11 Best Restaurants in Schleswig-Holstein and the Baltic Coast, Germany

The Alt Hamburger Aalspeicher specializes in fish, including Hamburg's famous Aalsuppe (a clear broth with a variety of vegetables, seafood, and meat—basically everything that is leftover). Over time the Low German word for everything (all) became mistaken for the word for eel (Aal), so some restaurants make eel the focus, while others stick with creating their own versions of the soup.

Located in Wismar's oldest patrician house and regarded as one of the most attractive, authentic taverns on the Baltic—and correspondingly busy—this eatery focuses on Mecklenburg's fish, game and poultry dishes, such as the traditional Mecklenburger Ente (Mecklenburg duck). The duck is filled with baked plums, apples, and raisins, and served with red cabbage and potatoes.

Don't be fooled by the prefab exterior: Schwerin's only brewery is an oasis of great beer and down-to-earth regional and Brauhaus specialties like the Malzsack (a pork schnitzel breaded with brewing malt) or Mecklenburger lamb. Wash it down with the house-brewed unfiltered light or dark beer.

All over Germany, no beer brand has become so closely associated with Hamburg (and especially St. Pauli) than Astra. In addition to its main industrial brewery, the brand runs a microbrewery and restaurant directly on the Reeperbahn. Here, they offer IPAs and other specialty beers that can only be enjoyed there as it is produced in much smaller batches. A full menu featuring everything from finger food to lobster make this a great starting point to a legendary evening on the Kiez.

A slice of Paris in the heart of Hamburg, this turn-of-the-19th-century café's unfailing popularity derives from its superb traditional French fare, which naturally includes steak frites and beef tartare, served by crisply polite staff beneath a tiled Art Nouveau ceiling. The café's bar is an ideal spot to take in the atmosphere and sample something off the superb wine list until a table becomes free.

Right on the Kieler Förde, with a great view of the bay, this new restaurant offers regional and international dishes in a relaxed and cozy atmosphere. There is a second branch in the city center ( Holstenbrücke 1), with a menu focusing on craft beer and meat.

This restaurant on Lange Reihe is famed not only for its regional specialties but also for its extensive wine list. Ask the knowledgeable staff which Flammkuchen goes best with your choice of wine. Also open for lunch everyday, Neumann's is a neighborhood favorite. Swing by on a Sunday to enjoy the best Schnitzel in Hamburg taking in St. Georg's atmosphere like a local.

Merging an à la carte restaurant with an elegant cocktail bar, Otto's has been shaking up Rostock's dining scene since 2017. Located right on the waterfront inside a pontoon boat, this restaurant also wows with scenic views that stretch from the city harbor to the Old Town.

While enjoying fresh fish from local waters, prepared with a light Italian touch, you can watch the sunset over the cliffs of Kap Arkona at this restaurant dubbed "Rügen's balcony." Make a reservation, and insist on a table in the Fontane-Veranda (in winter) or the Arkonablick-Terrasse (in summer).

This restaurant is on the ground floor of the Wulflamhaus, a 14th-century gabled house on the old market square. In late spring or early summer, get the light and tasty Ostseescholle (grilled plaice), fresh from the Baltic Sea, while in winter the hearty Zanderfilet mit Sanddornsauce (pikeperch filet with sea buckthorn sauce) is a must.