Best restaurants in Heiligenstadt

AURA by Alexander Herrmann & Tobias Bätz

★★ Michelin€€€€Creative, Modern Cuisine

In their modern and elegant fine dining restaurant, well-attuned chef duo Alexander Herrmann and Tobias Bätz deliver regionally inspired cuisine with a distinctive signature. For their set menus (one of which is vegetarian), they use the finest ingredients Franconia has to offer to create imaginative, intensely flavoursome dishes, some of which are very intricate. A standout example is the fabulous wild eel, glazed with soy sauce, grilled over binchotan charcoal and served with braised leek and Tropea onions, radicchio and plum jam, and a green strawberry vinaigrette with eel oil and green pep

etz

★★ Michelin€€€€international

Felix Schneider and his team take you with them into their very own world. Their responsible concept, consistently implemented, down to the last detail – is clearly reflected in the extraordinary seasonal set menu, which is brimming with their own ideas and a clear sense of purpose. They forage, grow, ferment… everything is made in-house, from the ham and butter to the miso and vinegar. The short tour of the experimental kitchen starts at 6.30pm, after which you will be served numerous courses of creative fare – "omnivore" (fish/meat) or vegetarian – over the course of four to five entertainin

Essigbrätlein

★★ Michelin€€€€gourmet

You ring the bell to be let into this small restaurant in the middle of Nuremberg's old town. With its cosy and inviting atmosphere and extremely charming and attentive front-of-house team, it makes for a lovely intimate setting. Working together seamlessly, Andree Köthe and Yves Ollech have developed a cooking style that is truly one of a kind and defies categorisation. Each course surprises and delights with unfamiliar ingredients or unexpected combinations, reflecting the passion the chefs have for what they do. The vegetable-forward food, which draws inspiration from the region, is grounde

🕐 Tu-Sa 12:00-15:00,19:00-24:00

SoulFood

★ Michelin€€€€International, Seasonal Cuisine

For many years now, Christine Heß and Michael Laus have been delivering on their appealing "soul food" concept at their restaurant right next to Auerbach town hall. He demonstrates a knack for creative cuisine, injecting modern touches, for example, in "Ibérico pork dim sum, butternut squash, green papaya, edamame, snow peas, spring onions, Thai curry" – an exceptionally flavoursome combination that harmoniously balances acidity and heat. The quality of the produce used is excellent, and the prices are reasonable. Choose from two set menus ("DasEine" or "DasAndere") – individual courses can al

Gasthof Alex

★ Michelin€€€€Farm to table, Creative

Chef-patron Domenik Alex, alongside Madlen Häckel, represents the fifth generation to run this family business, which has been in existence since 1886. "A balance between living tradition and creative zeitgeist" is their motto. A fine dining set menu comprising six courses is served Wed-Sat, starting at 6.30pm for all diners. Rich in flavour and inspired by creative, modern influences, the seasonal cuisine makes use of premium-quality ingredients – some home-grown. At lunchtime on Sundays, you can also come here for the concise à la carte menu replete with traditional Franconian fare in the ve

ZweiSinn Meiers | Fine Dining

★ Michelin€€€€international

This stylish, modern restaurant just outside Nuremberg's city centre is a welcome addition to the fine dining scene in the Franconian metropolis. Stefan Meier and his enthusiastic team transform top-quality ingredients into harmonious, creative dishes executed with precision and shaped by a distinctive culinary vision. The two set menus, "EntdeckungsSinn" and the vegetarian "GemüseSinn", are available with four or five courses. As an alternative to the wine flight, the excellent alcohol-free pairings come highly recommended. On Wed and Thu, there is also a three-course "Business Dinner" option

Wonka

★ Michelin€€€€international

Christian Wonka has been running this charming restaurant for over 20 years, serving up ambitious, flavoursome cuisine made using select ingredients, eschewing all unnecessary frills. There is real joy to be found in the clear composition of the dishes, which consist of only a few components – for example, "cauliflower, hazelnut, carrot" or "skrei, pear, kimchi". Recurring Asian touches provide beautiful contrasts. In the evening, a creative set menu comprising five or six courses is proposed – a vegan version is also available. At lunchtime, both variations appear in a shortened form. An invi

🕐 Tu-Fr 12:00-13:30,18:30-22:00; Sa 18:30-22:00

Entenstuben

★ Michelin€€€€international

Anyone standing in front of this rather unassuming building in the Wöhrd neighbourhood would not necessarily expect it to house such an elegant fine dining restaurant. This is the domain of Fabian Denninger, who, following stints at renowned establishments, has been chef-patron here since June 2014. His cooking is rooted in classic culinary tradition, and he executes his dishes with a modern and high-contrast approach. The seasonally inspired set menu is vegetarian by design but can be expanded to include fish and meat – for instance, with perfectly pan-fried, top-quality skrei served with ten

🕐 Tu-Sa 18:00+

Tisane

★ Michelin€€€€gourmet

Located in the chic Augustinerhof building complex in the Old Town, this is a cool, vibrant and trendy "chef's table restaurant". The open kitchen is the centrepiece – not only providing a fascinating display to watch, but also a clever interplay of aromas, background music and communication. Diners sit at a striking counter with a natural stone finish; interaction between chefs and diners is a key part of the concept. You experience first-hand how René Stein and his team prepare a modern, creative set menu comprising pleasantly pared-down dishes made from first-rate ingredients – pre-order th

🕐 We-Sa 18:00-23:00

Veles

★ Michelin€€€€fine_dining

Head to Nuremberg's trendy Gostenhof neighbourhood for a fine dining experience in a rather alternative setting. Chef-patron Vadim Karasev places the emphasis on local sourcing and seasonality. Many of the ingredients come from small-scale producers in Knoblauchsland ("garlic country"), which is just down the road. The kitchen is actually in the dining area and, in full view of diners, the chefs prepare a well-thought-out, creative set menu comprising five to seven courses – a vegetarian version can be pre-ordered. Refined dishes such as "swede, apple, parsley" feature a handful of ingredients

🕐 Tu-Sa 18:30-23:00

Waidwerk

★ Michelin€€€€international

This fine dining restaurant is the beating heart of Romantik Hotel Gasthaus Rottner. In the kitchen where Stefan was once at the helm, his son Valentin now expertly continues the tradition. He prepares select super-fresh ingredients using modern techniques, and presents them in a five- or seven-course menu, available in a vegetarian version if you pre-order. Alternatively, you can opt for a three-course surprise menu. Sommelier Thomas Wachter heads up the friendly and professional service team. The interior is sophisticated, the minimalist style enhanced by some rustic touches and a hunting th

Keidenzeller Hof

★ Michelin€€€€Modern Cuisine, Creative

Set in a small village, this former farmhouse has been given a fabulous facelift that retains much of its original character while introducing modern details. Wood and stone features blend tastefully and elegantly to create a chic, stylish interior. Chef-patron Martin Grimmer proposes a creative seasonal set menu (a vegetarian version can be ordered in advance). His cooking involves original ideas and subtle combinations – the appetisers, too, hit the mark. His charming wife Vera, who presides front of house, is on hand to propose excellent wine or alcohol-free drink pairings. On Saturdays you

Cheval Blanc

★ Michelin€€€€Classic Cuisine, Modern French

Katharina and Christian Fleischmann are the seventh generation to run this family business. They have close ties to the region and its producers. Meat and sausages come from their own butchery; game, lamb and pigeons from producers they know well. Their classic cuisine is full of interesting flavours and displays a modern touch. The dishes, available à la carte or as part of a set menu, are meticulously crafted, full of intricate details, packed with flavour and served in several variations – for example, the wonderful Challans duck comes in the form of a precisely cooked breast stuffed with t

Holzgarten

Bib Gourmand€€Seasonal Cuisine, International

The vibe of this charming, vibrant spot can be described as modern, understated and welcoming. Tucked away in the little Holzgartenstraße (after which it takes its name), the restaurant focuses on the use of seasonal ingredients in its kitchen, also embracing international influences. The dishes are often pared back to just a few components, carefully prepared for maximum flavour and nicely readable. Shining examples include "Traditional labneh, tomato, basil, parsley, spelt baguette" or "Two types of Ibérico, savoy cabbage, chorizo, mashed potato". Many dishes are also suitable for sharing. T

Gasthaus Hofmann

Bib Gourmand€€Country cooking, Farm to table

It is no wonder that this inn run by Bettina Hofmann attracts so many regulars – diners are won over by the cosy, elegantly furnished interior, as well as the exceptional food. Her appetising cuisine is regional, seasonal and dotted with modern influences, and the wines are excellent. In addition, they serve a vegetarian set menu. The service is friendly and well organised. There are also comfortable guestrooms. The eggs served at breakfast are laid by the establishment's own hens!

Gutshof Andres

Bib Gourmand€€Seasonal Cuisine, Farm to table

Surrounded by venerable old trees, this listed manor house has been owned by the same family since 1839. It boasts a delightful beer garden overlooking a small lake. Your hosts put everything they have into providing friendly service and fresh, seasonal regional cuisine. Their focus on quality is apparent in their selection of ingredients, some of which they make themselves. House-made spreads, sauces, brandies etc are also available for purchase. Should you wish to stay the night in this lovely, quiet spot, there are two flats in the former brewery, chic, modern double rooms in the coach hous

Gasthof Berghof - Ursprung

Bib Gourmand€€Farm to table, Country cooking

"Tradition meets modernity" is the theme here when it comes to both the decor and the flavoursome cuisine, which emphasises seasonal produce. The menu tempts diners with barbecued specialities and classics such as Franconian Fleckvieh beef roulade, or pike-perch fillet on a bed of creamed sauerkraut, not forgetting the Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake) with vanilla ice cream and apple compote. Be sure to take advantage of the inviting courtyard terrace in summer! For overnight stays, there are well-kept guestrooms and a lovely modern holiday home.

Froschgrundsee

Bib Gourmand€€Farm to table, Regional Cuisine

This appealing country house lies above a small lake, in the town's Schönstädt neighbourhood. Hannes Scammell shows his culinary mettle, cooking up fresh and tasty seasonal dishes. In addition to the appetising à la carte menu, there is a four-course set menu (the "Genuss-Menü") in the evening. The outside tables are perfect for al fresco meals. The good food is complemented by friendly service courtesy of the owner. If you love a barbecue, look out for their regular evening "Smoker Events" dedicated to grilled meats.

Gasthaus Egertal

Bib Gourmand€€Country cooking, Classic Cuisine

The Rupprecht family keep things cosy in their pretty, traditional restaurant. Rustic details such as brick vaulted ceilings and natural stone walls combine with more modern touches to create a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. There are two set menus and an appealing à la carte selection. The flavourful dishes take inspiration from both regional and classic recipes – think Label Rouge salmon fillet prepared confit-style in brown butter, with chives, lemon and Maldon sea salt. Somewhat simpler but no less tempting are dishes such as pork fillet with a peppercorn sauce or beef cheeks in vegetab

Weißes Roß

Bib Gourmand€€Country cooking, Farm to table

This restaurant serves as a delightful alternative to the fine dining restaurant at the long-established Weißes Roß spa hotel. The flavoursome regional fare is made with fresh seasonal produce – the meat is from the hotel's own butchery. As well as the classic Wiener schnitzel, the menu features appealing dishes such as "lake trout, salsify, fig, quinoa". You can choose à la carte or, in the evening, take a punt on the four-course surprise set menu. As for the decor, it runs the gamut from charming and traditional, to stylish and chic, to modern and elegant. Attentive and extremely cordial ser

Zöllner's Weinstube

€€Classic Cuisine, Mediterranean Cuisine

Surrounded by splendid gardens, this 18C half-timbered sandstone building is as charming on the outside as it is on the inside. Sitting beneath a striking vaulted ceiling, diners can enjoy regional as well as Mediterranean-inspired cuisine made from first-rate produce. There is also an excellent selection of Franconian wines. In summer, the terrace is a must!

Rocus

€€€International, Classic Cuisine

Housed in an attractively converted railway building dating from 1904, this restaurant proposes ambitious cuisine that takes its cue from the seasons – available à la carte or as a set menu. Dine al fresco in the courtyard or on the terrace facing the railway line. A table in the wine cellar, surrounded by Spanish red wines, comes highly recommended.

Landhaus Gräfenthal

€€Seasonal Cuisine, Classic Cuisine

Steeped in tradition, this establishment has a solid reputation in the area. Peter Lauterbach represents the fourth generation to run this family restaurant in an idyllic location. The food is a contemporary take on regional, seasonal cuisine and influenced by Mediterranean culinary tradition. Inside, pale wood, a tiled stove and pleasing decorative touches make for an inviting setting; outside there is a beautiful garden terrace. With warm and attentive service, this place has everything it takes to ensure a comfortable dining experience.

Wirtschaft von Johann Gerner

€€€Country cooking, Farm to table

The journey out here to the countryside is well worth it, because Detlef Gerner and his wife Tanja live and breathe hospitality par excellence in their cosy restaurant. The hand-written menu features flavoursome dishes based on seasonal and predominantly regional produce – incidentally, they bake their own bread. In summer, you can sit on the terrace out front. Overnight accommodation in the pretty "Häusla" (for two to seven people).

Freihardt

€€€german

Eating here is a real pleasure! The cuisine is international and seasonal, the highlight being the Bavarian beef steaks. They also serve burgers on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Head here on a Saturday for a three-course surprise lunch or on a Sunday for a traditional home-style roast. A friendly atmosphere reigns in the restaurant and its conservatory, and the terrace on the busy street is a place "to see and be seen". Right next door is the restaurant's own butcher's shop, which for many years has employed so-called humane slaughtering methods.

🕐 We-Fr 18:00+; Sa,Su 11:30-14:00,18:00+; Mo,Tu off

Bistro oma & enkel

€€€Country cooking

oma & enkel ("grandma & grandchild") is the culinary concept at this bistro in the long-established Posthotel. The name symbolises a bridging of the gap between the generations, from the traditional to the modern. Recipes of yesteryear are brought up to date and classics of Franconian cuisine are given a contemporary twist. In a pleasingly laid-back atmosphere, choose between "Franconian tapas", the "Signature Menu" or the "Duck Menu". Don't miss out on the Franconian bouillabaisse or the apricot dumplings.

Waldgasthof am Letten

€€Country cooking, Classic Cuisine

This restaurant has various dining spaces with a charming rustic feel – including lovely cosy alcoves – where diners tuck into seasonal cuisine that is regional but also draws on international influences. Served by friendly and attentive waitstaff, the food is prepared with fresh, good-quality ingredients. Affording views of the verdant surroundings, the terraces in front and to the rear of the building are delightful in summer. This family-run establishment is also ideal for an overnight stay – on the edge of the forest, yet with good transport connections.

Rehbergers im Schloss Hohenstein

€€€Seasonal Cuisine

This stunning castle, which is mentioned in written records as early as the 14C, boasts an idyllic location in beautiful grounds. In addition to their tastefully decorated hotel, Alexandra and Andreas Rehberger run this appealing restaurant with a winter garden overlooking the castle courtyard. The chef-patron – no stranger to the restaurant scene – turns his hand to cooking contemporary seasonal cuisine with ingredients from the region; the proprietress delivers Austrian charm and good wine recommendations.

Kulinarium

€€€€Seasonal Cuisine, Creative

This charming restaurant is housed in a spruce half-timbered building in the heart of Röthenbach an der Pegnitz, just outside Nuremberg, and proposes casual fine dining in a historic setting. Modern interior design incorporating a rustic beamed ceiling creates a cosy atmosphere. It is a place run with genuine passion and dedication. At the helm are Gerald and Melanie Hoffmann – he a well-known name in the region's culinary scene and she leads the service with exceptional warmth. There is a set menu prepared using regional and seasonal ingredients, with dedicated wine pairings available. In add

ZweiSinn Meiers | Bistro

€€€international

If a really nice bistro in Nuremberg is what you are looking for, then this is the place for you! A pleasant, refined atmosphere, friendly service, and good food await you here. The modern and Mediterranean-inspired à la carte selection is appealing, and there is also a caviar menu. At lunchtime, the reasonably priced daily special is always in demand. Tip: On Wednesday and Thursday evenings, selected dishes from the menu of the fine dining restaurant, which is located in the same building, go into a three-course business menu (sparkling wine included). They also offer fine wines by the glass

Kupferpfanne

€€€german

Erwin Weidenhiller's restaurant, in a central location opposite the town hall, has been a classic on Fürth's food scene for decades. In the comfortable and elegant interior, they serve classic cuisine with seasonal and international-Mediterranean influences, made with good-quality produce. Tip: the reasonably priced lunch menu.

🕐 Mo-Sa 11:30-13:30,18:00-21:00

Würzhaus

€€€german

This really is an appealing restaurant. At lunchtime, things are toned down a little, with reasonably priced options (à la carte or a small set menu). In the evening, there is an ambitious set menu that comes in four to six flavourful courses. Head chef Diana Burkel is committed to using locally sourced ingredients. The wine list is dominated by organic, biodynamic and natural wines. The service is friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere is welcoming.

🕐 Tu-Fr 11:30-14:00; Mo-Sa 18:00-22:00+

IU & ON

€thai

This family business in the heart of Nuremberg has been around since 1972! Many regulars keep coming back, having been won over by the aromatic dishes, which include classics like laab and tom yum. Add to that a clean-lined, minimalist-style interior and friendly service. By the way, the restaurant takes its name from the sisters Iu and On who cook here.

🕐 We-Su 12:00-14:30,18:00-24:00

[w]einklang

€€€Contemporary, Mediterranean Cuisine

A cosy atmosphere reigns in this chic little restaurant in the northwest of Nuremberg, with wine racks adding a nice decorative touch. In this setting, chef-owner Tomas Spanu serves a four- or five-course set menu, of which a vegetarian version is also an option, and an à la carte menu. The chef – who, as it happens, is of Sardinian-French heritage – cooks in a pleasingly streamlined and ingredient-led style. The friendly and attentive service is the icing on the cake. You'll definitely want to keep coming back for more! NIAN BISTRO is also part of the establishment.

Kakehashi

€€€japanese, kappo

This place is a mecca for good, authentic Japanese food. Top-notch fresh ingredients go into the set menus – a two-course sushi and sashimi set, six-course "Mini Omakase" and seven-course "Koichi's Special". Subtle Franconian elements also make occasional appearances. These dishes are accompanied by Japanese Kirin Ichiban beer on tap or sake from an enticing selection. The upscale interior has clean-lined Far Eastern aesthetics – the five tables at the counter with a view of the open kitchen are particularly prized. It is from this vantage point that diners can best observe the craftsmanship o

Bratwursthäusle

€Bavarian, Grills

A trip to Nuremberg wouldn't be complete without trying the city's famous Rostbratwürste! Look no further than this little old stone house on Marktplatz next to Sebalduskirche. Sausages have been sold here since 1312. The interior is rustic and charming, the beechwood barbecue being the centrepiece. Their wonderful sausages are made fresh every morning in their on-site butchery. They are served with sauerkraut and/or potato salad – simply delicious! For the full experience, wash it down with a draught beer. If you're not in the mood for sausages, the menu includes alternatives such as pork sho

Lisa Marie

€€Farm to table, Seasonal Cuisine

A delightfully unpretentious restaurant run by a pleasant team in Coburg's old town. The modern interior is lovely, and the service is friendly, attentive and professional. Seasonal dishes with international influences are rustled up in the partially visible kitchen. The lunch menu is somewhat more limited. Tip: Visit the palace, Schloss Ehrenburg, opposite. For motorists: There are two underground car parks (Albertplatz and Mauer) underground car park just a four-minute walk from the restaurant.

Imperial by Alexander Herrmann

€€€€International, Sharing

The location that houses this restaurant is interesting in the way it blends the architectural details of the old building, such as high ceilings and large arched windows, into the modern, chic-meets-urban look. In this stylish yet relaxed setting, diners are treated to warm hospitality and can watch Michael Seitz at work in the open kitchen, as he cooks up international dishes with a Franconian twist. For parties of two or more people, the sharing menus "Celebration Mood" and "Glamour Mood" are highly recommended, as well as the "Nuremberg Menu", which presents Franconia's Top Ten dishes in a

🕐 Tu-Sa 18:00+

MINNECI

€€€italian

The historical character of this town house dating back to 1560 makes it the perfect setting for an Italian restaurant. Here, diners can either opt for a four- to six-course set menu or order à la carte – think flavoursome Mediterranean dishes such as ravioli with wild mushrooms, sage and balsamic vinegar. At lunchtime, there is a smaller, more budget-friendly set menu. Friendly service comes courtesy of charming waitstaff. Delightful terrace in front of the building. For those coming by car: there is a public car park next door.

🕐 Tu-Sa 12:00-14:00, 18:00-23:00

Koch und Kellner

€€€€Modern Cuisine, International

A cornerstone of the Nuremberg fine dining scene. The set menu, written up on a large board, comprises nine courses, but for those with a smaller appetite, it can also be shortened. The dishes are crafted from carefully selected ingredients and are quite aptly described as "modernised classics". Besides the chef, owner and waiter Frank Mackert is always on hand with his inimitable Franconian charm. Thanks to his extensive wine expertise, he can confidently guide you through the 500-label list. Clear lines, a warm colour palette and parquet flooring make for a lovely setting. By reservation onl

🕐 Mo-Sa 12:00-14:30,18:30+

Alte Mühle

€€Mediterranean Cuisine, Regional Cuisine

This friendly, well-run restaurant with its appealingly pared-back style adjoins the historical building of a grain mill, which has been converted into guest accommodation. Service is provided by attentive and professional staff, as you tuck into Mediterranean, regional and seasonal cuisine. In addition to à la carte dishes, a set menu is also available.

Zirbelstube

€€€Country cooking, Farm to table

The journey to this friendly family-run establishment on the outskirts of Nuremberg is well worthwhile. Set in a smart sandstone building (1860), Zirbelstube boasts an attractive main dining space and a separate room with a vaulted ceiling. They serve good regional and seasonal cuisine with classical and international influences in the form of two set menus featuring dishes you can mix and match, such as pan-fried octopus with fennel and beans, labneh and olive tapenade, or Franconian Sauerbraten (marinated pot roast), red cabbage and cranberry salad, dried fruit and bread dumplings. Delightfu