The Hanseatic City of Hamburg is one of Germany’s most diverse cities, and truly offers some-thing for everyone. The impressive port with its well-known bars and restaurants, the ever-evolving HafenCity district with the landmark Elbphilharmonie Concert Hall, the Reeperbahn – a melting pot of contrasts – the hip and creative Sternschanze neighbourhood, the city center with its chic stores and hotels and the countless fascinating smaller districts, each with their own distinct character: It’s difficult to resist this city and its romantic labyrinth of waterways – we succumbed with pleasure!

 

#1 Aendrè

As the short but attractive menu at Aendrè (Dutch for “change”) proclaims: “Good food lies at the core of a healthy, sustainable society.” Your friendly hosts will invite you to step up to the counter to browse a wonderful choice of local vegan organic ingredients – get creative and put together your own bowl of delicious food. aendre.de

 

#2 Carmagnole

The carmagnole was a song adopted by the Republicans during the French Revolution. Nowadays, the only revolution you might encounter at this charming bistro in the Schanzenquartier district would be the general outcry if the concept were altered in any way. The menu changes every three weeks. Our game consommé with brioche and onion confit was heavenly! carmagnole.kr

 

#3 Hobenköök

The Oberhafen neighbourhood on the edge of the HafenCity has snapped out of its slumbers with a new place for folks of good taste! Over 200 regional and mostly small producers sell a large choice of bottled preserves in the market hall, and some fresh produce too. Feeling hungry? No need to look any further than the market hall’s own restaurant. hobenkoeoek.de

 

#4 The Walrus

This place looks pretty unassuming from the outside, but don’t be fooled! It has been one of the sure-fire hits of the Hamburg cocktail scene for over six years, and is staffed by people from all walks of life: philosophy, fashion, music, theatre and psychology. This exciting cocktail of creativity fuels an entirely new and surprising drinks menu every seven weeks. 
thewalrusbar.de

 

#5 Klinker

What happens when three very different people succumb to a common passion for gastronomy? Where the Klinker is concerned, it ends in an inspiring tale of sus-tainability. From food to furniture, nearly everything is made locally. Presiding over the kitchen you will find none less than Marianus von Hörsten, winner of the Global Young Chef Challenge. restaurant­klinker.de

 

#6 Hygge

The Hygge brasserie and bar await you at the pretty Hotel Landhaus Flottbek in the neighbourhood of the same name. The short trip to this oasis of comfort and cosiness is well worthwhile, especially on a rainy day, or when the courtyard is open for dining. These renovated stables with roaring fireplace in the middle extend an invitation to linger and savour such pleasant moments. hygge­hamburg.de

 

#7 Le Lion

Anything but new, Le Lion has been Hamburg’s go-to address for elegant drinking culture for the past 13 years. Jörg Meyer’s bar, where the Basil Smash was in-vented, enjoys a reputation beyond national borders. With its discreet entrance and bell instead of a sign, the venue hardly qualifies as an insider tip. Excellent cocktails and a cosy atmosphere.  lelion.net

 

#8 Tortue

Newly opened in June 2018, this design hotel in Hamburg’s historic Stadthöfen district owes its name to the city’s French past. Tortue, or tortoise, reminds us we should take our time. Savoir-vivre comes easy in this 126-room hotel with brasserie and Jin Gui restaurant serving Asian-inspired cuisine. The hotel also boasts two bars. tortue.de