Hotel-Gasthof zur Sonne

This place is something special. Joachim (also known as Jockl) Kaiser and his wife are the third generation to run this appealingly rustic and trendy restaurant. The kitchen concept is intriguing: In addition to the regular Wirtshauskarte, with a selection that balances hearty traditional fare and more ambitious dishes – mouthwatering options include lamb lights or skrei with fennel and white wine sauce – they propose a seasonal set menu consisting of a "starter", "centrepiece" and "finale". A nice idea: You are free to choose one or more of the "centrepiece" dishes – which include a vegetaria

A family business in its sixth generation, this is all you could wish for from a Franconian inn. The interior is cosy and the beer garden, which is largely sheltered from the elements, is fabulous. Served in a pleasingly laid-back and extremely charming atmosphere, the menu features down-to-earth, unfussy dishes that are big on flavour and showcase the kitchen team's craftsmanship and good-quality regional and seasonal ingredients. Tip: They breed their own char and trout!

This restaurant in Das Altmühltal, a hotel right on the banks of the Altmühl River (after which it is named), is highly recommended! The stylish, modern interior is casual yet elegant. Laid out in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows, the lovely terrace boasts river views. Benjamin Schöneich, previously head chef at Restaurant Brogsitter in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, is in charge in the kitchen. He devises a five-course set menu that has its roots in French cuisine but also draws inspiration from further afield. Executed with great precision, his creative dishes are harmoniously balanced and mak

This is how you imagine a historical Bavarian restaurant: wooden beams on the ceiling, floorboards, tiled stove – rustic, inviting and wonderfully cosy (or "zünftig" as they say in these parts). There is also a wonderful terrace. The cuisine is classic, regional and seasonal – served à la carte or in three set menus, one of which is vegetarian. There is a good selection of wines to choose from. Tip: well-priced lunch menu with two or three courses (Tues. to Fri., except public holidays). You can also visit the Baroque Münster Heilig Kreuz in Bergen.

Not only does this place promise good food, but the setting is also inviting: the restaurant is located in a lovely winegrower's house (named after the vineyards below). Built in 1542, it stands directly on the historical estate of Schloss Leitheim. Season-driven cuisine is served in a lovely, cosy interior. On Sundays and Mondays there is a more limited offering in the form of the Azubi-Menü devised by the trainee chefs. Tip: The wine list includes a number of South African vintages. Should you wish to stay overnight, the Schloss Leitheim hotel has inviting guestrooms.

The Stoiber family put their heart and soul into running this modern restaurant. Their commitment is particularly evident in the excellent cuisine, which follows the seasons and draws on quality ingredients. There are three set menus, one of them vegetarian, and all courses can also be ordered à la carte. Mouthwatering creations include beetroot with porcini ice cream, quail and mushrooms, or cream of sweetcorn soup with wild prawn, polenta and popcorn. Diners are treated to attentive service in an inviting setting: Pale wood, clean lines, exposed concrete and restrained decorative details cre

In this carefully restored former garage, it is a case of ‘olive oil not engine oil’! Enjoy your meal in a relaxed atmosphere where you can watch the cooks preparing their fresh mixture of Swabian and Mediterranean dishes in the kitchen. Simple, good value menu only at lunchtimes.