Eating in Hamburg didn't be boring as the city specialises in fresh fish and the number of international restaurants means that there are always plenty of alternatives. The quality of food is also excellent with Michelin starred restaurants as well as those listed in Aral, Gault-Millaut or Varta Guides, meaning your taste buds are never far away from a gourmet meal. The city is often associated with fish as it's such a large harbour for Europe and one of the biggest worldwide, so the connection will always be there. Having a constant supply however has led restaurants and chefs to perfect the way it's cooked and you can expect some new dining experiences and tastes.
Testament to this is Ratsweinkeller, the wine cellar in Hamburg's signature landmark Rathaus (City Hall). Going below ground of this large magnificent building diners are met with classic old galleys and sailing ships that decorate the restaurant as well as decadent oil paintings that hang on the walls. The cellar has been open since 1896 so it certainly emits a feeling of being steeped in heritage. But for a restaurant with such a significant location the food isn't expensive as meals are mid range and substantially sized. Although the menu is varied many people come for the restaurant's speciality, the herring, which is cooked in more than ten different ways. HausFrauenArt is one of the classic styles and popular with local Hamburgers.
Aside from being the name for native residents, it's actually thought hamburgers where first created in the city but there are no clear accounts in history that this was the case. America obviously wants to have a strong case for having invented the beef in a bun meal but residents themselves don't seem fussed. They much prefer Frikadelle which is a larger patty served without the bun but with potatoes and vegetables. Open sandwiches are another favourite and these are particularly delicious with fresh or smoked fish.
To see the fish as it comes into the market head to the right bank along the Elbe by the waterfront of the borough of Altona; which is the city's furthest to the west. Every Sunday traders rise early to sell not only fish but a diversity of goods. Fruit is in abundance and towards the end large trays can often be picked up for as little as €1. The stall owners also sell a pick and mix of goods with bags filled with canned or smoked fish or a collection of pot plants for a fixed price of say €10. You can't swop anything but it's sometimes a good way to get things cheap even if you don't want everything in the deal. The market starts at 05:00 and goes until about 10:00 but sometimes the best bits are over by 07:00 so it's best not to get there too late.
This weekly event has it's own unique atmosphere too as people bustle about and the loud din of the traders echoes around as they shout above each other to promote their goods. There is also a live band playing folk music and other styles and while getting your breakfast at one of the stalls, why not join the locals who regularly knock back a beer at 8 o'clock in the morning.
Also in Altona is Landhaus Scherrer, a magnificent gastronomic experience where the chef incorporates the flavours of northern Germany and the best of international cooking styles. For fine dining the hotels in Hamburg prepare excellent cuisine such as at he Vier Jahreszeiten's Haerlin restaurant and some of the most highly rated places to eat at are the Seven Seas and the famed Louis C. Jacob.
Lek Boonlert is an editor and content reviewer at DirectRooms and is responsible for all Hamburg Hotels content.
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