Frankfurt, Germany, is known for a few things. Its skyline, its crime rate, or maybe how its football club won the Euro Cup in 2022. But it has a lot more to offer, especially when it comes to the culinary side of things. When in Frankfurt, you are likely going to find some German classics, Schnitzel and the likes. But there are also a lot of Hessian delicatessen to try! (That being said, I have lived here for over five years now, and still haven’t mustered up the courage to try some of the “delicatessen”). So let’s take a closer to look at where to eat when in Frankfurt!
1. Apfelwein Solzer
Apfelwein Solzer is one of those really authentically Frankfurt places. Dating back to 1893, it has kept a lot of its charm and cozy vibes. It’s one of those places to go for a nice, relaxed Sunday dinner, as they pay special attention to making sure their food is fresh and seasonal. Plus, they are one of the few places that actually produce their own Apfelwein (cider), Frankfurts most famous drink. So if you’re after an authentically Frankfurt dining (or drinking) experience, this place is the one for you!
2. Zum Lahmen Esel
Another great option for dinner when in Frankfurt is the restaurant Zum Lahmen Esel. While it looks tiny from the outside, it’s actually quite a long building, so there are plenty of tables inside. A fair warning tho: You should still consider to make reservations, as the place can get very crowded. A good sign, in my humble opinion. Much like Solzer’s, they offer some Frankfurt/Hessian classics: boiled eggs, potatoes & the infamous “green sauce” (made from sour cream/yoghurt and various herbs), or “Handkäs’ mit Musik” (I’m not going to explain, if you know you know, if you don’t try it. I haven’t dared yet). And much like Solzer’s, this restaurant has got that old German interior charm. Very cozy!
3. Eis Christina
Enough with dinners – let’s get to the fun part! And ice cream is exactly that, wouldn’t you agree? To get your fix of deliciousness at Eis Christina is the way to do it, when in Frankfurt. Once again, be warned: Judging be the length of the queue, one might think this is the only ice cream place in all of Frankfurt. It is not, but it is definitely one of the best! Like I said, in instances like these, having many people there is a good thing.
4. AromA
Right in the neighborhood of Eis Christina is another very popular place with long queues: AromA. They sell all kinds of Oriental cuisine out of something that looks like a shed – but it’s so delicious. My personal favorite is the falafel sandwich, but try whatever you like. You can’t go wrong. With this place, you have to be aware though that there isn’t anywhere to sit down and eat. If your lucky, you might save yourself a spot at a bar table-type thing. But it’s way more likely you gotta sit down on the pavement like the rest of the people. It all adds to the ambience, because it is street food after all, right?
5. Kleinmarkthalle
The market hall in Frankfurts city centre, called the Kleinmarkthalle, is another great culinary stop when in Frankfurt. If you want to do as the locals, go there on a Saturday, hang out by the back of it and enjoy an Aperol spritz (or two). Inside the market hall there are a lot of different stalls, some selling fruit and veg, others spices, fish, meat, cheese… If you can name it, you can probably buy it there. And there are also a few restaurants/food stands to grab a snack. All in all it’s just a great, wholesome experience.
6. Konsti-Markt
Every Thursday and Saturday, there’s a farmers market at the Konstabler Wache, right in the city centre of Frankfurt. It’s quite similar to the one in the Kleinmarkthalle, with the exception of it being outdoors. But not only can you buy all kinds of produce, honey or wine here. There are also a few food trucks worth checking out. Plus, all of the things you can buy at the Konsti-Markt are locally produced/sourced. What a rare treat in our day and age.
When in Frankfurt…
Now obviously there are a million more restaurants or places to go and eat or drink in Frankfurt. But in this post, I wanted to focus on the truly Frankfurt way of eating. No, falafel aren’t originally from Frankfurt. But I don’t think there’s a single person living in Frankfurt, who hasn’t at least once been to AromA (it really is that good). If you think I forgot something, let me know in the comments!
Lots of Love,
Lena
Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored.