Search cities, hotels, brands…

City dining guide

Best restaurants in Essen

10 guide-listed restaurants — Michelin, Bib Gourmand, Black Pearl, Must-Eat List, World's 50 Best and more. Reference quality signals; never ranked by commission, no in-app checkout.

Michelin-starred 3

Kettner's Kamota

★ Michelin€€€€Steirisch, österreichisch

Chef Jürgen Kettner and his associate, Wiebke Meier, call their concept "New Austrian": Austrian tradition meets modern style in both the trendy, cosy setting and the food. With some originality, the Styrian-born chef uses excellent ingredients to create his own take on dishes from his homeland, which includes a smattering of Asian influences. There is a set menu with four or six courses as well as an additional pub menu with classics such as Backhendl (breaded fried chicken) or Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancakes). The short wine list includes a variety of organic labels and options by the glas

🕐 Tu-Sa 17:00-23:00

Website

Chefs Atelier

★ Michelin€€€€Creative, Seasonal Cuisine

A staircase leads down to this restaurant sporting a modern look. The first appetisers are served in the lounge as an aperitif, before a maximum of 18 guests are seated at their tables in a relaxed atmosphere. The open kitchen means interesting glimpses of the action there as well as interactions with the chefs. Under the direction of Alexander Hoppe, they cook up a creative, seasonally inspired six-course menu – delicate bites are served to whet the appetite; delicious petits fours round off the meal. Well-rounded flavours and a beautiful sense of balance are achieved, for example, in the exc

Website

Hannappel

★ Michelin€€€€regional

Run with exceptional dedication, this restaurant is keeping up with the times with its tasteful minimalist interior design and modern cuisine. A seasonal menu comprising four or six courses is served – a vegetarian version is also available. Showcasing the finest ingredients and impeccable craftsmanship, the team led by head chef Tobias Weyers creates pleasingly clearly presented dishes featuring subtle contrasts, such as the aromatic crispy barbecued asparagus, perfectly paired with thinly sliced melt-in-your-mouth white bacon and an intense green cucumber sauce. "Casual fine dining" sums it

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.3/5 · 80 reviews

Hannappel in Essen offers regional cuisine aligned with Michelin standards. Food quality is generally praised for its creativity and pairing, particularly the vegetarian options and non-alcoholic beverages. Service is mostly attentive and professional, though isolated complaints cite reservation errors and indifference. The ambiance is cozy, reflecting its history as a corner pub. The primary criticism concerns small portion sizes, with several diners leaving hungry despite high expectations. While the culinary execution is refined, value perceptions vary due to portioning. It suits guests seeking a sophisticated tasting experience rather than substantial meals.

Suitable for diners seeking refined taste experiences and a cozy atmosphere, rather than substantial portions.

🕐 Mo,We-Sa 17:30-23:00; Su 11:30-15:00,17:30-22:00

Website

Other guide picks 7

Müllers auf der Rü

€€€Seasonal Cuisine, Farm to table

Nelson Müller's fine dining restaurant, Schote, may have moved to Bergisch Gladbach, but this cherished Essen-based establishment at Rüttenscheider Stern U-Bahn station has stayed put. This is a market hall-style brasserie integrated into a shopping arcade. Sitting at high tables, diners tuck into delicious dishes ranging from currywurst to turbot, prepared in the centrally positioned open kitchen. Friendly service. Tip for motorists: public multi-storey car park around the corner.

🕐 Mo-Sa 12:00-15:00, 18:00-22:00

Website

Teko by Lange Rodriguez

€€€€South American, International

Teko refers to "culture" in Spanish. As the son of a German father and Bolivian mother, chef-owner Hans Robert Lange Rodriguez has a mantra of "two cultures, one flavour". His set menu incorporates influences from both South America and Germany, blending traditional and modern cuisine. Choose either the five- or seven-course format of the set menu, which features dishes such as "egg, cassava, ají amazónico, mustard" or "red trout, cupuaçu, parsnip, radish". There is also a vegetarian version of the set menu; vegan requests should be specified when booking. An interesting detail on the wine lis

Website

Lucente

€€€Italian, Mediterranean Cuisine

If you are hungry for good Italian-Mediterranean cuisine in Rüttenscheid, then this ristorante is the place for you. On the menu, dishes such as "venison tonnato" or monkfish saltimbocca with ratatouille whet the appetite; in addition, daily specials are announced by waitstaff. The atmosphere is young, fresh, friendly – a sense of Italian joie de vivre is in the air here!

Website

Pierburg - Erika Bergheim

€€€Farm to table, International

Located in the rural outskirts of Essen, Pierburg has been welcoming diners since 1901. With many years of experience in the top league of gastronomy under her belt, Erika Bergheim is now at the helm, cooking up internationally and seasonally inspired dishes. You can choose from the à la carte selection, named "Pierburg Karte", or opt for the "Selection E.B." set menu – the individual courses can be ordered à la carte, too. There is also an extensive, well-curated wine list. Friendly service and a tasteful contemporary setting, with certain tables affording a glimpse into the kitchen. Gorgeous

Website

Hackbarth's Restaurant

€€Modern Cuisine, Farm to table

In the trendy, chic interior behind the red front door, a welcoming team and attentive service await you. The modern cuisine combines regional and international elements, Mediterranean and Far Eastern influences and seasonal produce. In addition to the à la carte selection, there is a five-course surprise menu. The tapas menu served on Tue and Thu is worth checking out. Nicely curated wine list. Lovely terrace. Tip: It is advisable to make a reservation for the weekend (Fri and Sat).

Website

Restaurant 1831

€€€€French Contemporary, Modern French

Even the route to the magnificent moated castle, a 17C architectural gem, is an experience – you get to this stunning estate through a wooded area, then a bridge over the moat leads into the beautiful inner courtyard. The restaurant allies the character of this site steeped in history with modern comfort and winter garden-style. The view through the large glazed front is fabulous, not to mention the terrace! They serve a 4-, 5- or 6-course set menu of modern inspiration – on reservation also vegetarian. You can choose the matching wine or non-alcoholic pairing.

Website

bistro in der remise

€€Traditional Cuisine, International

The magnificent estate of Schloss Hugenpoet, which dates back to 1647, is a truly remarkable location. Here – in the converted coach house, to be precise – the atmosphere is relaxed and casual, yet the decor is stylish; listed elements of the former stables lend a special touch. From your table you can see into the open kitchen, where dishes are prepared with traditional, international and seasonal influences – from beef Bourguignon to flambéed salmon sashimi and mushroom and buckwheat risotto. In the afternoon, there is a selection of light snacks and cakes. The terrace in the courtyard with

Website