Hotel Holter Schloßkrug

In its tasteful, beautifully decorated dining rooms, Gasthaus Spieker serves regional cuisine with a Mediterranean touch. The appealing menu whets the appetite with dishes such as "Spieker's fish soup" with trout from the Ems River and prawns, or medium-rare lamb rump with rosemary and lemon zest, thyme and red wine sauce, French beans with bacon, and potato gratin. If you fancy enjoying an extra glass or two of wine, there are also a number of well-appointed guestrooms.

It's a good idea to book, because this lively bistro in the middle of town has more than its fair share of regulars! The Mediterranean-inspired cuisine also has regional influences. The quality of the ingredients is first rate, from the fresh pasta with porcini to the cod and the tender venison fillet. The modern interior decor is pleasant – the floor-to-ceiling shelf with decorative wine bottles draws the eye, as does the open kitchen with one striking red wall. In summer, the terrace in the pedestrian area is very inviting. Incidentally, ĝui means "enjoy" in the international language of Esp

This restaurant serves up modern cuisine that combines influences from different countries and changes with the seasons. Dine à la carte or opt for a set menu comprising four or six courses. On Sunday evenings, a surprise menu is another appealing option. The clean-lined modern interior design and friendly service make for an inviting atmosphere. The terrace is particularly lovely in summer.

Hotel Waldkrug is a traditional family business in a green and leafy location, and its restaurant is tastefully designed with modern touches. The menu includes good modern bistro dishes in a French vein – think beef carpaccio, Caesar salad or grilled steaks – but also traditional regional dishes, such as beef consommé with marrow dumplings, or schnitzel. In addition, they have pretty terraces at the front and to the rear of the building. The cosy Barstube in the front area is another really lovely option.

Dating from the 16C, Detmolder Hof not only offers comfortable classical accommodation, but it is also home to Jan Diekjobst's restaurant, which is worth seeking out in its own right. After stints at Victor's FINE DINING by Christian Bau in Perl-Nennig and The Table Kevin Fehling in Hamburg (and others), here the chef cooks up a modern take on classic cuisine. The dishes, prepared with carefully selected ingredients, are available as a three-, five-, or seven-course set menu; the vegetarian version has three or five courses. À la carte dining is also possible. From Thu to Sat, there is also a

This popular restaurant with a friendly atmosphere lies slightly outside the city, in a small village. In summer you can make the most of the wonderful terrace by the village fountain, in the shade of the chestnut trees. Bernhard Grubmüller and his kitchen team serve up a conventional and a vegetarian set menu, as well as à la carte dishes, including charcoal-grilled dry-aged beef from their own maturing cabinet. The surprise menu comprising new small courses gives a good overview of the cuisine. Tip: Bernhards Küchentisch for smaller groups (on prior reservation).

Among Detmold's restaurants, this spot on the outskirts of the Old Town is a fantastic find. Chef-patron Daniel C Fischer presents ambitious dishes that meld French and Far Eastern elements with a modern twist. The set menu comes in a four- or six-course format, and can be extended to nine courses with advance notice. The wonderful food is complemented by dedicated, friendly service and expert wine recommendations. The chefs bring their dishes to your table personally. The intimate restaurant's chic, modern design creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. There is also a lovely terrace for an ap