Restaurant-Guide.com
hand picked restaurants

The banks of the beautiful lake Außenalster is home to a stylish, functional Japanese style hotel named Nippon. The superb greenery around is ideal for jogging and biking while the proximity to the Hamburg city centre allows easy access to shopping. Amidst this unique splendour is the chic Wa-Yo Restaurant which serves Japanese cuisine and hosts the city's fun loving crowd.

The interior features minimal colours and decorations renouncing distracting details to open a view for the clear and ascetic form of the atmosphere. Straight lines, clear forms, light wood, light colours and maximum free space are the trademarks of the style. Elements such as the shoji, traditional rice-paper partitions, which allow a softened daylight to stream in and the tatami, the firm and soft floor covering, enhance the authentic feel.

The menu presents a range of appetizers such as bean curd soup, salmon sashimi with foamed wasabi and chives-shiso-dressing, shrimp sticks with seaweed sauce and salad, barbecued chicken sticks with sesame-noodle salad and softy pastry cases stuffed with pork in herbs, to prepare you for the delicacies to follow.

Sushi lovers can revel in the choice offered by opting for fatty tuna, yellowtail, sea bass, bonito, shrimp or Norwegian lobster. Sashimi, sushikets and uramaki sushi present more diversions before you settle your eyes on the main dishes.

Among the mains, poultry is represented by chicken in teriyaki sauce, duck breast in mustard sauce and spicy chicken. Seafood lovers can order short fried tuna locket on teriyaki sauce, with seasonal vegetables and fried salmon in momiji sauce. Those who prefer meat can feast on beef in wasabi sauce. All these dishes are served with rice and a mixed salad with apple dressing.

Another category on the menu that simply cannot be missed is the noodles. Thick noodles in soup, fried noodles with vegetables, and tempura on thick noodles come to fore in this fine assortment.

Stewed dishes, which are boiled at the table on a portable stove, consist of pieces of thinly-sliced beef or seafood and chicken with vegetables and rice.

Those with a sweet tooth can rejoice in the variety to which they can have access. Tempura plums with sake-sabayon, fried ice-cream with green tea powder and foamed sake sauce, and ginger-shichimi-sorbet with baked fruit sticks are just some of the specialities.

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.

Hotel East in Hamburg might be described with a lot of adjectives, but 'subtle' isn't one of them, and yet, it is not what you would call 'loud' either. There is a certain nebulous aspect to this former iron foundry that has been converted into a very chic and trendy hotel, which only serves to add to its appeal. Designed by renowned Chicago based architect Jordan Mozer, East is a wilful and intricate blending of Western forms with Eastern flowing contours, and the result is a simply stunning and splendid amalgamation.

Extravagant and opulent, the décor with its curving plaster columns, futuristic and kitschy colours and light, bright tones and exposed brick walls at odd junctures, is one of the many reasons why this has become such a happening place. Apart from the intriguingly furnished bedrooms - Mozer once again - the Asian inspired restaurant is another draw. A leafy courtyard, quixotically named Dedon Island is an al fresco dining area during summer months while inside the atmosphere is both intimate and funky, a seemingly hard feat which Mozer pulls off with aplomb.

The seasonal menu starts off with Asian beef salad with balsamic dressing and macadamia nuts, tuna tartare with avocado and fly fish caviar, lobster ragout au gratin with crustacean foam or pink fried lamb filet with Thai curry. Further down, there are exclusive fish dishes such as herb braised monkfish with coconut asparagus and wasabi mashed potatoes, grilled Australian sand lobster on choi sum salad with lime cilantro butter or a whole fried loup de mer with Mediterranean wok vegetables and lemon thyme potatoes.

Meat lovers will be delighted with the amazing range of dishes they offer, such as grilled saddle of lamb on glazed chard, thyme flavoured mashed potatoes and melted cherry tomatoes, tender beef fillet on a cilantro potato cake with green asparagus and a Japanese butter sauce or crispy duck with mango, saffron rice and roasted almonds.

If you equate Asian with sushi, do not despair because there is a wide variety of sashimi, nigiri, unagi along with crab, salmon, duck and tempura. The vast options on offer are bound to satisfy your craving for Oriental food but with this virtual cornucopia of delights, do leave space for some dessert - caramelised macadamia nut parfait with apricot ragout and lemongrass cloud or delectable homemade ice creams such as peach coconut and yoghurt cherry. Take time to choose your tipple because the options are many, ranging from champagnes and spirits to inventive cocktails and beers, not to forget an impressive and eclectic wine list.

Poets and painters have fallen in love with the beauty of Blankenese, an idyllic neighbourhood in the suburb of Altona, to the west of Hamburg. The former fishing village overlooks the river Elbe and its history goes back a thousand years to when most inhabitants were fishermen.

Early records describe how a castle that was later converted into the lovely hotel Süllberg of five stars, was built in the region in 1060. The current premises were constructed between 1887 and 1903 although the site had already been seen as a popular holiday and daytrip destination decades before. Generations of Hamburg citizens have celebrated public balls, weddings and family events, as well as big and small parties at the Süllberg in Blankenese.

The hotel has been restored during the past century, and a recent renovations, have  transformed this beautiful piece of Wilhelmian architecture into one of Hamburg?s grandest destinations, complete with ten elegant bedrooms, ballrooms, conference rooms, spacious terraces, bars and restaurants.

The Süllbergterrassen bistro is one among the many stylish dining destinations in the hotel. Beige walls, leather chairs, white tablecloth and fresh flowers make up the pleasing ambience there, and guests are offered a range of international delights from a modern menu. You could visit them to have breakfast, coffee, cake and assorted special dishes, all created from fresh and seasonal produce.

Start your day with breakfast croissants, Belgian waffles with whipped cream cherry sauce, smoked salmon with horseradish cream, a selection of sausages or simply with eggs fresh from the country.

Among the palate arousing openers is the Italian classic of vitello tonnato with capers, and tomatoes; chilli and wasabi prawns with Asian salad, mango chutney and Pitahaya sauce, as well soups of yellow pepper with fried shrimp.

These are the prelude to mains of wiener schnitzel that appears with fried potato and sour cucumber salad; homemade tagliatelle with Parmesan foam and summer truffle; halibut on young spinach with champagne sauce, meadow mushrooms and Grenaille potatoes; and a simple yet tasty combination of corn, Parma ham and Fontinakäse gratin with tomato, lemon and potato mousseline.

Desserts take in pot mousse with toasted almonds, preserved plums and apricots; crème brûlée of Tahitian vanilla, and a sinful tartlet of chocolate mousse with raspberries and grapefruit compote. There are a hundred exclusive wines and champagne from all over Europe to complement the food you order.

The service is impressive and helpful, confirming the standards you would expect of a hotel such as the Süllberg. Let the enjoyment begin!

Poets and painters have fallen in love with the beauty of Blankenese, an idyllic neighbourhood in the suburb of Altona, to the west of Hamburg. The former fishing village overlooks the river Elbe and its history goes back a thousand years to when most inhabitants were fishermen.

Early records describe how a castle that was later converted into the lovely hotel Süllberg of five stars, was built in the region in 1060. The current premises were constructed between 1887 and 1903 although the site had already been seen as a popular holiday and daytrip destination decades before. Generations of Hamburg citizens have celebrated public balls, weddings and family events, as well as big and small parties at the Süllberg in Blankenese.

The hotel has been restored during the past century, and a recent renovations, have  transformed this beautiful piece of Wilhelmian architecture into one of Hamburg?s grandest destinations, complete with ten elegant bedrooms, ballrooms, conference rooms, spacious terraces, bars and restaurants.

The Süllbergterrassen bistro is one among the many stylish dining destinations in the hotel. Beige walls, leather chairs, white tablecloth and fresh flowers make up the pleasing ambience there, and guests are offered a range of international delights from a modern menu. You could visit them to have breakfast, coffee, cake and assorted special dishes, all created from fresh and seasonal produce.

Start your day with breakfast croissants, Belgian waffles with whipped cream cherry sauce, smoked salmon with horseradish cream, a selection of sausages or simply with eggs fresh from the country.

Among the palate arousing openers is the Italian classic of vitello tonnato with capers, and tomatoes; chilli and wasabi prawns with Asian salad, mango chutney and Pitahaya sauce, as well soups of yellow pepper with fried shrimp.

These are the prelude to mains of wiener schnitzel that appears with fried potato and sour cucumber salad; homemade tagliatelle with Parmesan foam and summer truffle; halibut on young spinach with champagne sauce, meadow mushrooms and Grenaille potatoes; and a simple yet tasty combination of corn, Parma ham and Fontinakäse gratin with tomato, lemon and potato mousseline.

Desserts take in pot mousse with toasted almonds, preserved plums and apricots; crème brûlée of Tahitian vanilla, and a sinful tartlet of chocolate mousse with raspberries and grapefruit compote. There are a hundred exclusive wines and champagne from all over Europe to complement the food you order.

The service is impressive and helpful, confirming the standards you would expect of a hotel such as the Süllberg. Let the enjoyment begin!

A charming rural house near the River Elbe, beautiful flower arrangements, bright colours, a pleasant atmosphere and fine cooking - you probably don't need any other reasons to visit Landhus Dill. Located on a street lined with lavish 19th century villas and beautiful parks, an afternoon drive or short walk on one of the smaller roads, which run along the river bank and hillside could culminate in a pleasant meal at Landhaus Dill.

The décor is all country-house style with floral printed drapes, mellow colour schemes, ornate candle stands and plenty of flowers reminiscent of a garden. While enjoying a delicious lunch watch the river steadily flowing past and on a warm Hamburg night, head to the charming terrace area, hidden from the nearby street by a high hedge, for a romantic al fresco meal.

Although the cuisine is characteristically German, the French and Austrian theme is hard to avoid. The kitchen's loyalty to the seasons is displayed in dishes such as spring salad with crayfish tails and Barbary duck breast with oranges, pepper sauce and potato crowns. From the gourmet menu you could choose ravioli filled with lobster foam, sugar peas and chilli sauce or the carpaccio of monkfish and salmon with olive oil, lemon and pak choi salad. Finish with marzipan stuffed with fresh dates with caramel sauce and cinnamon ice-cream, and mango sorbet filled with Prosecco or ripened cheese.

Lunch on some spaghettini with braised tomatoes, basil and scoured Parmesan and veal rump roast in the oven with its own sauce and served with young vegetables and fried potatoes. For desserts there is Tahitian vanilla-walnut parfait with strawberry-orange salad and caramel sauce. Little ones have their own menu where they can choose a Viennese style prime boiled cutlet with chips or creamed turkey with chopped carrots and fried potatoes.

There are 200 different wines to choose from, alongside some fine bins from Austria and Italy, another reason why every diner at Landhus Dill is truly spoilt for choice.

"In Winterhude there's a place entirely in white. We must visit!" is what draws guests to this location initially. Once inside, they are exposed to something completely new - a meeting of creative design with urban industry culture. The interior is swathed in white and dotted with elements of maroon. The fare is presented with élan while the service is friendly and unobtrusive giving it an aura of sophistication.

Situated in the border area of Barmbe and Uhlenhorst is the White Lounge, a lounge, bar and restaurant serving sushi. Idyllically located on the banks of Osterbekkanal where every now and then a light breeze kisses the surface of the blue water, it has captured the fantasy of the residents of Hamburg, making it a hotspot. The sublime white during day takes on various hues after sunset as lighting effects co-ordinate with sound. Guests who make reservations are made to feel special when the system highlights their table as they enter. A conveyor system brings the short-eats to the table as they settle down to browse through the short but unique bill of fare.

The four hundred square metre area is divided into five zones: the berthing area, treadmill area, event area and twos and fours group places. Visitors are filmed by cameras and the images projected on flat screens adding another element to the uniqueness.

The 'sushi for friends' product line has been extended to include tapas and Thai cuisine,  all under the same 'small plates' concept, providing more exciting options. Technology has been well implemented by providing call buttons for service, managers and to acknowledge a good meal.

Start with finger food variations to accompany your drink. Skewered mini tomatoes or mozzarella and a feta-olive paprika could set the pace. If you are in a mood for more, try the melon-parma-chips, cocktail tomatoes, and mini-wraps.

Sushi could follow with a selection of nigiris and inside out rolls and rolls rocket. Tapas fans have plenty to choose from. There is chorizo, sweet dates in bacon, mushrooms, pickled zucchini, and ham rolls filled with cream cheese. The Thai kitchen brings to the fore specialities such as noodles and Thai red curry.

Marvellous views of the river Elbe stretching out languorously in all its splendour are not the only reason why people choose to dine at the Au Quai, one of Hamburg's classiest gourmet destinations. Apart from that however, it is the entire package that appeals, with its stunning décor, the lush ambience and most importantly the delicious French-Italian inspired food that their chef turns out.

The interior of Au Quai is fresh and contemporary and has warm diffused lighting that serves to accentuate the stylish dining space, and you might be surprised to learn that this was formerly a cold storage depot that has been renovated with amazing success. Whether you choose to dine inside, or outside on the terrace which provides breathtaking views, the entire experience will keep you coming back for more.

Their menus are seasonal and focussed on fresh fish, seafood and bear an inclination towards Mediterranean cuisine, although the French and Italian influences are also strongly present. Cold starters there include raw marinated sea bass on melon granita with green horseradish crystallized watermelon and a herb potpourri, or a tureen of foie gras in a chocolate coat with fresh meadows herbs, elder flower foam and 'Kubeben pepper' jus.

If warm entrees are more your style, you could choose from risotto of braised artichoke and soft shell crabs with crunchy artichokes or passed fish soup with sauce rouille, cheese and garlic chips. For the main course, there are a number of appetizing options such as fillet of cod in lettuce foam with sweet potatoes puree and a gelée of soy aperitif or olive braised Iberico cheeks in a lemon thyme pastry case with Moroccan salt lemons and Seychuan pepper. Vegetarians can enjoy delicacies such as homemade ravioli filled with blue cheese and nuts and sautéed figs; rocket lettuce with parmesan, pine nuts and balsamic vinaigrette or frozen peas and mint soup with baked, young garlic and curry salt.

Desserts are famed and you would not be disappointed when you sample confections such as raspberry tartlet with vanilla Mascarpone crème sesame biscuit and a Riesling Verveine sorbet, jellied elder flowers soup with Vodka caviar and strawberry sorbet or the chocolat mishap with seasonal fruits and an ice of cherry and St. Maure.

The compact wine list offers the usual whites, reds and rosés, most of them affiliated to Europe while some others from the New World and the helpful staff are present to aid you in your choice. Au Quai is an ideal spot for a celebration with friends and family and the cosy terrace or the restaurant itself can be booked for such intimate occasions, although the modern ambience can also be most convivial for a business lunch with associates too. What's more, after that most satisfying dinner you can unwind at their trendy club right next door.

Hamburg's Wandrahm restaurant derives its name from the historic 'wandrahmen' or wooden frames upon which cloth manufacturers dried their products on the waterfront, between the 14th and 17th centuries. While the name has no bearing on the restaurant fare, it could make a good icebreaker, and adds to the interest of diners who flock there for the delicious food.

Wandrahm looks out over the water and is located near the Kaiserkai. Two levels with delightful views serve to fuel your enthusiasm even further. Fragrant coffee and a hearty breakfast are the way to begin your day on a special note or you can drop by for a tasty lunch later. The atmosphere is rich and opulent in an understated manner, with twinkling crystal chandeliers and dim lights exuding the effect of subtle luxury.

The menu is largely international and brings a host of starters that could include favourites such as grilled calamari with melon salad and yoghurt dressing or veal and lobster carpaccio with artichokes and Noilly Prat vinaigrette. If soups are your mainstay, you might be tempted to try the bouillabaisse, clear game and fish broth with saffron and vegetable pearls.

Main meals might encompass a lobster ravioli with green asparagus and sepia espuma or a marinated and fried spring chicken on a sugar pea and baby tomato risotto. Fish lovers will rejoice in the barb fish poached in Riesling stock with stuffed zucchini flowers and crushed lime, but for meatier dishes opt for the fillet of beef with spinach leaves and shallots. The more adventurous will enjoy the ostrich medallions with sautéed potatoes, leeks and rosemary sauce whilst the veal ossobuco is a trusted choice for many.

Finally, coming to the desserts, the list is befitting of any grand pâtisserie with delectable selections such as crème brûlée with orange salad and Grand Marnier, ravioli filled with cacao-pomegranate cream in a passion fruit sauce or the apple tart with tonka beans and port wine sabayon. If you find delights of more savoury nature appealing, explore the cheese board, which is accompanied by fig mustard and aged balsamico.

The comprehensive wine list is excellent and features some well known choices that span the entire gamut of wine producing countries.

In the north of Hamburg is the beautiful museum village of Volksdorf, and upon entering, you wouldn't be too far off the mark in thinking you are in a time warp. Created to showcase the cultural history of the rural Walddörfer, forest villages, there are seven half timbered houses of the 18th century, which illustrate how farmers used to live and work. One of these is the 200 year old farmhouse called Dorfkrug Volksdorf, a gourmet French restaurant, and its location on the actual premises combined with the thatched roof lend rustic appeal and an abundance of character that promises to elevate your dining experience.

Renate and Walter Daub took over the restaurant in 1987 and have worked diligently to create a true masterpiece, a stunning combination of history and beautifully prepared food. In the warmer months, the pretty summer garden becomes the focal point for visitors who find it irresistible and like to lounge there to soak up the sunshine. Coffee, cake and other nibbles such as salads and chilled soups are offered in the garden while the main restaurant has a full fledged a la carte to satisfy the hunger pangs of those with heartier appetites.

Starters include roasted duck liver crostini with a lukewarm port-plum jus or Dutch herring sashimi with spring leeks, Ponzusauce and caviar. Vegetarians can enjoy the goat's cheese baked in sesame seeds, with wild lettuce and black currant vinegar. Further down the menu there is herb crusted saddle of lamb on bean potato ragout and herb jus; veal steak with wild parsley root mousse and Charolais entrecote with fresh horseradish and herb butter.

For those with an inclination towards fish and other fruits of the sea, scallops, shrimps and halibut feature in a number of tantalising dishes while a section named Dorfkrug Trifles offers some interesting options such as wiener schnitzel with fried potatoes and cucumber salad and roast beef with potatoes and remoulade. A tapas menu presents you with lighter options, which include smoked salmon slice on potato rostï with crème fraîche and trout caviar; baked spring roll with plum ginger dip or fried black pudding with balsamic jus.

The wine list is clear cut and displays interesting choices between the Old World and the New; the judicious selection complementing every aspect of your meal superbly.