Frankfurt

🍴

Dining and Cuisine

Insights into Frankfurt’s culinary scene, from traditional dishes to international dining options.

Sections

Comprehensive Guide to Dining and Cuisine in Frankfurt, Germany

Frankfurt, a cosmopolitan city in the heart of Germany, offers a rich and diverse culinary scene that blends traditional Hessian dishes with international influences. Whether you're a fan of hearty German meals, street food, or fine dining, Frankfurt has something for everyone. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate the city's food culture.

1. Traditional Dishes in Frankfurt

Frankfurt is known for its hearty, rustic cuisine, often featuring pork, potatoes, and apples. Here are some must-try traditional dishes:

  • Grüne Soße (Green Sauce): A cold herb-based sauce made with seven fresh herbs (parsley, chives, sorrel, borage, cress, chervil, and salad burnet), mixed with sour cream or yogurt. It’s typically served with boiled eggs and potatoes.
  • Frankfurter Würstchen: A thin, smoked sausage similar to a hot dog, traditionally served with mustard and bread.
  • Handkäse mit Musik: A sour milk cheese marinated in vinegar, oil, and onions, often served with rye bread. The "Musik" refers to the onions, which are said to "play music" later!
  • Rippchen mit Kraut: Pork chops served with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes.
  • Apfelwein (Ebbelwoi): Frankfurt’s famous apple cider, which is slightly tart and often served in a traditional blue-and-white ceramic jug called a "Bembel."

2. Popular Restaurants and Dining Spots

Frankfurt offers a mix of traditional taverns, modern eateries, and international restaurants. Here are some recommendations:

Traditional Taverns (Apfelweinlokale)

  • Atschel: A cozy, authentic tavern in Sachsenhausen serving classic Hessian dishes and Apfelwein.
  • Zum Gemalten Haus: One of the most famous Apfelwein taverns, known for its rustic atmosphere and hearty portions.
  • Kanonensteppel: A local favorite for traditional food and a great selection of Apfelwein.

Street Food and Casual Dining

  • Kleinmarkthalle: A bustling indoor market with over 60 stalls offering fresh produce, baked goods, and ready-to-eat meals. Try the famous Fleischwurst (meat sausage) or grab a sandwich from Metzgerei Schreiber.
  • Berger Straße: A lively street lined with cafes, bakeries, and casual eateries offering everything from German snacks to international cuisine.
  • Food Trucks: Look out for food trucks at weekly markets or events, offering everything from bratwurst to international street food.

Fine Dining

  • Restaurant Villa Merton: A Michelin-starred restaurant focusing on sustainable and innovative cuisine.
  • Seven Swans: A Michelin-starred vegetarian restaurant with a focus on seasonal and local ingredients.
  • Lafleur: A two-Michelin-star restaurant offering modern French cuisine with a creative twist.

International Cuisine

Frankfurt’s diverse population means you’ll find excellent international food:

  • Pak Choi: A popular spot for authentic Chinese dishes.
  • Ariston: A highly-rated Greek restaurant in the city center.
  • Im Herzen Afrikas: A unique Ethiopian restaurant where you can dine on traditional platters while sitting on cushions.

3. Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Frankfurt is increasingly vegetarian- and vegan-friendly, with many restaurants catering to plant-based diets:

  • Vevay: A vegan and vegetarian restaurant offering healthy, creative dishes.
  • Körle und Adam: A small vegan restaurant with a focus on organic and seasonal ingredients.
  • Greenfoody: A casual spot for vegan bowls, smoothies, and snacks.

Many traditional dishes, like Grüne Soße, can also be made vegetarian, so don’t hesitate to ask.

4. Local Dining Etiquette

Dining in Frankfurt comes with its own set of customs and etiquette:

  • Reservations: It’s a good idea to make reservations, especially for popular restaurants or fine dining establishments.
  • Tipping: Service charges are usually included in the bill, but it’s customary to round up the total or leave a 5-10% tip for good service.
  • Sharing Tables: In traditional taverns, it’s common to share tables with strangers. A polite "Guten Tag" (Good day) is appreciated when joining a table.
  • Cash vs. Card: Many smaller establishments and traditional taverns prefer cash, so carry some euros with you.
  • Pace of Dining: Meals are often leisurely, so don’t expect quick service. Enjoy the experience and take your time.

5. Average Costs

Dining in Frankfurt can range from budget-friendly to high-end. Here’s a general breakdown:

  • Street Food or Casual Meals: €5-15
  • Mid-Range Restaurants: €15-30 per person
  • Fine Dining: €50-150+ per person
  • Apfelwein (per glass): €2-4
  • Beer (per glass): €3-5

6. Seasonal Specialties and Food-Related Events

Frankfurt’s food scene changes with the seasons, and there are several events to look out for:

Seasonal Specialties

  • Spargel (White Asparagus): A spring delicacy often served with hollandaise sauce, potatoes, and ham.
  • Federweißer and Zwiebelkuchen: In autumn, try Federweißer (young, fizzy wine) paired with Zwiebelkuchen (onion tart).
  • Christmas Market Treats: During the holiday season, enjoy roasted chestnuts, gingerbread, and mulled wine (Glühwein) at the Frankfurt Christmas Market.

Food-Related Events

  • Frankfurt Apple Wine Festival (August): A celebration of the city’s beloved Apfelwein, with tastings, live music, and food stalls.
  • Rheingau Wine Festival (September): Held in the Freßgass area, this festival showcases wines from the nearby Rheingau region.
  • Green Sauce Festival (May): A quirky event dedicated to Frankfurt’s famous Grüne Soße, with tastings and live entertainment.

7. Practical Tips for Enjoying Frankfurt’s Food Scene

  • Language: While many menus are available in English, learning a few German food-related phrases can be helpful. For example, "Ich hätte gerne..." means "I would like..."
  • Portion Sizes: Portions in traditional restaurants can be large, so consider sharing or asking for a smaller portion if you’re not too hungry.
  • Dietary Restrictions: Most restaurants are accommodating, but it’s always a good idea to inform your server about any allergies or dietary needs.
  • Takeaway Culture: While takeaway is common, traditional restaurants encourage dining in to enjoy the full experience.

Frankfurt’s culinary scene is a reflection of its rich history and modern diversity. Whether you’re savoring a plate of Grüne Soße in a rustic tavern or enjoying a Michelin-starred meal, the city offers a unique and memorable dining experience. Bon appétit—or as the locals say, "Guten Appetit!"