A foodies guide to Dusseldorf Germany: best places to eat in 2023
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The German city of Düsseldorf is an international business and financial centre renowned for its fashion and trade fairs. Better known for its expensive shopping street, Dusseldorf might not immediately spring to mind when planning a foodie trip in Europe.
This remarkably under-the-radar city surprisingly has a diverse and delicious selection of restaurants, markets, cafes, coffee shops and cookery classes.
Plenty of local produce, innovative cooking and traditional dishes will keep hungry travellers remarkably busy on a city break.
You can find loads of traditional German dishes in Dusseldorf, with many restaurants serving up the various specialities of the state of North-Rhine Westphalia.
Typical Dusseldorf dishes include ‘Himmel and Erde’. A dish made from black pudding, potatoes and applesauce and ‘Rheinischer Döbbekooche’ – Dusseldorf’s take on a potato cake.
Foodies Guide to Dusseldorf
I’ve included a wide range of foodie places and activities so that you can tailor your own Dusseldorf foodie trip itinerary.
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My foodies guide to Dusseldorf will look at where to eat and drink, the best foodie tours and what neighbourhoods are great for eating out.
Düsseldorf’s exciting food culture reflects the city’s diverse heritage and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
With a fusion of traditional German cuisine, international flavours, and a thriving street food scene, Düsseldorf offers a surprising gastronomic experience where you can sample a huge range of dishes and local beers.
Altstadt
The historic Altstadt, also known as the Old Town, is a must-visit area for food lovers in Düsseldorf.
You can find numerous traditional German taverns, known as “brauhauses,” serving hearty dishes and locally brewed Altbier. Zum Schlüssel, a popular brewery, is known for its rustic ambience and delectable pork knuckles.
Altstadt is known for its bars and traditional German pubs. Some of the best bars here include Beuys Bar, Im Goldenen Kessel and The Oak’s Bar
MedienHafen
Situated along the Rhine River, MedienHafen is a trendy, modern neighbourhood with a unique architectural landscape.
It has upscale restaurants and trendy bars offering exquisite cuisine, waterfront views and Michelin-star dining. Some of the best restaurants here include MEERBAR Restaurant, ROCCA 800°C and Im Schiffchen.
Flingern
The dynamic neighbourhood of Flingern is a treasure trove of hidden culinary haunts in Dusseldorf.
This trendy area is known for its hipster vibe and hosts a variety of international and fusion restaurants. Check out Luang Prabang, DEN Restaurant and Sattgrun when visiting this neighbourhood.
Eat sushi at Dusseldorf’s Japanese Quarter
The term’ Japanese Quarter’ might well conjure images of flashing neon signs, ostentatious manga shops and crowds of tourists – but that’s not the case in Dusseldorf.
This bland and quiet district has many understated Asian influences and restaurants and is largely centred around the street “Immermannstraße”.
You’ll find authentic sushi restaurants, Japanese bookshops, a Japanese hairdresser, a Japanese hotel, and Korean-owned supermarkets in this practical and reserved part of the city.
Discover the best Japanese Food in Dusseldorf
Dusseldorf has the largest Japanese community in Germany and one of the largest in Europe and so this quarter was created out of necessity rather than as a tourist attraction.
You can spend an entire afternoon buying Japanese gifts and groceries, drinking in the Hotel Nikko bar or seeking some excellent sushi.
While there is a high concentration of sushi bars, restaurants and noodle shops in Dusseldof’s ‘little Tokyo’ plenty of authentic Japanese food can be found across the city.
Ueno is a popular spot for traditional Japanese cuisine, while Takumi NINE is known for its mouthwatering ramen bowls. For an unforgettable sushi experience, visit Naniwa Sushi or Nagomi.
Dusseldorf Sushi bars
Sushi lovers should head to Takumi at Immermannstraße. 28 – a wildly popular place for locals and noodle enthusiasts.
Expect to see all the seats and tables filled by noon, with queues of ramen lovers waiting outside.
Another popular place is Naniwa, serving ramen, sushi and Yaki Soba. There’s usually a large queue, but it’s totally worth the wait!
Natsu
If you prefer to avoid queuing up for your Sushi, head to Natsu to pick up a takeaway sushi box. These guys sell delectable Sushi, salad and sandwiches inside the luxury supermarket ‘Edeka-Zurheide’.
Natsu specialises in super fresh sushi creations, poké boxes and desserts. You can pick up a takeaway sushi platter or individually wrapped sushi such as maki and California rolls.
Brewery tour Dusseldorf’s old town
Dusseldorf has a renowned beer culture, and the city is famous for its traditional top-fermented beer Altbier.
Enjoy a cheeky pint or three at the numerous traditional breweries in the city, particularly in the historic Old Town.
The lively atmosphere of the breweries, known as “brauhauses,” pairs perfectly with hearty German dishes.
You can experience the culinary diversity of the Düsseldorf Altstadt (Old Town) and drink your way around this historic part of the city with a Guided Brewery Tour.
Discover beer culture in Dusseldorf on this small-group guided beer tour to different breweries. Learn about local brewing culture and taste hundreds of years of experience at historic breweries and more modern counterparts.
Stop at three different breweries and enjoy an included beer at each one while listening to stories about Dusseldorf. It’s an essential part of a foodie trip to Dusseldorf and you can learn so much about German’sy drinking culture while sampling local beers.
Uerige microbrewery
In the old town, you will find the iconic Uerige microbrewery, which has been brewing since 1862. It’s one of the best traditional pubs in Dusseldorf and can be visited as part of a Beer Walking Tour in Dusseldorf.
Their ‘Uerige beer’ is made from several malts, including barley, caramel, and roasted malt and is served in dinky, 200ml glasses that are quickly refilled by eagle-eyed bar staff.
Make sure to have a pickled egg with your beer and eat it ‘Dusseldorf style’ by removing the shell, cutting your egg in half, and adding salt, pepper, and vinegar before eating in one gulp. Trust me; you’ll need some stodge after a morning of beer sampling.
Wine tasting Dusseldorf
Sip a range of local wines at award-winning bar Eiskeller and watch those hours whizz by! It’s one of the best places for wine tasting in Dusseldorf.
This cosy and stylishly decorated wine cellar has a huge selection of wines. Knowledgeable staff are on hand to guide you through your wine-tasting experience as you feast upon cheese plates and cold cuts.
Eiskeller Wine Bar
Despite the expert knowledge and impressive wine list, there’s no snobbery here, just enthusiasm and passion for quality wine and producers.
It’s the sort of relaxed atmosphere where I felt bold enough to proclaim that my favourite wine is ‘whatever is on offer in Aldi’ without feeling judged. It’s a fabulous place to try German wine in Dusseldorf.
Dusseldorf fine dining Restaurants
There are many fine dining restaurants in Dusseldorf where you can feast on delectable dishes in opulent surroundings.
When visiting a fine dining restaurant in Düsseldorf, remember that the dress code is usually smart casual, and reservations are highly recommended – especially at Michelin-starred restaurants.
Additionally, prices at these fancy restaurants can be quite high, so it is important to be prepared to drop some serious cash.
These are some of the best restaurants in Dusseldorf if you’re looking for high-end dining and quality food.
The Duchy – Restaurant and Raw Bar
Restaurant Setzkasten
Rossini
Da Cla Restaurant
Restaurant le flair
Paris Club Restaurant
If you want fine food with a view, head to The Paris Club Restaurant at the Dusseldorf 25hours hotel in Louis-Pasteur-Platz.
The Paris Club Restaurant is located on the 17th floor, offers fabulous views of Dusseldorf, and serves modern French cuisine.
You’ll be totally convinced you are dining out in Paris [especially after a few French wines]. It also has the best views of Dusseldorf by far.
Typical menu offerings include ‘Boudin Noir’ – French blood sausage with apple, calvados and creamed potatoes, steak frites, tartare and escargots.
Almost all of the products on offer are sourced in France, and the waiting staff will advise you on menu choices and provide wine recommendations.
The impressive views and fine food make it one of my favourite Dusseldorf restaurants.
MASH Dusseldorf
Steak lovers should check out MASH in the Old Town; this swish restaurant is located inside the historic building ‘Andreas Quartier’.
MASH is an impressive, upmarket steakhouse with a distinctive ‘New York steakhouse’ vibe.
There is modern furnishing, exquisite lighting and beautifully prepared steaks. It’s the best steak house in Dusseldorf, for sure.
Their selection of steaks includes Australian, German and Uruguayan steaks. They also have 90-day Danish dry-aged and Japanese Wagyu from Kobe on the menu.
An award-winning wine list and a swanky bar also serve superbly shaken old-fashioned cocktails.
Dusseldorf Tea Lounge
Why have a bog-standard brew when you can have one poured for you by a tea master? Manager and tea master of Shennong Lounge, Justus Hopmann, will demonstrate how to pour the perfect tea using Taiwan tea ceremony techniques that he learned from Taiwan.
It’s the best teahouse in Dusseldorf and is a fab place to learn more about traditional tea culture.
Shennong Lounge Dusseldorf
The ceremony has several stages: pots and cups are warmed first, then the tea leaves are washed and rinsed, water is poured from a specific height, and the tea is brewed for a specified period.
The tricky part is putting the tea into a small cup and quickly flipping it into the drinking cup. If you have ‘butterfingers’ like me, perhaps find a responsible adult to do it for you!
If you simply wish to relax with tea, why not sip through a huge range of herbal teas, including black, green, white, fruit, and herbal teas? Coffee fans can also order cappuccinos and matcha lattes!
Carlsplatz market
Seek out the Carlsplatz market in the old town for foodie finds, wine stalls, fresh fruit and vegetables.
You can sample olive oils, wines and cheese from around the world and chat with friendly stallholders about their wares.
It’s one of the best markets in Dusseldorf and is a great place to go shopping, explore or relax with friends.
Schmittmann distillery
Gin lovers can take a guided tour and tasting session at the historic Schmittmann distillery. It’s my favourite place for gin tasting in Dusseldorf.
Schmittmann has been distilling gin since 1818 and sells a range of high-end booze, including snaps and flavoured gins.
Their famous 1818 Finest Dry Gin includes botanicals such as Juniper berries, peel of citrus fruits, herbs, and spices, which is utterly divine.
Schmittmann distillery tour
During the tour, you can sample several different types of gin [and leave the tour rather squiffy as a result]. You can also learn more about the distilling process and the history of the Schmittmann distillery.
It is a ‘must-do’ activity for gin enthusiasts visiting the city, especially as you can buy a few bottles to take home from their on-site shop.
Dusseldorf local produce
When on a foodie trip to Dusseldorf, it is imperative to bring a large suitcase with you to fill it to the brim with local produce.
Many food speciality shops, market stalls and traders in Düsseldorf Altstadt [Old Town] sell various products.
Gewürzhaus Vogel
If you want to stock up on your spices, visit Gewürzhaus Vogel, a spice shop institution in Dusseldorf.
This wonderfully retro store has spices from A to Z, herbs and ‘ABB Mostert’, the oldest Düsseldorf mustard.
Löwensenf mustard shop
German Mustard fans can buy mustard from the Löwensenf mustard shop in the old town. It’s the best place to buy German mustard in Dusseldorf.
Löwensenf was founded in 1903 and makes the most incredible mustard.
The shop has mustard products to purchase and the opportunity to taste mustard and learn more about its production.
Killepitsch herb liqueur
Whilst out and about in the old town, why not get a traditional tipple and hunt down some Killepitsch herb liqueur? It’s a traditional German liqueur that is popular with locals.
This unique herbal liqueur was developed by the Busch family in Dusseldorf and has grown in popularity with liqueur fans.
Killepitsch is red in colour and is flavoured with fruits, berries, herbs and spices. You can find Killepitsch at Et Kabüffke, a cosy little bar situated at the heart of the ‘Altstadt’.
Pure Pastry pâtisserie
Those with a sweet tooth can find the most amazing cakes and pastries at ‘Pure Pastry pâtisserie’. Pure Pastry pâtisserie is located in the Carlsplatz market. Tim Tegtmeier is the chief pastry chef and cook here and has been awarded the accolade of Pâtissier of the Year.
Choose from breakfast pastries, desserts and dessert components, tarts, chocolates, ice cream and macarons at Pure Pastry.
You can either buy to take away or sit and enjoy your sweet treats in the market in the open air!
Hinkel bakery
Another great place for sweet treats is the wildly popular Hinkel bakery, founded in 1891 by Jean Hinkel, and it is still operational today. Some of the must-try items at the bakery include almond croissants and fruit tarts.
Here you can buy fresh bread, sandwiches, and homemade gingerbread! There’s normally a large queue inside, but if you are lucky, you can catch one of the staff outside giving out samples.
Dusseldorf coffee tasting
Consider yourself a coffee snob. It’s time to put your latte where your face is [that’s an expression, right?] and give your expert opinion on the coffee at ‘Rösterei Vier’.
This uber-hipster coffee shop is the embodiment of coffee culture. It has a stripped-back, almost Scandi-cool design and impossibly good-looking staff preparing pour-over coffee. It’s one of the best places for coffee in Dusseldorf.
Dusseldorf coffee culture
During your coffee tasting, you’ll be guided through the sourcing and roasting techniques and learn about the coffee farmers, blends and what makes a great cup of coffee.
You will then be invited to taste coffee using a teaspoon and to discuss your thoughts on the various blends.
A word of warning, after you have sampled around 8 cups of coffee, there’s the possibility you might start to get rather excitable.
Perhaps remind yourself to use an ‘indoor voice’ for the sake of other customers.
Dusseldorf food – dishes you must try
Rheinischer Sauerbraten
Rheinischer Sauerbraten is a traditional German dish made of marinated beef roast cooked with spices and vinegar. The dish is usually served with potato dumplings and red cabbage. It’s tangy flavour makes it unique, and it is a must-try when you visit Düsseldorf.
Himmel un Äd
Himmel un Äd is a traditional dish that’s very popular in the Rhineland region. The dish contains mashed potatoes, apples, and fried black pudding. It’s a hearty and flavourful dish, typically served with caramelized onions and gravy. I think it’s the best food in Dusseldorf, and you should definitely order it when eating your way around the city.
Reibekuchen
Reibekuchen is a traditional German dish of grated potatoes, onions, and eggs. The mixture is then fried until it turns crispy and golden brown. It’s usually served with apple sauce or sour cream and is a popular snack at festivals and markets in Düsseldorf.
Japanese Cuisine
Düsseldorf is known for having the largest Japanese community in Germany, reflected in the city’s many Japanese restaurants. Düsseldorf has various Japanese cuisine options, from sushi to ramen, catering to all tastes and preferences. One of the most popular Japanese restaurants in Düsseldorf is Takumi, known for its delicious ramen.
Turkish Cuisine
Düsseldorf has a large Turkish community, reflected in the city’s many Turkish restaurants. Turkish cuisine is known for its flavorful dishes, and some of the must-try dishes include kebabs, lahmacun, and baklava. One of the most popular Turkish restaurants in Düsseldorf is Anatolia, known for its delicious kebabs.
Italian Cuisine
Italian cuisine is loved worldwide, and Düsseldorf has a variety of Italian restaurants catering to all kinds of tastes and preferences. From pizza to pasta, Düsseldorf has various Italian cuisine options that will satisfy your cravings. One of the most popular Italian restaurants in Düsseldorf is Pizzeria Trattoria Toscana, known for its delicious pizza.
Dusseldorf Germany FAQ
What are the best areas for dining out in Düsseldorf?
Several neighbourhoods in Düsseldorf are known for their dining scenes, including the Altstadt (Old Town), which has a variety of restaurants and bars, and the Medienhafen (Media Harbor), known for its trendy and upscale restaurants. The Flingern neighbourhood is also popular among locals and tourists for its variety of food options.
What is the dress code for dining out in Düsseldorf?
The dress code for dining out in Düsseldorf depends on the type of restaurant you are visiting. Casual restaurants generally have a relaxed dress code, while fine dining restaurants may require more formal attire. It’s always a good idea to check the dress code on the restaurant’s website or by calling ahead.
What are the typical dining hours in Düsseldorf?
In Düsseldorf, most restaurants are open from around 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM for lunch and from around 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM for dinner. However, many restaurants are closed on Sundays, and some may also close on Mondays or Tuesdays. It’s always a good idea to check the restaurant’s hours of operation before you go.
What is the tipping etiquette in Düsseldorf?
Tipping is not required in Düsseldorf, but it is customary to leave a tip of around 5-10% for good service. Some restaurants may include a service charge on the bill, so check before leaving an additional tip.
Are reservations necessary for restaurants in Düsseldorf?
Reservations are recommended for fine dining restaurants in Düsseldorf, especially on weekends or during peak dining hours. Casual restaurants generally do not require reservations, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead to check availability.
Can I pay with a credit card in restaurants in Düsseldorf?
Most restaurants in Düsseldorf accept credit cards, but checking beforehand is always a good idea. Some smaller restaurants or street food vendors may only accept cash, so having some Euros on hand is always a good idea.
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Portia has spent years traversing the globe and having many misadventures. She now works as a freelance travel journalist, editor of Pip and the City and hosts the Travel Goals Podcast. She specialises in adventure travel, destination guides and city breaks. Her work has appeared in The Times, National Geographic and Lonely Planet. She can normally be found hiking, swimming outdoors in icy waters, or drinking coffee in bougie cafes.
