12 of the best restaurants in Frankfurt

Discover Michelin-starred cuisine, local delicacies and age-old culinary traditions

Famed for the Frankfurter sausages that bear its name, today visitors to the German city on the river Main are able to find restaurants, bars and cafes serving dishes from around the world, as well as local signatures such as Green Sauce (made from seven herbs) and Apfelwein (like a sharp, flat cider).

Whether looking for halal or vegan, Middle Eastern or Japanese, travellers will find them all wandering the city’s streets, from Michelin-starred restaurants to traditional local speciality eateries. 

Main Tower Restaurant & Lounge
Sweeping city views and international food combine to deliver a meal befitting its one Michelin star. Located on the 53rd floor, the restaurant’s modern set menu features refined dishes and suitably elevated ingredients such as French lamb, scallops and lobster. The seasonal menu from head chef Martin Weghofer is served from five to seven courses, allowing plenty of time to admire that view. Neue Mainzer Straße 52, Frankfurt; www.maintower-restaurant.de

Restaurant Lafleur
Two-Michelin-starred Lafleur serves modern French cuisine, with dishes such as John Dory and Norwegian scallops and sweet and sour cabbage with a curry lemongrass sauce wowing the guide's inspectors. Appropriately located next to the Palmengarten botanic gardens, chef Andreas Krolik made his name with plant-based cuisine but has expanded his offering to serve two set menus, one with meat and fish and one vegan. Palmengartenstraße 11, Frankfurt www.restaurant-lafleur.de

Restaurant Lafleur in Frankfurt

Seven Swans
Another champion of vegan cuisine, Seven Swans uses only local, sustainable ingredients, much from the restaurant’s own farm, to create the set menu which is served over five hours. Set in the city’s narrowest building, with views over the river Main, head chef Ricky Saward has created a stylish, meaningful experience that has secured both a Michelin star and a Green star. Mainkai 4, Frankfurt; www.sevenswans.de

Erno’s Bistro
The authentic interior with wood panelling of Erno’s Bistro belies its modern approach to French cuisine under the direction of Valéry Mathis. Erno’s has been serving fine food for 50 years and secured its Michelin star in 1998 which it has retained ever since. Described by Michelin as “friendly and down-to-earth”, the eaterie offers indoor and alfresco dining on the terrace and serves flavourful dishes paired with fine French wine. Liebigstraße 15, Frankfurt; www.ernosbistro.de

Bidlabu
This bijou farm-to-table bistro in the heart of the city features two essential ingredients, great food and a lively atmosphere. Describing itself as “probably Frankfurt's best-known insider tip”, this Michelin-star restaurant is hidden in a back alley and has a small dining room and terrace, plus two tasting menus, one for vegetarian. Kleine Bockenheimer Straße 14, Frankfurt; www.bidlabu.de

Bidlabu in Frankfurt

Restaurant Villa Merton
Housed within a 1920s villa in Frankfurt’s diplomatic quarter, this one Michelin-starred restaurant is helmed by owner André Großfeld and head chef Philippe Giar. This is a grand yet friendly affair with a seven-course gourmet menu, a bistro menu and even a business lunch, featuring dishes that are regionally influenced including classics such as Wiener schnitzel made with veal. Am Leonhardsbrunn 12, Frankfurt; www.restaurant-villa-merton.de

Oberschweinstiege
Affectionately referred to as Frankfurt’s ‘living room’, this family-friendly inn offers a wide variety of dining spaces, including the lakeside terrace, a bespoke barbecue hut for just 20 guests, and the extensive beer garden shaded by chestnut trees. Seasonal menus run throughout the year, including celebrating kale in January, green sauce in July and goose in October. Oberschweinstiegschneise 65, Frankfurt; www.oberschweinstiege-frankfurt.de

Carmelo Greco
Sicilian chef Carmelo Greco (pictured top and below) brings Italian cuisine to Frankfurt in Michelin-starred style. Two set menus include a vegetarian option, plus there is a la carte, with classic dishes including the house special parmesan flan. This is another hidden gem with a popular terrace for long summer days over lunch. Ziegelhüttenweg 1, Frankfurt; www.carmelo-greco.de

Carmelo Greco in Frankfurt

Zum Standesämtchen
This cosy restaurant situated on the Römerberg market square has both indoor and outdoor seating and is a great way to sample traditional local dishes while seeing the main tourist sites. Signature highlights include the Grüne Soße (green sauce traditionally served with potatoes and boiled eggs), apfelwein (tart apple cider) and the Frankfurter Rindswurst, a beef sausage invented in 1894. Römerberg Square, Frankfurt; www.zum-standesaemtchen.de

Masa Japanese Cuisine
Chef Masaru Oae has honed his craft to perfection in award-winning Japanese restaurants in the UK and Germany, culminating in opening this one in Frankfurt. In bestowing a Michelin star, judges praised the quality of ingredients as well as the “excellent sushi”. Take a seat at the counter to watch the chef at work. Hanauer Landstraße 131, Frankfurt; masa-frankfurt.de/en 

Du Liban-Libanon
Guests from the Middle East missing ‘home’ cooking will find a number of specialist restaurants in Frankfurt, including Du Liban-Libanon, which offers an authentic Lebanese dining experience. Close to Frankfurt’s main station, it features decor that is relaxed yet refined, live entertainment and a take-away service for all your favourite dishes, from hummus to lamb kofta kebabs. Ramada Hotel, Weserstraße 17, Frankfurt; www.du-liban.de

Du Liban-Libanon in Frankfurt

OX
Located around 20 miles south of Frankfurt in Darmstadt, Michelin-starred OX is run by brothers David and Norman Rink offering informal fine dining in stylish, modern surroundings. Three set menus include one vegetarian and one pescetarian, and in summer guests can enjoy the courtyard terrace. Mauerstraße 6, Darmstadt; www.ox-restaurant.de

7 Paintings
For something completely different, dining and technology combine at 7 Paintings for an interactive culinary experience. Guests can immerse themselves in a 7-course show – each one inspired by a work of art from the likes of Picasso, Da Vinci and Banksy – where they will paint and solve puzzles. Metropolitan Hotel by Flemings, Frankfurt; www.7paintings.com

For more information on Frankfurt, visit www.visitfrankfurt.travel/en and follow Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn