"Hamburg, meine Perle," sings Lotto King Karl in his unofficial Hamburg anthem. It’s hard to overlook that the Hanseatic city at the Elbe is also a culinary gem. From fish sandwiches to fine dining, there’s plenty on offer here. We’ve gathered a few personal highlights for you. A little tip: there's even a real playground for adults waiting at the end.
Blackline Coffee
In the heart of St. Pauli, there's a small café with a passion for good music and hospitality: Blackline. Inside, you'll find a retro-style space with a checkerboard floor and an inviting counter filled with homemade treats. If you can't find a spot inside, you can relax outside and watch the lively hustle and bustle of St. Pauli, or head to the second location on Eppendorfer Weg.
haebel
Just around the corner – merely four houses away – the Michelin-starred restaurant haebel offers a contrast to the bustling district. The space is small, but the enjoyment is immense. Don’t be intimidated by the Michelin star – here, guests might casually receive their food directly from the open kitchen. The menu options are understated at first glance – Flora or Fauna, that’s the question. But behind this simplicity lies a carefully curated selection of the finest ingredients, masterfully prepared. “16 seats, 1 Michelin star, sustainable enjoyment at the highest level, and probably the most open kitchen in the city,” as they describe it. If you can’t get a spot here, try the nearby XO Seafood Bar or kiosque.
AENDRÈ
What Janine and her team have created is truly inspiring. Fittingly, that’s also the goal of AENDRÈ, which means change or transformation. The concept is as simple as it is brilliant: “There is a great need to introduce new values into our society, where bigger is not necessarily better, where slower can be faster, and where less can be more. Our core values guide our actions, and our goal is to empower our customers, team members, and partners to be a positive force.” This philosophy is evident in every (exclusively plant-based) dish, every piece of furniture, and in the warm interactions. In addition to the established deli in Eimsbüttel, there is now a restaurant that doubles as a café during the day, complete with a large outdoor terrace for relaxing and enjoying.
Hobenköök Restaurant & Market Hall
Another unique culinary highlight is somewhat hidden in the former Hamburg harbor, nestled between old warehouses and railway tracks where a small creative oasis has emerged. Hobenköök – which translates to Harbor Kitchen – is a versatile combination of restaurant, market hall, and catering. Fresh dishes are prepared using regional products, which you can conveniently purchase to take home. With over 2,000 selected products, there’s plenty to inspire you. This thoughtful, holistic concept brings the idea of a regional weekly market – wind- and weather-protected – to the big city. It’s not only fun but also tastes great.
Madame Mai
In the heart of Ottensen, Madame Mai offers Asian fusion cuisine that’s well worth a visit. The effort put into the food and the location is evident in every detail. The menu looks more like a glossy magazine with appealing photos and readable texts about each dish. Whether you’re looking for a small snack or something more substantial, the selection of delicious tapas has something for everyone. The tofu sticks made from silky tofu wrapped in crispy rice flakes with a raspberry-chili mayo dip are a perfect starter.
Der Player
Last but not least. If you haven’t heard of Der Player in Altona, you’re missing out. Behind the name lies a (food) location like no other. Here, you can enjoy fine dining at the highest level and spend the rest of your evening or night. Modern, surprising, extraordinary. Eat, drink, work, play: you can do all that here in a tastefully designed setting. In addition to the stylishly furnished restaurant with an open kitchen, Der Player features a large bar, a New Work Club, and the absolute highlight: the in-house playground – a playground for adults. The entire second floor is dedicated to fun and relaxation. A foosball table, ping pong table, DJ booth, cozy seating areas, and even a full-scale boules court leave nothing to be desired. A unique place and a true entertainment package.
