafés, like Café Laumer, perfect for an afternoon treat with coffee.
Schneegestöber
Literally 'snowdrift,' this dessert is a creamy concoction of quark, sour cream, and sometimes cream cheese, sweetened and often mixed with fruit or served with berries. It’s a lighter, refreshing end to a hearty meal, offering a pleasant tang. While less common than Frankfurter Kranz, it can be found in some traditional German restaurants and offers a delightful local twist on a dairy-based dessert.
How to book a table in Frankfurt
- · For MICHELIN-starred restaurants, booking 4-8 weeks ahead is advisable, particularly for Friday or Saturday evenings. Utilize online reservation platforms or the restaurant's website for convenience.
- · Many top establishments require a credit card guarantee or a non-refundable deposit for tasting menus, especially for larger groups. Check cancellation policies carefully to avoid charges.
- · Consider booking a lunch menu at starred restaurants; these often offer a similar culinary experience at a significantly lower price point. Reservations for lunch are generally easier to secure.
- · Be aware of strict no-show policies. Cancellations typically need to be made 24-48 hours in advance, otherwise, a fee equivalent to a portion of the menu price may be charged.
FAQ
Frankfurt restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Frankfurt?
Lafleur in Westend-Süd (Palmengarten) is the benchmark table — Modern European, led by Andreas Krolik, two michelin stars, around €225-€285 / $240-$300 per person. Order the Wild garlic risotto with green asparagus; Challans duck with fig and Sichuan pepper
Where is the best modern European restaurant in Frankfurt?
Lafleur in Westend-Süd (Palmengarten) is the modern European table to book in Frankfurt (€225-€285 / $240-$300 per person). Other strong options: Weinsinn, Ernst im Palais, Oroy.
Where is the best Italian restaurant in Frankfurt?
Carmelo Greco in Sachsenhausen-Nord is the Italian table to book in Frankfurt (€135-€175 / $145-$185 per person).
Where is the best German and Austrian restaurant in Frankfurt?
bidlabu in Westend-Süd is the German and Austrian table to book in Frankfurt (€110-€150 / $120-$160 per person).
Where is the best French restaurant in Frankfurt?
francais in Innenstadt (Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof) is the French table to book in Frankfurt (€160-€200 / $170-$215 per person).
Where is the best Asian fusion restaurant in Frankfurt?
Zenzakan in Innenstadt is the Asian fusion table to book in Frankfurt (€70-€120 / $75-$130 per person).
Where can I eat well in Frankfurt without spending a fortune?
Restaurant Emma Metzler is the best-value table on this list at roughly €40-€60 / $45-$65 per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Kleinmarkthalle, Best Worscht in Town, Imbiss Bei Frau Nanna.
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Frankfurt?
For MICHELIN-starred restaurants, booking 4-8 weeks ahead is advisable, particularly for Friday or Saturday evenings. Utilize online reservation platforms or the restaurant's website for convenience. Many top establishments require a credit card guarantee or a non-refundable deposit for tasting menus, especially for larger groups. Check cancellation policies carefully to avoid charges.
What food is Frankfurt famous for?
Frankfurter Grüne Soße, Apfelwein (Ebbelwoi), Handkäse mit Musik, Frankfurter Würstchen, Rippchen mit Kraut — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. This iconic Frankfurt specialty is a cold herb sauce, typically made from seven specific herbs: borage, chervil, cress, parsley, salad burnet, sorrel, and chives, blended with sour cream or quark. It's traditionally served with boiled potatoes and hard-boiled eggs, or with Tafelspitz (boiled beef) or Schnitzel. Atschel in Sachsenhausen is highly recommended for an authentic version.
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