Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia Restaurants

Enterprising young managers and chefs are well established in the East, so look for new, usually small, trendy restaurants. People in the region are extremely particular about their traditional food (rumor has it that one can be deported for roasting Mützbraten over anything other than birch). Some new creative chefs successfully blend contemporary regional German with international influences. Medieval-theme restaurants and "experience dining," complete with entertainment, are all the rage in the East, and, despite being often quite kitschy, warrant at least one try. As the region slowly rediscovers its tremendous beer heritage, microbreweries and brewpubs have sprouted up in almost every city. Pubs are a good bet for meeting locals.

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  • 1. Auerbachs Keller

    $$

    The most famous of Leipzig's restaurants is actually two restaurants: one that's upscale, international, and gourmet (down the stairs to the right) and a rowdy beer cellar (to the left) specializing in hearty Saxon fare, mostly roasted meat dishes. Goethe immortalized one of the vaulted historic rooms in his Faust, and Bach was a regular here because of the location halfway between the Thomaskirche and the Nikolaikirche.

    Grimmaische Str. 2–4, Leipzig, Saxony, D–04109, Germany
    0341-216–100

    Known For

    • One of the oldest restaurants on the continent
    • Tasting menu worth the splurge
    • Extensive wine list

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Reservations essential
  • 2. Herr Käthe

    $$

    A fireplace, charming rooms, an indoor balcony, and a lovely garden along with modern German "gastronomic" cuisine served by friendly waiters add up to a top-notch choice in town. Start with a tangy parsley and arugula soup followed by baked salmon or pork filet with a thyme-sherry sauce. Desserts run the gamut from sinful chocolate torte to fresh fruit sorbets topped with wild strawberries. A good choice of wines by the glass is available for non-beer drinkers.

    Katharinenstraße 4, Torgau, Saxony, 04860, Germany
    03421–778–665
  • 3. Alt-Naumburg

    $

    Enjoy simple but tasty regional specialties directly in front of the Marientor. The beer garden is a good place to relax away from the action of the city center. The three-room pension is often booked far in advance.

    Marienpl. 13, Naumburg, Saxony-Anhalt, D–06618, Germany
    03445-758--9990

    Known For

    • Local specialties
    • Pleasant beer garden
    • Exclusively local wines
  • 4. Alte Meister Café & Restaurant

    $$$

    In the historic mansion of the architect who rebuilt the Zwinger—and named after the school of medieval painters that includes Dürer, Holbein, and Rembrandt—the Alte Meister has a sophisticated old-world flair that charms locals and tourists alike.

    Theaterpl. 1a, Dresden, Saxony, D–01067, Germany
    0351-481–0426

    Known For

    • Light German nouvelle cuisine with careful touches of Asian spices
    • Grand view of the Opera
    • Relaxing before or after the opera
  • 5. Alter Elbehof

    $$

    This three-in-one inn, brewery, and restaurant has been serving traditional German food for 100 years and is still going strong. Its rustic atmosphere and servers in traditional garb put diners in the mood for a menu of hearty classics: crisp braised pork leg, marinated chicken with steamed vegetables, beef roulades filled with mustard and bacon, or a big chef's salad served in the shady beer garden or handsome dining room. The restaurant offers a program of themed evenings with music, entertainment, and an accompanying menu on special nights throughout the year.

    Werdau Nr. 12, Torgau, Saxony, 04860, Germany
    03421–904–525

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. Jan–Mar., Reservations essential
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  • 6. Bartel's

    $$

    Bartel's riffs on traditional German fare with a contemporary twist, meaning plenty of lighter choices like chef's salad with plenty of crisp fresh veggies, asparagus soup, and whole local trout, along with the tried-and-true meat-based favorites: roast leg of lamb, veal with horseradish and boiled potatoes, scalloped pork, and Argentinian rump steak. The bright, attractive dining room is a welcome departure from rustic beamed ceilings and the usual gasthaus atmosphere.

    Marktplatz 10, Bad Schandau, Saxony, 01814, Germany
    035022–519499

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues., Reservations essential
  • 7. Barthels Hof

    $$

    The English-language menu at this restaurant explains not only the cuisine but the history of Leipzig. Waitresses wearing traditional Trachten dresses may serve some of the finest Leipzig regional cuisine, but the restaurant itself is quite modern. With a prominent location on the Markt, the restaurant is popular with locals, especially for the incredible breakfast buffet. Barthels has managed to elevate the local Leipziger Allerlei (vegetables and crayfish in beef bouillon) to an art form by proudly insisting on local and sustainable produce. Enjoy a meal here with a fresh Bauer Gose.

    Hainstr. 1, Leipzig, Saxony, D–04109, Germany
    0341-141–310

    Known For

    • Massive breakfast buffet
    • Leipziger Allerlei (vegetables and crayfish in beef bouillon)
    • Serves Bauer Gose beer
  • 8. Bon Apart

    $$

    If the name didn't clue you in, the checkerboard floor, effigy of Napoleon, and menu of French bistro classics will—this is French bistro dining à la gay Paree. For starters, frog legs sautéed in garlic and wine, escargots in buttery parsley sauce, and baked goat cheese are almost a meal themselves. Followed by dishes like coq au vin, steak-frites, medallions of pork with blue cheese and sautéed grapes, you'll be lucky to have room for that frothy Grand Marnier soufflé or cheese plate for dessert.

    Breiter Weg 202, Magdeburg, Saxony-Anhalt, 39104, Germany
    0391–662–3850

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Reservations essential
  • 9. Brauhaus Wittenberg

    $

    This historic brewery-cum-restaurant is the perfect stop for a cold beer after a long day of sightseeing. In the Old Town's magnificent Beyerhof courtyard, the Brauhaus still produces local beer such as Wittenberger Kuckucksbier. In summer, try to get a table in the courtyard.

    Markt 6, Wittenberg, Saxony-Anhalt, D–06886, Germany
    03491-433–130

    Known For

    • Hand-crafted beer
    • Southern German brewery cuisine
    • Smoked fish (eel, trout, halibut) from the Brauhaus smokery
  • 10. Brunnenkeller

    $$

    This comfortable restaurant serves hearty Thuringian specialties made from local ingredients under medieval vaulted ceilings; the outdoor tables are the perfect place to recharge after exploring the castle.

    Am Markt 10, Eisenach, Thuringia, 99817, Germany
    3691-212--358

    Known For

    • Hearty Thuringian cuisine
    • Comfortable vaulted halls
    • Large portions
  • 11. Burgwirtschaft

    $

    Where better than a castle serenely overlooking the village of Freyburg for a medieval restaurant? Everything is prepared according to historical recipes with ingredients from the region.

    Schloss 1, Freyburg, Saxony-Anhalt, D–06632, Germany
    034464-66200

    Known For

    • Medieval-style roast meats, like chicken with honey
    • Views of the Unstrut Valley
    • Spacious beer garden
  • 12. Clara

    $$$$

    This restaurant in the historic, elegant Kaisersaal edifice is the jewel in Erfurt's small gourmet crown. Thuringia native chef Christopher Weigel has worked in top restaurants around Germany and developed his own minimalist style. Here he is pursuing his vision of a gourmet restaurant: a cozy, service-oriented oasis in which to enjoy delicious international dishes with a Thuringian accent. Using local producers, Clara serves delicious four- to seven-course menus from a list of 10 dishes.

    Futterstr. 1, 15–16, Erfurt, Thuringia, D–99084, Germany
    0361-568–8207

    Known For

    • Traditional Thuringian cuisine with modern interpretations
    • Massive wine list
    • Locally sourced ingredients

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch
  • 13. Die Destille

    $

    This small family-run establishment overlooks the Nikolaiturm, one of the towers of the city's wall. The restaurant offers good solid Silesian fare.

    Nikolaistr. 6, Görlitz, Saxony, D–02826, Germany
    03581-405–302

    Known For

    • Regional Silesian cuisine
    • The best Schlesische Himmelreich (ham and pork roast smothered in baked fruit and white sauce, served with dumplings)
    • Pleasant location

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed some days in Sept.
  • 14. Domkeller

    $$

    Part of the centuries-old complex of buildings ringing the town castle, this ancient and popular hostelry is a great place to enjoy the view from the large dining room and tree-shaded terrace.

    Dompl. 9, Meissen, Saxony, D–01662, Germany
    03521-457–676

    Known For

    • Hearty German cuisine
    • Fine wines
    • Sensational view of the Elbe Valley
  • 15. Erbenhof

    $$

    This somewhat spartan restaurant in the middle of Weimar serves traditional Thuringian cuisine with a healthier emphasis on greens and other regionally produced goods. With several vegetarian options, Erbenhof is a welcome break from the heavy food of the region.

    Brauhausg. 10, Weimar, Thuringia, 99423, Germany
    03643-494--4442

    Known For

    • Second-best dumplings in Weimar
    • Seasonal game, especially rabbit
    • Solid evolving Thuringian menu and friendly staff

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch
  • 16. Felsenkeller

    $

    When Ludwig Deinhard purchased the Weimar Stadtbrauerei in 1875, Felsenkeller was already 100 years old. Beer has been brewed here in small batches ever since. Although the brewpub is outside the city center, it's worth a trip to sample the brews and the inventive seasonal selections.

    Humboldtstr. 37, Weimar, Thuringia, D–99425, Germany
    03643-414–741

    Known For

    • Changing seasonal local beers
    • Hearty Thuringian brewery cuisine
    • Good value

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 17. Gasthaus & Gosebrauerei Bayrischer Bahnhof

    $$

    Hidden on the far southeast edge of the city center, the Bayrischer Bahnhof was the terminus of the first rail link between Saxony and Bavaria. The brewery here is at the heart of a cultural renaissance and is the modern birthplace of Gose  brewing in Leipzig. The restaurant is well worth a visit for its solid Saxon and German cuisine.  The new station on the S-bahn makes it easier than ever to discover the glories of Gose.

    Bayrischer Pl. 1, Leipzig, Saxony, D–04103, Germany
    0341-124–5760

    Known For

    • Leipzig's best Gose beer
    • Many other beer-inspired dishes
    • Dishes cooked in a Römertopf (a terra-cotta baking dish that originated with the ancient Romans)
  • 18. Gasthaus Feuerkugel

    $$

    Serious and uncomplicated Thuringian regional cuisine, including the best dumplings in Erfurt, is served in this simple restaurant. All of the dishes (and the secret dumpling recipe) come from Grandma Käthe's cookbook, which relies heavily on seasonal and regional ingredients.

    Michaelisstr. 3--4, Erfurt, Thuringia, 99084, Germany
    0361-789--1256

    Known For

    • Perfect beef rolls with dumplings and cabbage
    • Not touristy, despite location in the city center
    • Friendly staff who are happy to convince you of the superiority of Thuringian cuisine
  • 19. Kaffeehaus Riquet

    $

    The restored art nouveau house dates from 1908 has a pleasant Viennese-style coffeehouse upstairs—the best views are had from up here—and a noisier and more active café downstairs. Riquet is a company that has had dealings in the coffee trade in Africa and East Asia since 1745, as indicated by the large elephant heads adorning the facade of the building.

    Schulmachergässchen 1, Leipzig, Saxony, D–04109, Germany
    0341-961–0000

    Known For

    • The best place for coffee and cake in Leipzig
    • Leipzig Meadowlark pastry
    • People-watching from the second floor

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner
  • 20. Landhaus Hadrys

    $$

    Magdeburg's bastion of haute cuisine, this gastronomic restaurant is the city's top choice for elegant dining. The young chef, a part of the esteemed Jeunes Restaurateurs group, scrupulously sources local meat and produce to create dishes with imagination and flair: marinated pork with mango and cranberries, cordon bleu of wild boar with quince and roasted bacon, or whole roasted trout with mixed baby vegetables and celery root purée. Desserts are light and fruit-focused, and the excellent cheese plate is hard to pass up. You'll want to sample the well-chosen wine list covering Europe and the best of Germany.

    An der Halberstädter Chaussee 1, Magdeburg, Saxony-Anhalt, 39116, Germany
    0391–662–6680

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon., Reservations essential

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