Food in Hamburg Germany: The 7 Best Food Spots & Restaurants in Hamburg

Food is always a big deal for me when I travel. Honestly, no matter if I’m in Europe, Asia, or Latin America, I think food is the best way to understand a culture and a city.

The same definitely goes for Hamburg. As one of Germany’s biggest port cities, food is deeply tied to the city’s identity, just like the harbor, the pubs, and yes, even the red light district.

What I especially love about Hamburg’s food scene is the seafood. I’m a huge seafood person, and Hamburg does not disappoint. Between the famous fish market, local specialties, and quirky restaurants I’ve discovered over time, eating here is always a highlight.

So in this little guide on food in Hamburg, I’m sharing my 7 favorite things to eat in Hamburg along with the Hamburg restaurants, eateries, and bars where I love enjoying them. Let’s dig in.

Food in Hamburg Germany – My Experience

Before I get into this guide, let me just clear something up: I’m a traveler and backpacker first, not a food critic and definitely not a Hamburg local. 

So if you’re looking for the most insider, Michelin-star secrets, this probably isn’t it. What this is, though, is my personal experience of eating my way through Hamburg as a tourist and if you’re also coming here as a tourist, I think you’ll have a great time with the places on this list.

I’ve been to Hamburg a few times over the years, and every single trip, the food has been a highlight. My number one spot, hands down, is the Hamburg Fish Market. There’s just something about going there on a Sunday morning, hungover or not, that feels very “Hamburg.” 

I usually grab a strong coffee and something seafood-y. My personal go-to is a Fischfrikadelle im Brötchen (a kind of fish patty in bread), but I also really love Schillerlocke, which is smoky, buttery, and so, so good.

Besides seafood, Hamburg also delivers when it comes to hearty, traditional German food. One restaurant I keep coming back to is Laufauf. To me, it’s one of the best places in Hamburg for proper German classics. I’m a big fan of their Labskaus (don’t worry, I’ll explain later what it actually is), but honestly, their schnitzel with fried potatoes is also hard to beat.

My Hamburg Food Guide

1. Fish Market (Fischmarkt Altona)

Opening Hours: Sunday 5am-9:30am
Price: $
Menu & Location

The fish market in Altona is in my opinion one of my food highlights in Hamburg, but honestly, even if you’re not a big seafood fan, it’s still worth visiting just for the atmosphere.

It’s one of Hamburg’s most iconic spots. You’ve got market shouters yelling out their offers, the historic auction hall blasting music, seafood vendors lined up with everything fresh you can imagine, and even stalls selling more “farmers market” style goods like fresh flowers and coffees.

I personally love coming here on a Sunday morning. Sometimes, if I’m really committed (or still awake from the night before…), I’ll even catch it at sunrise since the market is only open from 5:00–9:30 am. 

On my last trip I was very hungover, and let me tell you, it’s the best cure. I grabbed a Fischfrikadelle im Brötchen (fried fish cake in a bread roll) with a strong coffee, and it was exactly what I needed. Definitely a must-do in Hamburg, whether you’re here for the food or just the experience.

2. Franzbrötchen (Cinnamon Pastry) at Buttercrumbs Bakery

Opening Hours: Sunday 5am-9:30am
Price: $
Menu & Location

Franzbrötchen is one of my favorite pastries in Germany, and it’s very much a Hamburg thing (or at least a northern Germany thing).

If you’ve never heard of it, imagine a mix between a cinnamon roll and a croissant, flaky, buttery, cinnamon-swirled goodness. Pretty much every bakery in Hamburg sells them, so you really can’t go wrong just grabbing one anywhere with your morning coffee.

That said, my go-to spot is Buttercrumbs Bakery in St. Pauli. Honestly, it’s not because it’s some famous hotspot, but more because one of my close friends lives nearby, so it’s just become our little ritual to go there in the mornings to grab coffee and breakfast. 

And it really is great though, fantastic coffee, super fresh Franzbrötchen, and even a full breakfast menu if you want to linger a little longer. Definitely one of those cozy neighborhood gems worth stopping by.

3. Labskaus at Laufauf Restaurant

Opening Hours: 11:30am-10pm
Price: $$
Menu & Location

Alright, bear with me here because I know Labskaus doesn’t sound like the most appealing dish when you first hear about it but trust me, it’s delicious and it’s a real Hamburg classic.

So, what exactly is Labskaus? It’s an old sailor’s dish from back in the day, made with mashed potatoes, corned beef, onions, and beets, usually topped with a fried egg, pickles, and a side of herring (either pickled or rollmops). It was originally created as a way to use preserved foods at sea, and it’s since become a true staple of northern German cuisine.

I personally love it, but it’s not something I’d eat outside of Hamburg, it’s just not common where I grew up in western Germany. Every time I’m in Hamburg though, I make a point to have it at least once.

My go-to spot for Labskaus is Laufauf, hands down one of my favorite restaurants for traditional German food in Hamburg. I almost always order the Labskaus there, but I’ve also tried a few other things from the menu, like their schnitzel with fried potatoes (so good) and their pan-fried fish, another traditional Hamburg dish.

If you’re visiting Hamburg looking for a truly authentic German meal, I can’t recommend Laufauf enough. It’s cozy, traditional, and feels like the kind of place locals would bring their families for dinner.

4. Seafood at Fischereihafen Restaurant

Opening Hours: 12pm-11pm
Price: $$$
Menu & Location

Usually, I’m not the biggest fan of fine dining. Don’t get me wrong, I love good food, but I don’t always think it needs to come with all the white tablecloth etiquette and the feeling like you should’ve worn your Sunday best. Some of the best meals I’ve had in my life were in tiny, no-frills spots where the vibe was as casual as it gets.

That said, Fischereihafen Restaurant in Hamburg is one of the exceptions I’m happy to make. I went there on my most recent visit for a date night, and honestly, it was worth dressing up a little. Their fish dishes are fantastic, the wine list is impressive, and I especially loved the tuna tartare.

The setting is another big win, floor-to-ceiling windows with beautiful views over the harbour and the water, which makes the whole experience feel extra special. It’s definitely on the pricier side, but for a date night or a nice evening out in Hamburg, it’s worth it. Just make sure to book a table ahead of time, because this place fills up quickly.

5. Cocktails at The Local in Hamburg

Opening Hours: 6pm-3am
Price: $$
Menu & Location

The Local in Hamburg is definitely a little hidden gem and a spot that takes you by surprise. From the outside, it looks like your standard neighborhood pub, nothing flashy at all. But step inside, and instead of beer-soaked tables and dartboards, you’ll find sleek design, top-tier mixology, and cocktails that are honestly some of the best I’ve had in the city.

What I love about The Local is how, well, local it feels. You won’t see many tourists here, and that’s part of the charm. It’s low-key, fun, the staff are fantastic, and the drinks are even better. If you want a proper cocktail experience in Hamburg without the touristy vibe, this is your spot.

Occasionally The Local offers food too when they collaborate with a local restaurant, but that’s more of a special event. On a regular night it’s all about the drinks. Luckily, right next door is a fantastic restaurant called Wohlers, which serves up honest German cooking with a slightly elevated twist. My perfect relaxed Hamburg evening is for sure dinner at Wohlers, then cocktails at The Local.

6. Bar & Food Hopping at Rote Flore/Sternschanze

I love Sternschanze or Schanzenviertel, depending on who you ask. To me, it’s probably the best area in Hamburg when I’m after a fun evening with food, beers, and a mix of lively bars. St. Pauli and the Reeperbahn have their own charm, sure, but sometimes they’re just a little too much. That’s when I’d much rather end up in Schanze.

Every time I’m in Hamburg I find myself here, usually because I’m meeting friends, and this is just where we naturally go out. The whole neighborhood is packed with pubs, cocktail bars, and restaurants, all with that effortlessly cool, slightly grungy vibe Hamburg does so well.

Oma’s Apotheke is one of the classics, it’s busy, loud, always buzzing, and with cheap beers that keep the night flowing.

For something more food-focused, I recently tried Feldstern, set in a beautiful old brick building with hearty, traditional German dishes that really hit the spot.

If you’re craving a good burger, Otto’s Burger is my pick, it’s messy, greasy, and absolutely delicious.

And finally, my absolute favorite in summer: Altes Mädchen. It’s basically the dream beer garden with a massive outdoor terrace, pub-style food, and plenty of cold beers. If the sun’s out in Hamburg, this is exactly where you want to be.

7. Coffee & Breakfast at Nord Coast Coffee Roastery

Opening Hours: 9am-5pm
Price: $$
Menu & Location

I wanted to finish this list with a proper breakfast and coffee spot because, let’s be honest, no city guide feels complete without one. Hamburg has no shortage of great cafés, but my personal favorite is Nord Coast Coffee Roastery. It’s not a hidden gem by any means, in fact, it’s super popular, and I’d actually recommend making a reservation. But in my opinion, the hype is justified.

After living in Australia for three years, I’ve admittedly turned into a bit of a coffee snob (seriously, Aussie coffee culture is unmatched, I’ll die on this hill). So, my standards are high, and Nord Coast really delivers. Their flat whites, lattes, and even piccolos are spot-on.

On my last visit, I also came here for breakfast, and it instantly reminded me of my favorite Australian cafés: smashed avo on toast, perfectly poached eggs, banana bread, you get the idea. It’s all super fresh and tasty. Prices are a little higher than your average café in Hamburg, but for the quality, atmosphere, and coffee that actually lives up to the standard, I’d say it’s 100% worth it.

FAQs About The Best Hamburg Restaurants

What are the best restaurants in Hamburg?

My personal go-to for a nice dinner with friends or family is Laufauf. It’s a classic, traditional German restaurant serving hearty, authentic dishes, basically everything you’d want if you’re after proper German kitchen vibes.

Is Hamburg worth visiting?

Absolutely. I love Hamburg. While it doesn’t have quite as many big tourist sights as, say, Berlin, it’s such a fun, lively, and beautiful city. It’s the kind of place where the atmosphere, culture, and neighborhoods really make the trip. Definitely worth stopping by for a couple of days.

How is the food in Hamburg?

Really good, actually. I love Hamburg’s bar and restaurant scene, it feels very honest. There’s a great mix of traditional German food, cozy pubs, and sleek cocktail bars.

When is the best time to visit Hamburg?

I want to say Christmas because I was there over the holidays and loved the Christmas markets, but if I’m being honest, spring and summer are unbeatable. Hanging out by the Elbe waterfront or relaxing at Alster Lake with a beer in hand, summer is definitely where Hamburg shines.

Final Thoughts on Where to Eat in Hamburg / What to Eat in Hamburg

To wrap it all up, Hamburg has a fantastic food and bar scene that feels a little less overhyped compared to Berlin. 

Don’t get me wrong, Berlin has amazing places too, but I often feel like you have to dig through a lot of overrated spots to find the real gems. In Hamburg, it feels easier, I’ve had some of the best traditional German meals here, plus nights out at pubs and cocktail bars that were just spot-on.

Overall: great food in Hamburg, great drinks, and a city that makes it pretty easy to find both.

Check Out My Other Hamburg Travel Guides

Best Time to Visit Hamburg: When to Visit Hamburg

Is Hamburg Worth Visiting: My Honest Review

2 Days in Hamburg: My Perfect Weekend in Hamburg

Things to Do in Hamburg: My Favorite Activities

Where to Stay in Hamburg: The Best Areas & Hotels

Christmas Markets in Hamburg: My Favorite Xmas Markets

Christmas in Hamburg: My Hamburg Christmas Guide

Check Out My Other Germany Travel Guides

Is Germany worth visiting: My Honest Review

Best Christmas Markets in Germany: My Top German Christmas Markets

Christmas in Europe Itinerary: Vienna to London in 2 Weeks