10 Best Local Restaurants in Hamburg

Bruecke 10 is a laidback seafood joint straddling the River Elbe in Hamburg’s famous harbour. Despite the million-dollar views, the prices are remarkably reasonable. As a result, locals flock to the good-value venue to sip ice-cold beer and snack with a pristine water view – get ready to queue.

The casual, no-nonsense eatery specialises in fish rolls, among the tastiest sandwiches in Hamburg. Try the fischbrötchen, a traditional North German deep-fried fish sandwich served with onions, radish, pickles, remoulade, and cocktail sauce.

Max und Consorten is a homely traditional kneipe (pub) serving hearty German classics and frothy draft beers. With polished wood-clad interiors and a breezy open-air patio, it’s a pleasant spot to indulge in a sit-down meal. New arrivals will be pleased to hear this good-value venue is just a couple of blocks from Hamburg Central Station.

Had a few too many steins last night? Crush your hangover with one of their big, carb-laden bauernfrühstücks, a traditional breakfast dish of fried potatoes, eggs, and bacon. Diners can also choose from an eclectic menu of the usual German favourites, such as pork schnitzel. 

Edelcurry is an unassuming dining spot that plates up some of the most succulent sausages in Hamburg. This popular eatery specialises in beef and chicken currywurst, but adventurous diners can opt for wild-caught varieties like bison or ostrich. There’s even a meat-free rendition for vegans and vegetarians.

While the sausage is sensational, the sauce makes this place a smash hit among the locals. These heavenly salsas come in 3 unique variations – classic, fruity, or spicy curry – and make for great toppings to your meal. Every currywurst comes with a side of thin-cut fries.

Frau Moeller is a traditional German gastropub to the north of Hamburg’s city centre. The homely venue is a hit for its hearty bratkartoffeln (fries with veggies and pork lard) and casseroles. Come hungry because all their filling dishes take quite some time to chow through. Those on a budget will love the frikadeller (Danish meatballs).

The well-priced venue attracts a mixed clientele and offers a warm ambience to mingle and chat. Late-night revellers should know this place serves its famously filling treats until the early hours on weekends.

Mö-Grill is one of Hamburg’s most popular local snack-bar franchises. This branch is conveniently located in Mönckebergstraße, the city's premiere retail strip. Hungry Hamburgians often pop by this petite, stall-like venue to snack on cheap but tasty sausage treats.

While the classic currywurst and bratwurst lead the charge, there’s a broad range of other sausage types to choose from. Meatlovers might enjoy the bockwurst (pork), rindswurst (beef), and geflügelwurst (poultry), all of which are smothered in tangy or spicy sauce. Order a side of fries to transform your snack into a filling meal.

Morgenland is an excellent Middle Eastern restaurant that specialises in meze (an exotic ensemble of bite-sized dishes). While it's meant to be shared as an appetiser, there’s no shame in having a whole portion on your own. Other standout dishes include zesty salads, pizza-like flatbread, and its famous falafel – some say it’s the best in Hamburg.

Located in a low-rise suburb north of the city centre, Morgenland is a bit out of the way for the average traveller. Nonetheless, the Barmbek Subway Station is only 1 block away should those cravings strike. Incredible food, fair prices, and a warm atmosphere make this restaurant well worth the trip.

Erdapfel is a wholesome stuffed potato eatery in Hamburg. The all-vegetarian (mostly vegan) menu spans plant-based options, such as leafy salads and cheese-infused versions of its signature kumpir (German stuffed potato).

Choose from 10 unique variations on the classic dish. A crowd favourite is the tandoori kumpir, which comes with spicy gravy, beans, cream, and sour cheese. Another popular concoction is the Mexican kumpir stuffed with jalapenos, avocado, and nachos. Meat eaters won’t feel they’re missing out because the food is on point.

Omas Apotheke is a Old World-styled restaurant in Hamburg that displays lotions and potions from its previous business. Its name means “grandma’s pharmacy” in English, which is exactly what this homely suburban gastropub used to be. A casual ambience, charming traditional décor, and chatty locals make it a lovely spot to eat and drink.

While frothy steins of local lager are the bestseller, its home-style German cuisine always hits the spot. Filling schnitzel and bratkartoffeln (German fries) go down a treat. You could try its delicious thin-cut pizzas. Hardy drinkers should order the horizontal, metre-long tray of Kölsch – it’s guaranteed to get you buzzing by the end of the night. 

Erika’s Eck is a traditional German kneipe (gastropub) in Karolinenviertel, around 3 km northwest of Hamburg's city centre. Like any good local tavern, the place does a fantastic bauernfrühstück (farmer's breakfast), but its signature dish is schnitzel. Less hearty favourites include the pan-friend frikadellen (German meatballs) and light-and-easy salads.

As Erika’s Eck sits outside the city's touristy area, you’ll likely be the only non-German patron. The unpretentious wood-panelled venue is a great place to savour genuine German cuisine in a warm and cosy atmosphere. Top off the authentic dining experience with a tall glass of frothy beer. 

Schweinske is a famous German restaurant chain. Its Hamburg branch in Hohenfelde is actually one of its original establishments. Inaugurated in 1982, the venue has been wowing Hamburgians for around 40 years. While the restaurant features chic contemporary décor, the menu is anything but.

Expect all the usual German classics, including schnitzel, currywurst and bauernfrühstück (farmer's breakfast). Juicy hamburgers, cheap-as-chips kids’ meals, and delectable desserts make it a hit among local families. For healthy eaters, you can’t go wrong with the veggie bowls. A tasty, well-rounded menu and reasonable prices mean Schweinske is well worth checking out.