10 Great Restaurants in Hamburg

Clouds Heaven’s Bar & Kitchen is a fine-dining establishment in the heart of Hamburg’s bustling St Pauli. Perched on the 23rd floor of the iconic Tanzende Türme building, the sophisticated venue commands sweeping cityscape views. Throw in next-level dishes, and you’ve got one of the most sought-after eateries in the city. Dress to impress and reserve well in advance.

You’ll find a delectable array of German and European classics on the menu, from flame-grilled steaks to delicate, thyme-infused stews. Once you’ve had your fill, pop upstairs to the attached cocktail lounge. Dubbed “Heaven,” this lofty rooftop spot lures a trendy, well-heeled crowd for its delicious drinks and stunning cityscapes.

Fischereihafen Restaurant is a long-running Hamburg institution that's famed for its sensational seafood and stunning harbour views. Overlooking the docks, the elegant venue adopts a nautical theme reminiscent of a ritzy, 20th-century transatlantic liner. Carpeted floors, old-world décor, and bright white tablecloths set a sophisticated mood in this intimate candle-lit locale.

Crowd favourites include oysters, caviar, lobster soup, and prawns, although you can expect great things from every dish. The same family have been running Fischereihafen Restaurant since the 1980s, serving eminent guests like the Prince and Princess of Wales. 

Alt Helgoländer Fischerstube is a popular seafood diner in the heart of Hamburg's fish market district. The picturesque waterfront venue specialises in local seafood delicacies like fried pannfisch (Artic char) and crayfish soup. Chefs blend contemporary influences with time-old recipes, sourcing high-quality ingredients directly from the markets each morning.

The restaurant also does a decent selection of regional fish-free dishes. For the bargain hunters, well-priced set menus offer a filling midday feast. Excellent local dishes and an elegant seafaring-themed interior make it a pleasant place to dine at any time of day.

Meatery (stylised as [m]eatery bar + restaurant) specialises in grilling delectable cuts of prime beef. The go-to choice at this swanky upmarket haunt is steak, from dry-aged cuts to juicy ribeyes. Raw meat lovers could opt for its tartare, while hefty burgers offer a filling and more affordable alternative.

Fantastic sides range from sautéed mushrooms to thinly cut fries. The joint also does a mean surf ‘n’ turf. Located on the northern end of St Pauli, Meatery is a popular spot among affluent inner-city diners – a tad pricey but well worth the splurge.

Old Commercial Room has been serving mouthwatering regional specialities in Hamburg since 1795. The name and décor truly reflect its history. Chock full of dark polished wood fixtures and elegant antique light shades, the venue still retains its quaint old-timey vibe. Framed portraits adorn the walls, showcasing the countless celebrities who’ve dined there over the years. 

Although the establishment welcomes plenty of travellers, the food is authentic and always delicious. House staples include pickled herring and smoked eel. If you fancy something heartier, you can’t go wrong with the signature dish of labskaus (meat, fish, and potato stew).

Estancia is a premium steakhouse near the historic Speicherstadt district in Hamburg. The buzzing inner-city venue is a hit for its sublime individually plated steaks that include rump, rib-eye, and tender dry-aged cuts. Top-notch sides (try the chorizo with fried peppers) and house-made sauces accompany each succulent slab.

Limited seating space and unusual opening hours mean the place tends to pack out, especially on weekends. Reserve ahead to secure your spot. While most diners pair their steaks with wine, Estancia offers more than 100 varieties of top-shelf gins (the most extensive selection in Hamburg).

Restaurant Parlament Hamburg resides in the city’s grandiose town hall, true to its name. Constructed in the 1890s, the awe-inspiring edifice is among the most iconic buildings in Hamburg, and its attached eatery is bound to impress. The atmospheric restaurant sits below ground in the cellar – think high-vaulted ceilings, ornate pillars, and massive hanging linen lanterns.

North German classics comprise the menu, from hearty red meat dishes to freshly caught fish. Despite the elegant ambience and high-quality fare, prices here are very reasonable. Go straight for the set menu to optimise value and minimise waiting time.

Liman Fisch-Restaurant serves first-class fish and seafood dishes in Hamburg. The upmarket eatery is in the affluent Mühlenkamp neighbourhood, around 7 km north of Hamburg's city centre. Hungry locals often flock to the restaurant to enjoy market-fresh delicacies like Atlantic cod and gilt-head bream.

Mixed seafood grills offer a smorgasbord of flavour, while its ever-popular midweek specials represent superb value for money. The maritime-themed interior sets a casual yet cosy scene. But when the weather’s nice, most diners eat outside on the sidewalk patio. 

Opitz is a traditional North German tavern-like restaurant that oozes antiquated charm. Nestled just below ground level, the quaint venue is brimming with old-world décor. From silver candleholders to brass hanging lampshades and a bronzed old gramophone, its elegant interior harks back to a bygone era. Grab a seat outside on the ivy-clad patio if you’d prefer tranquil views of the Mundsburger canal.

Opitz promotes the slow food movement and it offers an array of tempting regional delicacies. Fish lovers will adore the flame-grilled herring, while the crumbed schnitzel always hits the spot. Most mains come served with a generous side of bratkartoffeln, which are thinly-cut potato fries smothered in bacon, onion, and pork lard.

VLET blends regional culinary traditions with contemporary flair in the historic UNESCO-listed Speicherstadt district. Interestingly, its aesthetics mirror the gastronomic approach. Set in a century-old redbrick warehouse, the façade remains largely untouched. But on the inside, sleek industrial chic décor and Scandinavian-inspired design add a distinctly contemporary touch.

Menu highlights include labskaus (meat, fish, and potato stew), pannfisch (panfried fish), and a delectable steak tartare smothered in creamy truffle paste. Order a la carte or dine banquet-style from the decadent 3-to-6-course Feinsmecker menu. The restaurant caters well to vegans and vegetarians, as well as those craving a great Sunday brunch.