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"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.

Cologne is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities of Germany. It lies on the River Rhine and is a major cultural centre of the Rhineland. With institutions like the University of Cologne, one of Europe's oldest, a vibrant arts scene and celebrations like the Cologne Carnival, the city that lies on the River Rhine attracts millions of visitors and is home to friendly and welcoming people who make the most out of life.

Food gives them a reason to celebrate and so the city has a wide variety of restaurants, both German and others. Etrusca is a stylish little haven that serves tasty Italian cuisine, so if you wish to sample something other than typical Rhineland dishes, pop in to this rustic and intimate restaurant in Zülpicherstraße, a street that is full of lively bars and restaurants.

Wrought iron furniture, bare brick walls and chequered table cloth make Etrusca the perfect place to enjoy a lovely candlelit meal in classic Tuscan style.

Customers are given an opportunity to taste carefully selected Italian wines and the numbers there will not disappoint you. Carlo and Filippa Padiglia, the owners of Etrusca make sure there is always a good display of some of the tastiest regional Italian dishes on huge blackboards around the restaurant. You could visit them for a leisurely lunch, a family meal or catch up with friends over dinner.

Favourite dishes include wild salmon in chive, orecchiette pasta with homemade sausages, veal slices with gorgonzola and sea bream with herbs. The antipasti at Etrusca encompass carpaccio with rocket and Parmesan, fresh shrimp salad, and small plates of tempting bite sized delicacies that can be shared. Amongst the main courses expect to find choices such as duck breast in balsamic caramel sauce, rosemary lamb, lemon sole as well as a selection of fresh pastas.

For those wanting to satisfy their sweet tooth, there is tiramisu, an authentic Italian dessert with light sponge soaked in espresso and rum, layered with mascarpone cheese, eggs and dusted with cocoa powder; wonderfully light and fluffy zabaglione made with liquid custard, eggs and Marsala and served with fruit and ice, and almond parfait.

A large model of a bottle of wine on the façade greets the eye as you approach Vintage, a classy, contemporary, multifunctional restaurant that celebrates the country's cuisine with a specific focus on the gourmet city of Cologne. As the name suggests, care is taken to stay true to traditions while not compromising on trends and technology. Michael and Claudia Stern, the hosts, go to great lengths to make you believe in their motto which is 'Enjoyment'.

The original building constructed in the nineteen fifties has undergone tasteful renovation to morph into this stylish venue. The restaurant area features shelves stocked with wine and delicatessen; black wood furniture clothed in spotless white linen and a high ceiling. The rooftop dining area provides a beautiful spot to enjoy a pleasant meal during sunny afternoons while the soft lighting at sundown could impress those seeking a romantic evening out.  The events rooms on the first floor are equipped with modern facilities and the team undertakes party orders on a turnkey basis.

Great food characterizes this restaurant, with German/Mediterranean influences and the menu changes regularly to reflect the kitchen's ambitions. Starters such as king prawns, with harissa - a fiery paste made with dried chillis, cumin, caraway seeds, coriander, salt, olive oil and tomatoes - accompanied by avocado almond salad and vintage vesper, which is a house specialty consisting of vitello tonnato - veal fillet beaten until paper thin and dressed with a tuna-flavored cream-based sauce with capers. Marinated vegetables, rocket salad and a variation of fish and meat set the pace for a gastronomic adventure.

Tomato consommé and ravioli with tomato bread and cream of Greenfield mushrooms with garden herbs present themselves as the options for soups on the bill of fare.

Mains could usher in rack and cheeks of pork with grapefruit gremolata, snails ragout, turnips and mashed peas, and pike perch with shellfish vegetable cassoulet and chervil mashed potatoes. Those who like to go by the chef's recommendation can order the vintage classic, cold slices of roast beef with sauce tartar, potatoes and salad.

The second course could have guests opting for linguine with chanterelles and herbs, fillet of beef with sauce béarnaise and truffled cabbage, and tuna steak with pesto and grilled vegetables.

Finally, stewed berries with coconut ice cream, and homemade cheesecake with vanilla, cherries and pistachio ice cream could fill in the chinks.

The wine list contains an attractive selection of old and new World wines and experienced sommeliers are at hand to guide you through the experience of choosing and tasting the best.

Steaks, tapas, wine and beer are served in a cosy setting in this stylish restaurant situated in the heart of Berlin. Traditional Spanish specialities mingle with juicy, grilled Argentinean fare to provide a combination that has made this venue popular. It buzzes with activity during afternoon and evenings as gastronomes indulge their taste buds. The service is efficient and friendly providing another reason for first time visitors to become regulars.

The interior is a classy affair with low backed dark wood sofas and soft red cushions. Soft, warm colours and candle light provide a relaxing ambience and a long shelf in the main dining area displays the collection of wines. Beady knick-knacks hang from the ceiling and the beams are adorned with flags of different countries. The kerbside area allows ample daylight and seating on classy cane chairs and wooden tables. It's an ideal spot to have your lunch or dinner while viewing the activity in the vicinity.   

As you settle down inside you will be exposed to an exhaustive menu by attentive staff. Salads and soups are at the top with mixed salad with breaded chicken breast slices, rucola with shrimps and scraped manchego cheese, mixed salad with mushrooms and beef, homemade beef speciality soup and lobster soup with sherry.

Cold tapas are up next with attractions such as shrimps with cocktail cream, orange and lemon, air-dried ham, chicken in honey sauce with nuts, mixed olive with garlic-dip and bread, and egg plant stuffed with feta cheese. Hot tapas beckon with dates with bacon and honey-chilli-dip, deep fried paprika sausages, and Mediterranean vegetable with cheese au gratin.

Those who prefer seafood can feast on tender salmon fillet with spinach leaves and lobster sauce, served with potatoes, king prawns with garlic butter served with salad side dish, and pangasius - a kind of catfish - and vegetables Andalusia style served with rosemary sauce and parsley potatoes.

Side dishes such as baked potato with sour cream or herb butter, French fries, and corn on the cob with butter could keep you busy in between courses.

When the main course arrives you and your companions could be about to try out the Moorish speciality, grilled small steaks of beef and pork, onions and paprika with pepper sauce, steak of Argentinean beef, pork steak, lamb and chicken breast served with crunchy potato pieces and sour cream, and grilled tender loin steak with prawns, served with spinach leaves and cognac-pepper sauce.

Desserts such as almond cake with hot orange sauce, and vanilla and chocolate ice cream with cherries, whipped cream and cherry brandy could herald the end of a sumptuous meal.

A selection of Spanish wines as well as select old and new World numbers are available to accompany your banquet.

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!

Berlin’s very own little piece of Italy can be found at the Pestalozzistr in the Ristorante Biscotti, a delightful restaurant where the atmosphere is soothing, relaxing and well, positively humming with serenity. If you’ve always loved Italian food, then you can throw caution to the winds and continue your love affair there, amid the mellow and warmly lit interior, or outside if you prefer a more casual ambience with the wooden chairs, trellises and overflowing potted plants.

Ristorante Biscotti opened in 1993 and since then they have accumulated many admirers, some of them celebrities from the media and television, who have become regulars and keep coming back again and again to sample the delicacies prepared by the chef. The cuisine represents a cross section of the culinary specialities from across various Italian provinces, particularly the South.

Simple and concise, the menu begins with starters of carpaccio of beef, or tuna and squid and an unusual combination of beets and scampi. You could supplement this with a rocket or spinach salad, or maybe try the renowned caponata Siciliana, made with aubergines and celery.

The main course is another compilation of some delectable dishes such as potato gnocchi in pink sauce; spaghetti with garlic oil; linguine with scampi and rocket or tagliatelle with spicy sausages. Fresh ingredients are the key, lending an undoubtedly distinctive appeal to make it into a most marvellous meal.

Further down there are some luscious desserts that will make you forget your calorie counting resolutions. Tiramisu, pannacotta and sorbets make their presence felt alongside zabaglione with raspberries, ice cream in an espresso-Cointreau sauce and an assortment of cheeses.

The wine cellar is cosy and stylishly designed and you can hold small and intimate events there, or just relax while sipping on the fine wines and beers on offer. The selection is made up from a huge number of carefully chosen bottles from all regions of Italy and includes newcomers as well as classics.

Ristorante Biscotti represents everything that is well loved about Italian restaurants and food, from its easy going atmosphere, to its classy look, and of course the beautifully prepared cuisine. This is one place that notches top points for the simple but perfect execution of everything that you want.

This trendy and happening place in Frankfurt's Ostend district is well known in the restaurant scene amongst those who love some great Italian food and wines to match. With its dimly lit bar and seating area, the Devina Lounge exudes cosiness and intimacy, a perfect blend if you want to consider eating out there with friends or with someone special.

To start with, there's shrimp cocktail or beef carpaccio, but you could sideline both of these and simply go for the appetizer platter with salami, Parma ham, and mortadella salad. Seafood lovers will find the frutti di mare plate well up to expectations while the ruccola with armesan slivers and cocktail tomatoes will whet your appetite for more.

An Italian restaurant without pizza? Unheard of, and well, at Devina Lounge, it is not even a faint possibility because they prepare pizzas the authentic way, by firing them in a wood oven. There are a number of variations with mushrooms and salami; tuna, garlic and artichokes; anchovies and capers and even for vegetarians, with cheese, black olives and peppers.

If you feel that Italian food is synonymous with pasta,  you're sure to feel justified once you have sampled some of the dishes at the Devina Lounge. Patrons are given the choice of selecting the type of pasta they prefer, penne, tagliatelle, rigatoni, spaghetti or tortellini and then choose how they  want it prepared. Carbonara, a creamy combination of ham, egg and cheese never fails to please while al arabiata with tomato sauce, olives and peppers strikes the right note if spicy is your favourite taste. They also have specialities with each type of pasta, and maybe you could try tagliatelle with chanterelle cream or tortellini with peas and mushrooms.

If you'd rather dig in to something more substantial, the meat and fish dishes should do sufficient justice to your needs, and you could try the pork or chicken cutlet in cream; rump steak with fried onions; grilled beef tenderloin with herb butter; lamb in red wine, or maybe sole with pepper.

The atmosphere there is positively buzzing and everyone seems to be having a great time; Devina Lounge could be a fabulous place to host a party for friends and family.

In Frankfurt, apfelwein is as popular as kölsch is in Cologne, and you shouldn't be surprised to see numerous pubs where this apple based wine is the favoured drink. Adolf Wagner is one of the city's oldest apfelwein houses, a family run business that has been around from 1931, although their reputation is based primarily on the creation of a fabulous, contemporary restaurant with good food and drink, and not just on past laurels.

Long wooden benches line the walls, while murals lend a rustic feel, perhaps a look that is carelessly contrived as a concession to the numerous tourists that throng here. Seating options include a warmed winter garden where you can relax with friends over a delicious meal and a bembel of apple wine. The bembel, a traditional off-white and blue pitcher, is used to serve apfelwein and is never far from  the hands of the friendly waiters who are ever ready to replenish your glass.

Wagner is renowned for their reasonably priced food and popular dishes there include bratwurst with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes and the wiener schnitzel, breaded veal slice with fried potatoes and salad. The menu lets you choose from beef, pork, veal and sausages and the dishes in each section are well thought out, providing a mix of traditional favourites and some innovations that reflect the local tastes, as well.

Frankfurt specialities on the menu are bound to induce hunger pangs, particularly if you are fond of grilled spare ribs or pork shoulder, while cold dishes such as handkäse mit musik, regional cheese with oil, vinegar and chopped onions along with bread and butter hold their own appeal. If you are visiting in summer, then do try the sausage salad or the sülze, diced meat in aspic, with marinated onions for a refreshingly different take on German specialities

There is good news for any vegetarians who may be accompanying you, or possibly even yourself; just try the fried feta cheese with olives, pepperonis, onions and bread or  the vegetable patties with herbed sour cream and salad.

If you are not too keen on sipping apfelwein throughout your meal, you could choose from a number of German and French wines, while spirits and non alcoholic drinks are also there for your pleasure. What you won't find is beer, but the huge number of alternatives makes up admirably for any disappointment you might feel.

Desserts include the famed apple strudel or the homemade red fruit pudding, both with ice cream and you will be hard pressed to find another more fitting way to end such a hearty meal!

Turkish immigrants may well deserve credit for pioneering the döner kebab business in Berlin but Hasir is not your average kebab joint; it's where Berliners and tourists alike could just get a little slice of Turkey. This family run business with six outlets across Berlin has been introducing customers to a riot of flavours in all their dishes from the grilled lamb fillet to the mandatory humus and kuver.

The one at Mitte takes the cake for resembling a glamorous market with shimmering gold effect walls and subdued brown tints. While Hasir in the Adalberstraße is where it all started and at the Ocakbasi next door, meat dishes are char-grilled before serving. Pop a question to the chef in the open kitchen just in case curiosity gets the better of you. At Wilmersdorf, the décor is replete with Oriental touches and draws in prominent people from the world of politics, culture and business. The interior at Schöneberg is designed in a Turkish style with large murals and chequered floors while at Spandau it's all mellow with soft lighting and earthy hues.

The buzz in the restaurant is reflected in the kitchen where chefs are busy crafting Turkish delights such as lamb chops with rice, fried potatoes and salad, medallions of veal with mushroom sauce. Chicken schnitzel is roasted in a pan with tomatoes, sweet pepper, onions and mushroom and served in a clay pot.

Grilled delicacies include minced meat served on pita bread covered with a spicy sauce and topped with yogurt and herbs, and beyti, minced lamb barbequed on a skewer, seasoned with slices of radish, spicy onions, parsley, pepperoni and grilled tomato. Seafood is not forgotten on the menu; expect to see poached sea bass with tomato sauce, green pepper and garlic and giant prawns with mushrooms in a white wine sauce.

Desserts include Middle Eastern favourites like pastry of dough threads in honey syrup and nuts filled with almond crème and the Turkish rice pudding, while those who are less adventurous could settle for a very special crème brûlée.

If you fancy tucking into some exotic curries whilst on a visit to Frankfurt or looking for some delicious Indian food, then Jewel of India might just be the place. Located in the heart of the banking district and close to the trade grounds, localites may vouch for the fact that this is a great place, if a tad pricey, though watch out for their special menu of the day, which represents excellent value, however, the feisty menu and the appetizing spread of authentic Mughlai fare will also help you get your money's worth.

The interior is well laid out with interesting artwork, subtle lighting and the gentle flicker of candle light, all of which could set the tone for a pleasant meal. The décor takes in all the finer points of Indian heritage and culture, so here's a place for those looking to treat themselves to some royal food with soothing music in the background.

The cuisine focuses primarily on the North-Western princely states of erstwhile India, while those from the other regions are not completely forgotten. Their house speciality of grilled king prawns in a mild sauce and green peas with potatoes and fresh mushroom curry is refreshingly tasty. The chef recommends an assorted silver platter or the 'thali' of the king's feast of grilled meat, a selection of curries; vegetables and rice while the queen's feast, or begumi khazana, is an array of vegetarian delights with lentils, rice and dessert.

Among the starters there are onion rings fried in batter, succulent lamb mince rolls and creamy tomato soup. Choose from a variety of flavoursome curries such as fish fillet cooked in a creamy coconut and mustard gravy, chicken cooked with green peppers and lamb in almond gravy; these could be accompanied with steamed rice. Soak up the flavours of the tandoor sizzlers of fillet of salmon grilled with fresh herbs, chicken breast marinated in saffron and yogurt and lamb cubes doused in Indian herbs and spices.

Sweet treats include gulab jamun, milk dumplings in a light sugar syrup and rasmalai, cottage cheese dumplings in cardamom, pistachio and saffron milk. The team at Jewel of India hope that diners will appreciate their journey through the Mughlai cuisine of India and enjoy the palate tingling experience.