Eating in Hamburg: Tips for delicious restaurants & cafés

Dining out in Hamburg? How about the following restaurants & cafés

Ahoy, gourmets, gourmets and gourmets with a sweet tooth! Welcome to the beautiful Hanseatic city of Hamburg.

For me, culinary exploration of a city is always part of a city break. In the various restaurants and cafés you can feel the real life and diversity of the big city. And where can you find the best food in Hamburg? Away from the tourist crowds, where the locals grab a quick lunch or end a busy day, you'll get to know Hamburg from a completely different perspective.

After more than a year in the Hanseatic city of Hamburg and numerous visits, co-author Hannah was able to discover quite a few restaurants and cafés. In this article, I collect her and my favourite recommendations for cafés and great restaurants in Hamburg for you!

We have visited all the locations recommended here ourselves and tested them extensively. Check back regularly, because I'll keep updating this list whenever I find something new that you should definitely try.

At the end of the article you'll find a city map that you can save on your mobile phone. I have entered all the hot spots listed here.

But now have fun reading and enjoy your meal!

Breakfast

Cosy places for breakfast in Hamburg

The best way to start the day is with a good breakfast. Here are my favourite cosy places and cafés for morning coffee, breakfast and brunch in Hamburg:

Hanging Out Café

Bornstraße 18, 20146 Hamburg

Vegan breakfast in Hamburg? The Hanging Out Café is ideal for vegetarians and vegans. The small but nice café offers great breakfast options and freshly squeezed juices. Be sure to try a piece of cake for dessert, too. Delicious!

(check out the delicious food on Instagram). In 3 words: Urban Jungle, Vegan.

Vegetarian and Vegan Breakfast at Hanging Out Café Hamburg

Mamalicious

Max-Brauer-Allee 277, 22769 Hamburg

Oh mama, this is delicious. One of my absolute favourite breakfast spots in Hamburg, since my first visit. I can't say much about the menu, because I always get stuck with the pancakes and they are an absolute poem.

Drown them in maple syrup, it's just too good. Otherwise the Mamalicious is an absolute recommendation for vegetarians and vegan breakfasts. You can't get more choice than this.

Pancake breakfast at Mamalicious, Hamburg. Addictive!

Café May

Hein Hoyer Straße 14, 20359 Hamburg (a total of 8 locations in Hamburg!)

During the week from 7 a.m., on weekends from 8 a.m. you can have breakfast at the Café May for breakfast. Please don't be under any illusions, this is not a fancy Instagram spot. But it's a solid choice for a good price. Do you prefer something more down-to-earth? Then you have to stop here in St. Pauli. Otherwise, Café May also has branches in Barmbek, Eimsbüttel, Winterhude and Eppendorf.

Coffee Strong

Wohlwillstraße 18, 20359 Hamburg

In the heart of St. Pauli between Schanze and Kiez lies this small café with a punk rock flair. Nothing is fancy here, but it's all the more cosy, and that's exactly how it fits into St. Pauli. I visit the Coffee Strong regularly and with pleasure, precisely because it is so wonderfully normal. Secure a seat outside and watch the colourful hustle and bustle.

The cheese breakfast at Kaffee Stark in St. Pauli. Franzbrötchen, a must in Hamburg

Mhhhh, Franzbrötchen. They simply belong to Hamburg. In case you've never heard of the sweet sin: Franzbrötchen are Danish pastries that you can buy at the bakery. They are classically refined with cinnamon and sugar . But nowadays there are countless other creations that you should try: whether with crumble, cherry or apple, in Hamburg everyone is sure to find their perfect Franzbrötchen. Or a different one every day!

But where to find the best Franzbrötchen is a matter of opinion. Hannah took up the challenge and did the big Hamburg Franzbrötchen test for you. If you visit Hamburg, you should eat at least three Franzbrötchen to make up your own mind!

Here are the best Franzbrötchen in Hamburg:

• Bäckerei JungeA local bakery chain that you can find in many parts of the city and even outside Hamburg. Be sure to try the chocolate Franz here. Of course, you can also get the very popular classic with marzipan at Junge's!

• The Little ConfectioneryOn Osterstraße in Eimsbüttel, one of the city's hippest districts, you'll find this little bakery that's been around for over 60 years! An absolute insider tip for many. The regular Franzbrötchen tastes best here. But there are also many unusual creations, for example filled with vanilla.

• ElbgoldOne of the most stylish coffee houses in Hamburg. At Elbgold you can also get delicious Franzbrötchen with your coffee. Here you get the classic with cinnamon and sugar ... a solid 2-3 from me.

• Dat BackhusAmong Franzbrötchen fans, there's another insider tip: Dat Backhus, of all places, is supposed to have the best crumbled Franzbrötchen. Sweetness and "mushiness" are well balanced. Be sure to get them in the morning and eat them fresh, otherwise the crumbles tend to be a dry affair.

Fish roll

The savoury counterpart to the Franzbrötchen is the Fischbrötchen. Freshly caught fish and shrimps from the North Sea every day make the simple fish roll an absolute treat in the Hanseatic city.

Tips for snack bars:

Insider Tip: Bridge 10 at the end of the Landungsbrücken in St. Pauli. Here you can get your fill of fish sandwiches with a view of the harbour and a cold beer. 10 out of 10 points for Brücke 10!

Alternative: The Strandperle on the Elbe beach. The fish sandwich tastes even better with your feet in the sand, and in the sunshine it almost feels like a holiday.

Classic: Of course you can also get fish sandwiches in Hamburg on Sunday mornings at 4 a.m.: at the Hamburg fish market! If you've pulled an all-nighter, you can fortify yourself for the new day with the best fish sandwiches in town. Tip at Fischmarkt Bistro: Roland's salmon burger.

Small sharks big fish: After a night of drinking on St. Pauli, this spot is ideal. Additional info for football fans: The bar was built from old stadium boards from the Millerntor stadium.

For that holiday feeling in Hamburg, try the Strandperle with its delicious fish sandwiches. (Photo: Julia Creations, Hamburg) Eating with celebrities

In Hamburg there are now really quite a few celebrities who have opened their own restaurants. We have visited at least a few of them (sometimes several times).

Found Food BBQ DLX

Marktstraße 130, 20357 Hamburg

Fancy a BBQ? No problem, there are some pretty awesome burgers in the Karoviertel. The fun interior design of the corner shop also inspires:
Old ghetto blasters on the walls, paired with graffiti and colourful chairs. And according to the menu, the classics from American cuisine: burgers, wings and mac 'n' cheese. I like that. No wonder, the owner is hip hop legend Samy Deluxe. So it's a perfect fit, just the Found food.

Caesar salad at Gefundenes Fressen BBQ in the Karo district.

The live test convinced us completely. Especially the deluxe burger with double beef (from the region), double cheese and potato chunks was great. Of course there are vegetarian and vegan alternatives. The salads are also great and, above all, huge. Everyone is guaranteed to get their fill here.

GO by Steffen Henssler

Everyone knows him. Steffen Henssler tours the TV landscape and cooks his way from one show to the next. In his home town of Hamburg, the celebrity chef has several restaurants that are well worth discovering.

As part of the Taste Tours, I was allowed to discover the Go. Chef Henssler's No. 5 has devoted itself entirely to sushi. And what can I say? The sushi at Go was UNBELIEVABLE. I have rarely eaten such good quality and was sent on a real rollercoaster ride in terms of taste. Although I'm a fan of simple sushi cuisine, I can only say good things about the Go's creations.

Tip: Try the edamame with kimchi butter. Oh just try everything, it's sooooo delicious.

Bullerei

Sternenschanze, Lagerstraße 34b, 20357 Hamburg

Who doesn't know them? The Bullerei by TV chef Tim Mälzer is a classic. Last year the restaurant was completely renovated. If you can't get a seat (reservation required), you can dine in the adjacent deli "Das Schwarze Schaf".

South American & Mexican food in Hamburg

Salt & Silver Head Office

Hafenstraße 136, 20359 Hamburg

Here you treat yourself. For a long time now the Salt & Silver has long been known beyond the borders of Hamburg. The two founders Jo and Cozy started with a pop-up concept and can now call two restaurants in Hamburg their own.

At Hafenstraße 140, after 2 years of South American cuisine, the concept has changed and Levantine cuisine (= from the eastern Mediterranean) has moved in. At the head office, however, everything is still South American. The food is more in the high-priced segment, but the price is more than justified. The following applies to both addresses: pure enjoyment!

Mexico Street Taquería

Detlev-Bremer-Strasse 43, 20359 Hamburg

I have been here several times. If you want to come here in the evening, you should definitely make a reservation. The Mexico Street Taquería is extremely crowded at the usual times! And rightly so. Even friends who have lived in South America speak highly of the tacos. Here it tastes just like in Mexico.

Simply choose your favourite between the classic, vegetarian or deluxe tacos. Start with nachos with guacamole, a little spicy but super tasty. If you want to complete the Mexico experience, order an ice-cold Sol beer to go with it. Holiday feeling in Hamburg is guaranteed.

Holy Taco

Reeperbahn 77, 20359 Hamburg

The bar & taqueria Holy Taco is located directly on the Reeperbahn. Fans of tacos and mezcal will get their money's worth here. Anyone who wants to try authentic Mexican cuisine will also be satisfied and happy.

Link to the website

Asian restaurants in Hamburg

Momo Buns

Margaretenstraße 58, 20357 Hamburg

After Momo Ramen comes Momo Buns. The founders of Momo Ramen also have a heart for Japanese-Korean influences. And because Momo Ramen just couldn't take any more items on the menu, they decided without further ado to rent the shop next door and open Momo Buns there!

At Momo Buns you can finally get takoyaki, another thing I got to know and love in Japan. For the big appetite, I recommend the Momo Bowl and of course Momo Buns. Optionally filled with tempura, vegetables, karage or chashu. Mega delicious and absolute Asian soul food.

As we have come to expect from Momo, the interior design is very special and bright colours smile at you from all the walls. I love the food, the ambience, the service and I feel very comfortable here.

Kimchi Fries, Momo Bun with Tempura and Takoyaki. Hannah happy!

Momo Ramen

Margaretenstraße 58, 20357 Hamburg, Germany

We've been hardcore ramen fans since Japan. Personally, I could only live on this delicious Japanese noodle soup. Meanwhile, ramen has also arrived in Germany and I don't want to deprive you of one of the absolute noodle hotspots. In Hamburg at the Momo Ramen you can get hot noodle bowls full of delicacies.

In addition to the classics like Shoyu Ramen, there are also new creations on the menu. I especially like the spicy versions. For me, this is one of my absolute favourite restaurants in Hamburg. If you don't like ramen, there are plenty of Asian alternatives on the menu. But I would recommend everyone to try the ramen from Momo Ramen.

The best ramen is at Momo Ramen. And it looks nice there too. Diggi Smalls

Grindelallee 148, 20146 Hamburg

I discovered this place thanks to the Taste Tour. The Diggi Smalls in Grindelviertel is a little off the beaten track, but well worth a visit! If you like hip hop and oriental food, this is the place for you.

Classic soul food from the USA, such as chicken and waffles, as well as exotic dishes from Turkey and Iran are on the menu here. An unusual but cool combination that you should definitely try out.

Hip hop meets soul food. Diggi Smalls is definitely still an insider tip. Pizza Social Club

Mühlenkamp 29, 22303 Hamburg

The motto of the Pizza Social Club on Mühlenkamp is "Good vibes only". As is well known, opinions differ about good pizza. But every friend I've invited to the Pizza Social Club so far has been completely thrilled.

Right in Winterhude, Hannah's home hood, extravagant pizza creations are served. Basically, you should first decide between a classic red or white base. Then your taste buds are sent on a culinary journey. Burrata, Coto Portobello, pumpkin or truffle. From timid to wild, everything can be found on the menu here!

And even if you dare to switch to salad, you won't be disappointed. The portions are really huge and super tasty. But pizza is pizza.

Überquell

Fischmarkt 28-32, 20359 Hamburg

Right between Landungsbrücken and the Reeperbahn is the Überquell Brewery. The micro-brewery bre ws lagers, pale ales and IPAs, among other things. They also serve delicious pizza from the wood-fired oven and have a great terrace, especially in summer. Super cosy and always a good place to go.

Luciella's Ice Cream

z. e.g. Lange Reihe 113, 20099 Hamburg

There are now four branches of the ice cream manufacturer Luciella in Hamburg. Some people may still know Luciella from the TV show "Höhle der Löwen".

Luisa Mentele studied at the "Gelato University" in Bologna and then convinced her partner Markus Deibler to give up his career as a professional swimmer to open an ice cream parlour together (at first)! "Luciella" is the nickname Luisa was given by her family because of her love of Italy.
If you can't do without Luciella at home, you can also buy the ice cream mix in selected supermarkets and become an ice cream maker yourself.

The menu in the shops can change every day. You can choose from up to 22 flavours. In the Grindel branch, guests were even allowed to write their wishes on a board and help decide the next flavours. Yummy, yummy!

Extra tip: If you're lucky, you'll catch a day with the Franzbrötchen variety as ice cream on the menu!

Chapeau!

Moorfuhrtweg 9, 22301 Hamburg

Little insider tip on the Goldbek Canal. This nice restaurant is hidden in Winterhude, right on the water. If you take a seat on the terrace, you can watch the numerous rowers, kayakers and SUP fans on the canal in summer.

Whether for lunch or the evening menu, a visit to the Chapeau is worth a visit at any time of day. The interior is charming and there are cute details everywhere. On the menu you'll find a variety of burgers, ribs and steak. Of course, there are also a few vegetarian alternatives. It's worth taking a look at the monthly changing menu for variety. One of my favourite spots for warm summer evenings in Hamburg, a little away from the city centre.

Chapeau (French for hat) is also the motto for the interior design. Hatari Pfälzer Stube

Four times Hatarifour times delicious in Hamburg. This place is rustic: old floorboards and dark charm welcome you, and the menu is more home cooking and down-to-earth. But it's super tasty.

This place awakens feelings of home for me. There are sausage platters, real country bread and spaetzle at last. Simply everything that is hearty and warms the soul. Mhhhmm, when I have a longing for southern Germany, I go here to eat. Hatari even serves real Maultaschen.

For all exiled Swabians and Bavarians: Hatari is your spot to enjoy the best of home again.

Coffee junkies love these places

Coffee roaster Deathpresso

Beim Grünen Jäger 24, 20359 Hamburg

Right in St. Pauli, there's one of the coolest coffee roasteries in Hamburg. At Deathpresso you can not only buy the best coffee, but also drink excellent coffee and eat cake. If you want to bring your loved ones a souvenir from Hamburg, I recommend the small 125 g packs to try.

Playground Coffee

Detlev-Bremer-Strasse 21, 20359 Hamburg

Small but nice. The Playground Coffee in Hamburg St. Pauli is tucked away in a side street, but is a real gem for all design fans. The menu is small, but the coffee is exceptionally good! My personal favourite is the Flat White.

Chic, hip, simple, delicious: Playground Coffee on St. Pauli.

Törnqvist (currently closed, looking for a new location)

The ultimate in coffee. Here they really save on everything that makes a café cosy. All in white Törnqvist is the hipster hangout par excellence.

In the minimalist environment, it's really all about the coffee. But it's incredibly delicious. There is a choice of different roasts and just watching the preparation shows how much attention is paid to "just" coffee. One of the leading Third Wave Coffee locations in the city!

Current info: The Tornqvist unfortunately had to close due to corona and is now looking for a new location. If you are also a coffee lover and want to support them, just order some beans from their online shop!

North Coast

Deichstraße 9, 20459 Hamburg

The North Coast is pretty much in every new travel guide and is also extremely popular with the people of Hamburg. So it's no wonder that you have to expect a queue in front of the shop from time to time. But it's worth the wait. There are sweet and savoury treats and incredibly good coffee. The cosy ambience is the best way to endure Hamburg's dirty weather.

The wait in front of the Nord Coast is worth it. (Photo: Julia Creations, Hamburg) Map for Hamburg with all tips

To see all the spots at a glance, you can save the following Hamburg map offline on your smartphone. This way you won't miss a single tip and you'll always have everything at your fingertips.

Conclusion

If you've made it this far without being down in the dumps with a rumbling stomach, you've earned my fullest respect. As you can see, Hamburg has a lot more to offer than fish sandwiches and Labskaus!

I hope you have fun discovering Hamburg's culinary side.

Do you have any other tips for me on what I should definitely try in Hamburg? I look forward to your comments here on the blog.