2 Best Restaurants in Heidelberg and the Neckar Valley, Germany

Beautiful ceilings painted with vine motifs, exposed beams, wooden wainscotting and an old tile stove make for a gemütlich (cozy) atmosphere. This small restaurant fills up fast, not least because of the Swabian specialties which dominate the menu and fresh, regional ingredients. Save room for dessert, especially the house-made Schwäbische Apfelküchle (Swabian apple cake) with vanilla sauce. There's also a children's menu.

This is a popular American-style steakhouse chain which ages its own beef. There are some 50 outposts in Germany, including two in Stuttgart. There are daily lunch specials, including burgers, goulash and a vegetarian chili. Dinner focuses on T-bones, rib-eyes and filet mignon. Portions are large, except for the children’s menu. Save room for dessert, including a Belgian waffle with powdered sugar and cherry compote and New York-style cheesecake. Reservations essential on weekends.