Germany
Discover the best restaurants, dishes, and local cuisine in Frankfurt-am-main, Germany. Read authentic reviews, browse menus, and find your perfect dining experience.
Frankfurt cuisine is characterized by hearty, savory flavors. Pork, potatoes, and apples feature prominently. Many dishes have a simple, rustic quality, emphasizing fresh, local ingredients.
Thin, smoked pork sausages. They are typically boiled and served with mustard and bread or a roll. The 'echte Frankfurter' (real Frankfurt sausage) is made exclusively in the Frankfurt area.
A cold sauce made from seven different herbs: parsley, chives, chervil, borage, sorrel, garden cress, and salad burnet. It is traditionally served with hard-boiled eggs and potatoes, or boiled beef.
A sour milk cheese (Handkäse) marinated in oil, vinegar, onions, and caraway seeds. The 'Musik' (music) refers to the subsequent flatulence caused by the onions.
A tart, fermented apple cider, also known as 'Ebbelwoi' or 'Äppler'. It's typically served in a 'Geripptes' (ribbed glass) and often mixed with sparkling water ('Sauergespritzter') or lemonade ('Süßgespritzter').
Marzipan cookies decorated with three almonds, representing the three sons of the banker Bethmann. Traditionally eaten during Christmas.
A sausage made from 100% beef, a modern adaptation avoiding pork. It’s a popular street food, often grilled and served in a bun.
To fully experience Frankfurt's cuisine, consider these helpful tips:
Don't leave Frankfurt without trying Apfelwein. Visit an Apfelweinwirtschaft for the most authentic experience.
While delicious, be prepared for the aftereffects of the onions in Handkäse mit Musik!
The taste of Grüne Soße can vary slightly depending on the seasonal availability of the herbs. Try it at different times of the year.
Visit the Kleinmarkthalle, Frankfurt's indoor market, for a wide selection of local produce, meats, cheeses, and prepared foods.
Hessen
Frankfurt's cuisine reflects its history as a free imperial city and a major trading hub. Influences include the surrounding Hessian region, a strong Jewish presence that shaped some dishes, and the city's proximity to wine-growing areas.
Food in Frankfurt is deeply intertwined with local traditions and social gatherings. Traditional 'Apfelweinwirtschaften' (apple wine taverns) are central to the city's culinary culture.
These traditional taverns are the heart of Frankfurt's culinary scene. They offer a cozy atmosphere where locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy Apfelwein and hearty Frankfurt dishes. Look for the fir wreath hanging outside, signifying a traditional tavern.
A 'Dipper' is the earthenware jug in which Apfelwein is traditionally served. It often has a blue-gray glaze and is a quintessential part of the Apfelwein experience.
Frankfurt hosts various food festivals throughout the year, celebrating local specialties and international cuisine. These events provide opportunities to sample diverse flavors and immerse yourself in the city's food culture.
The Frankfurt Christmas Market offers many local delicacies like Bethmännchen and grilled sausages, alongside Glühwein (mulled wine). It is a time for culinary indulgence and festive cheer.