3 Best Restaurants in Hamburg, Germany

The kitchen at this much-loved little bistro in Eimsbüttel officially opens for business at 7 pm, but Vienna opens its doors early in the afternoon for those wanting an espresso or aperitif from their tiny bar. Early arrivers might still be asked to share a table in the dining room or outside in the courtyard, but given the lovingly prepared sausages, fresh fish dishes, and hearty desserts coming out of the kitchen, it will matter little to most.

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 recently opened a new 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.

Hidden down a side street off Hansaplatz, this neighborhood favorite is easily missed, but it’s worth seeking out for its excellent plates of vitello tonnato (cold sliced veal with a creamy tuna sauce), saltimbocca (marinated veal with prosciutto and herbs), and truffle pasta. The restaurant's intimate atmosphere, similar to grandmother's living room, extends beyond the candlelight and banquette seating to the amicable staff and spoken menu, which features many of the filling and comforting pasta, meat, and fish dishes typical of rustic Italian cuisine.