5 Best Restaurants in Hamburg, Germany

This extension of the Louis C. Jacob Hotel consists of a relaxed Bistro, a wine bar, and a more formal Brasserie that boasts a large bay window with excellent views of ships gliding up the Elbe. But it's the brasserie that stands out, offering a unique take on French dishes with seasonal northern German ingredients as well as local fish delicacies.

This bright-red lightship served in the English Channel before it retired to the city harbor in 1989 and became a landmark restaurant, guesthouse, and pub. Local favorites such as Hamburger Pannfisch (panfried fish with mustard sauce) and Labskaus (a mixture of corned beef, potato, onion, beet, and gherkins) are on the ship's extensive menu, along with Argentine steaks and rack of lamb.

This restaurant embodies the idea of “think global, act local” and brings the world to your table through its menu, which is inspired by cuisines from all over the world. From time to time, the menu will focus on a particular region: Istria, Scandinavia, South Tyrol. Kitchens's concept is rooted in travel experiences and culinary adaptation in an elegant environment. Open for lunch and dinner or enjoy cocktails on its rooftop bar overlooking the HafenCity.

Much like its setting inside a Speicherstadt warehouse, where exposed bricks and beams are offset by sleek furniture and lighting, Vlet’s menu blends traditional German methods with new techniques. The kitchen offers two tasting menus that can be accompanied by corresponding glasses of wine, and the permanent "Vlet Classics" menu, which includes beef tartare prepared at the table. The restaurant has since opened a second location directly on Jungfernstieg.

Ski lifts are a rare sight in Hamburg and North Germany, which is known for its flat landscape, but they are part of the decoration of this bistro serving Alpine delicacies. The menu includes an excellent selection of cheese and German favorites such as Käsespätzle (egg noodles) but this restaurant is best known as a great place to have a proper breakfast.