Da Mingo

Hamburg, also known as the green port on the river, is often referred to as one of the most charming cities of Germany. With an abundance of beautiful art, culture, music, theatre and dining, it's not surprising that even the normally reluctant Hanseatic inhabitants take pride in what their city offers to the world.

Da Mingo, situated at the corner of David and Fredrick Street in the heart of St Pauli has made its mark as an appealing destination to spend an evening of relaxation and enjoyment. Customers are provided with excellent food and great entertainment at prices that never fail to surprise. The ambience is always  cheerful and very welcoming with red and gold interiors and dark wood furniture. There are many options for those with time to linger at lunch or after dinner.

You could watch the Bundesliga, Formula One or English football over pitchers of beer at the lounge at weekends or even take a two hour historical 'hurentour' into the closed world of prostitution. A tempting three-course meal called the red light is offered there on Saturday.

Customers get to sample some of the finest meat, fish and vegetarian dishes from a menu that changes everyday. Mingo stays open from noon till four in the morning at weekends, so no one there is in a hurry. Pizzas and pastas vie with steaks and salads, introducing diners to many flavours of the Mediterranean.

Meats start with pork tenderloin that appears with mushroom cream, tender Argentinean steaks, roast leg of deer and Barbary duck breast straight from the grill accompanied by onions, baked potato, sour cream and fresh garlic baguette and chicken breast fillet stuffed with bacon that comes to  table with cheese, rice and olives.

The pizzas are more straightforward with choices such as the vegan with seasonal vegetables, lucci with ham, salami and mushrooms and the popular Mediterrano with tomatoes, mozzarella, rocket, Parma ham and Parmesan. An array of fish and seafood from salmon to plaice and shrimps to crabs is served with bacon and a mixed salad or spinach in penne.

The desserts head off with homemade tiramisu, lemon mascarpone with fresh fruits or ice cream with fruit of the season. An extensive range of cocktails and beers that are served on tap and by the bottle complement the food.

St Pauli is a melting pot of diverse influences, trends and styles - there is much more to it than strip shows and sex shops - and Da Mingo is surely one of the most exciting destinations around.