Compared to other cosmopolitan cities, the food scene in Düsseldorf stand outs for its unique blend of German fare and international flavors from Japanese fusion to Turkish döner kebab.
In this guide, we'll cut to the chase and share our top favorites — the very best restaurants in Düsseldorf. Read about them now! 👇
Best Local Food in Dusseldorf
Rubens
"Half Northern German, half Austrian" - that's how Rubens describes their Alpine-style cuisine.
This Michelin Guide restaurant on Kaiserstraß, is small and rustic yet elegant, perfect for special occasions calling for something a little different. [1]
Though the prices were a bit high, every dish we tried was skillfully made and bursting with flavor.
The traditional Wiener Schnitzel (pan-fried veal cutlet) stood out — crispy, well-seasoned, and comparable to the ones we had in Vienna. They also offer an excellent list of Austrian wines.
Service is superb as well. We felt pampered all the way.
📍 Kaiserstraße 5, 40479 Düsseldorf, Germany
Brewery im Füchschen
For traditional German style food, I recommend heading to one of the German brewpubs in the Old Town. One of them is Füchschen on Ratinger Strasse. [2]
Notorious for their cheeky ads featuring foxes (a callback to "Füchschen" which means "foxy") this brewpub has gained cult-status in Düsseldorf.
Despite its homely and no-frills appearance, you can always count on Füchschen to serve classic German fare done to perfection. The fact that lots of locals come here is a sure sign your taste buds are in for a treat.
Their Schweinshaxe (slow-roasted pork knuckles) are legendary for being the crispiest and most tender around. The traditional Rheinischer Sauerbraten is also a regional dish worth a try.
Make sure to complete your meal with their signature Altbier brew, the Füchschen Alt.
Best International Cuisine In Dusseldorf
Bob & Mary: Best Burger Joint
Bob and Mary are actually Dennis and Agnes, and their 18-month quest around the globe for the best burger inspired them to create the best burgers. Well, that's the story, at least. [3]
Unlike many burger places that use frozen patties, Bob & Mary makes their thick, juicy patties fresh every day. They are crafted from 100% German pasture-raised beef, mostly roast beef.
Patties are then fried using a special "smash" method, making them crispy outside and super juicy inside. Then, they put them on tasty, handmade brioche buns.
At Bob & Mary, burgers are kept simple — just juicy patties with good sauce on a delicious bun. Their sweet potato fries also hit the spot!
📍 Berger Str. 35, 40213 Düsseldorf, Germany
Nagaya: Best Sushi/Japanese Restaurant
If you don't mind the eye-watering prices, Nagaya, run by head chef Yoshizumi Nagaya, is a one Michelin star restaurant.
Situated near the Japanese quarter, Nagaya puts a creative spin on Japanese haute cuisine, also known as kaiseki (a traditional multi-course meal). It's an absolute must for anyone looking for the best Japanese food in Düsseldorf. [4]
For €218, their changing nine-course tasting menu is a feast for both the eyes and taste buds.; blending European flavors like dry-aged beef with truffle jus, and Japanese classics like sushi and sashimi.
But if you're looking for a more traditional Japanese dining experience, Yoshizumi also owns sister restaurant, Yoshi by Nagaya which has its own Michelin star too!
Naniwa Noodles & Soups: Best Ramen Restaurant
There's always a line outside Naniwa Noodles & Soups, a popular ramen spot on Oststraße that has been everyone's go-to spot for a ramen fix in Düsseldorf — for nearly 40 years.
Luckily, service is quick, and waiters are friendly.
We learned that their homemade noodles use a secret family recipe that features Japanese flour. Indeed, the noodles don't taste store-bought, and have a satisfying and springy texture that melds well with the rich broth.
You can choose between seven different broth options (at last count); we loved the miso-based broth, especially topped with generous slices of chashu (braised pork belly), spring onions and a marinated egg.
📍Oststraße 55, 40211 Düsseldorf, Germany
China Restaurant Three Kingdoms: Best Chinese Restaurant
You can't really tell from the outside, but over half the customers at Three Kingdoms restaurant are Asians. That's a good sign that you're in for some authentic Chinese flavors.
Or more precisely, Three Kingdoms specializes in dishes from the Sichuan region of China, which are famous for being spicy.
I tried the spicy pork intestines on the recommendation of my Chinese friend. Even though I was hesitant at first, it turned out to be delicious - fragrant, crispy, and a perfect match with plain rice.
Another scene-stealer is their spicy grilled fish platter, served on a steamboat loaded with traditional ingredients like tofu, lotus root and wood ear mushrooms.
If you're worried about the spice, I thought it was just right for my German taste buds - spicy but still very fragrant!
Kirti's Restaurant: Best Indian Restaurant
Kirti's Restaurant has been satisfying curry cravings at the Media Harbor for more than a decade, and you can always rely on them for authentic North Indian cuisine.
We find their weekday all-you-can-eat lunch buffet to be really affordable — for only €11.50, you can eat like a king.
But it's their ala carte menu where they shine brightest, with standouts like the spicy Murgh Tikka, Dhaba-style curry and smoky tandoori chicken.
Casita Mexicana: Best Mexican Eatery
It's generally hard to find good, authentic Mexican food in Germany, so it's remarkable that Düsseldorf boasts not just one, but four Casita Mexicana outlets!
This young Mexican restaurant chain revolves around traditional recipes, bringing the rich flavors of Mexico to the heart of Germany.
We like the one at our favorite hip neighborhood, Bilk. Although the restaurant is small, it has a warm and harmonious atmosphere that lifts the spirits almost immediately.
Whether it's the colorful nacho bowls, the €7.50 cocktails served all day, or the guac-loaded meat-free burritos, you can't go wrong — but consider getting the asada beef steak taco; each bite is a taste of Mexico!
📍Multiple Locations in Dusseldorf
Korea House Restaurant: Best Korean Food
We discovered Korea House, a Korean barbecue spot near Little Tokyo, based on online reviews. When we arrived, we noticed many Koreans dining there, which is generally a good sign.
While the barbecuing experience can be a bit hectic with kids, it's undeniably fun and worth doing once in a while! While we got there at 6 pm, the place was already bustling. Suffice to say you'll want a reservation.
The Korean food adventure started with a plate of samgyeopsal (pork belly) and marinated L.A. galbi (beef ribs) and we started grilling. The meats tasted amazing, and are meant to be eaten wrapped in lettuce or with raw garlic pieces.
The restaurant also gave us a bunch of free side dishes.
We spotted another table relishing a plate of deep-fried chicken in a sticky sauce, and we couldn't resist. It turned out to be a good call — light, crispy, and savory-sweet.
The authenticity shines through, and the prices are reasonable. The only downside is that you end up smelling like grilled steak afterward, even your hair!
📍Bismarckstraße 66, 40210 Düsseldorf, Germany
La Luce Due: Best Italian Food
You hardly come across such fantastic Italian food, even in fancy Italian restaurants, but award-winning La Luce Due has been dishing out delicious Italian dishes for 20 years.
An extensive Italian wine list, antipastos, pasta, pizza, and soups still impress here.
The truffle pasta is reason alone to visit, but I'd be remiss not to tell you the veal cheeks in red wine sauce is melt-in-your-mouth. My wife enjoys the lamb chops – tender and cooked to perfection!
The attentive and patient staff, combined with excellent food, ensures a great dining experience.
The only downside? When the restaurant gets really crowded, it's loud and you can't help overhearing the conversation at the next table.
📍Dorotheenstraße 20, 40235 Düsseldorf, Germany
Best Breakfast Places In Dusseldorf
Seven Sundays: Best Breakfast Spot
Located in the heart of Düsseldorf, Seven Sundays is a breakfast haven, that takes brunch foods seriously (including yummy vegan and vegetarian options).
Eggs and pancakes are their signatures, like the spicy Egg Slut Burger and the gorgeously decadent Berries & Cream pancakes.
For a boozy but breakfast-appropriate finish, you can wash it all down with an Espresso Martini — or keep things family-friendly with a Merry Berry.
Located on Lorettostraße, Seven Sundays is a great place to get your breakfast fix before exploring the Rhine Tower or the cool Mediahafen area.
Just remember to make reservations in advance!
📍 Lorettostraße 7, 40219 Düsseldorf, Germany
Dritan Alsela Coffee: Best Coffee
This bustling café is named after its owner, Dritan Alsela, a well-known barista and latte artist whose entertaining videos have gone viral on YouTube and TikTok.
Dristan's been in the coffee game since 1998, and puts love into every cup – from roasting and grinding to brewing. A plain cappuccino here tastes as good as a warm hug on a cold day, even better paired with a croissant.
For the coffee nerds, they've got a workshop nearby where they play around with different roasts and even host coffee sessions.
It's not super accessible; you will need to travel a couple of stops from the central station, but it's highly recommended for a laid-back coffee spot.
📍Schlüterstraße 3A, 40235 Düsseldorf, Germany
Vegan And Vegetarian Options In Dusseldorf
Sattgrün
Sattgrün is a fantastic vegan buffet restaurant chain which has become a beloved name among Düsseldorf's vegan and vegetarian communities.
Even if you're not a vegetarian, you won't miss the meat here.
Found in Medienhafen, Flingern and Graf-Adolf-Platz, the prices are great for what you get – a fresh and tasty buffet starting from €11.90, offering salads, sauces, and warm dishes like vegan meatballs, mango curry with fried tofu, soy stroganoff, soy gyros, and more!
If you have a sweet tooth, their peanut butter chocolate cake and apple cherry crumble with vanilla sauce are delicious ways to wrap up your meal too.
Fleischfrei
Fleischfrei on Oberbilker Allee is a staple among the plant-based community.
But just a heads up, it's more of a little vegan-vegetarian snack bar designed mainly for deliveries. There are only four tables, and the space is a bit tight, and not for hanging out for long.
But here's the highlight - the food was amazing!
They've got a bunch of Beyond Meat burgers, which are hard to resist. If you're not into the beefy texture, no worries; they have other patty options like seitan, chickpea, soy, and bulgur.
The menu also includes dishes like Hawaiian pizzas, quesadillas, power bowls, and finger foods like spring rolls, samosas, and falafel balls.
📍256, Stadtbezirk 3, Oberbilker Allee, 40227 Düsseldorf, Germany
Best Halal Restaurant In Dusseldorf
Schwarzes Meer Restaurant: Best Halal Dining Experience
There are plenty of great halal restaurants in Düsseldorf, but we had the best time at Schwarzes Meer, a cozy and beautiful Turkish/Mediterranean Restaurant.
We opted for outdoor seating with a candle and a blanket, creating a romantic atmosphere.
I chose the Karışık Balık Buğlama, a stewed sea bass, with a glass of white wine from the Black Sea. Despite the full house, the staff remained friendly, even bringing a plate of Turkish sweets as a complimentary treat.
I was a little worried about the bill, but prices were actually really reasonable, considering that food quality and quantity far exceeded expectations!
📍Graf-Adolf-Straße 60, 40210 Düsseldorf, Germany
Best Cafes In Dusseldorf
Goldsheim Coffee
Goldsheim Coffee on Kaiserswerther Straße is among the best cafes in Düsseldorf. Cozy and beautiful, it has a large coffee bar that serves excellent coffee made from specialty blends from around the world.
It's kid-friendly too, with a corner filled with toys and books.
They offer not just incredibly tasty all-day breakfast but also home-baked cakes and freshly squeezed juices.
Check out the menu, and you'll find plenty of healthy, gluten-free, or vegan options.
A must-try is their amazing avocado bagel, loaded with avocado, cream cheese, seeds, fresh tomatoes, and more!
📍Kaiserswerther Str. 239, 40474 Düsseldorf, Germany
Roasted Kaffeebar
We absolutely adore this adorable neighborhood café – it's the perfect spot for a long chat, nibbling on delicious cake, and sipping on flawlessly roasted coffee!
The owner is super friendly and seriously knows his coffee. They rotate beans from small roasteries all around the world, and I'd say they make one of the few real flat whites in the city.
The cakes are not only a treat to look at, but also a delight to eat, with flavors that are always changing. What's cool is they support local businesses by using products from a nearby farm, roastery, bakery, butcher, and more.
Besides the fantastic coffee, we highly recommend trying their homemade lemonade when you're chilling outside on a summer day!
📍Moltkestraße 75, 40479 Düsseldorf, Germany
Best Bars In Dusseldorf
Concept Riesling: Best Wine Bar
Concept Riesling is one of Düsseldorf's top wine bars, right in the Old Town's Carlsplatz market.
After years of collecting wines and snapping up private cellars, the owner decided to set up shop in the market to share their love for wines. Great news for anyone who adores wine! [5]
Sip on a glass or opt for a full bottle at the market stall, or choose a bottle to take away with you.
For those who truly appreciate fine wines, Concept Riesling has a reserve cellar where you can explore older or rare bottles.
Oh, and here's a little tip – feel free to bring some grub to munch on at the booth. I like grabbing salami from the market and enjoying it right here!
📍40213, Carlspl. 26, 40213 Düsseldorf, Germany
Squarebar: Best Bar in Dusseldorf
Düsseldorf has a really vibrant bar scene, but sometimes you find a really awesome bar and you're hesitant about telling more people about it in case it becomes too crowded... well, Squarebar is like that for us.
This small little bar in the up-and-coming Derendorf district serves creative and delicious cocktails featuring homemade ingredients, like "Corpse Reviver 5392" and "Beastie Boy".
Driven by a small but enthusiastic team, they're always trying out fun ideas for drinks and there's always something new on the menu, with inventive takes on classic cocktails.
Despite its size, Squarebar unquestionably leaves a big impression on anyone looking for a memorable night out in Düsseldorf.
Three Little Birds: Best Beer Garden
Tucked away in the quaint Pempelfort neighborhood, Three Little Birds is a nice and small beer garden with an amazing view on the Rhine river!
The vibe here is relaxed and chill, with good music playing. It's not crowded like the Old Town can get.
They've got Schvarz coffee, wines handpicked by a sommelier, and a selection of beers. Plus, you can grab small snacks like pretzels, banana bread, and Takumi Cup Noodles from the self-service kiosk.
And when you're feeling extra hungry, keep an eye out for food trucks. They roll in sometimes with sandwiches, currywurst, burgers – perfect for filling you up.
📍Robert-Lehr-Ufer 2, 40474 Düsseldorf, Germany
Best Romantic Restaurant In Dusseldorf
The Duchy: A French-Inspired Haven
The Duchy is an elegant French restaurant located on the first floor of the luxurious Breidenbacher Hof hotel, and one of the top romantic restaurants in the city.
Overlooking Heinrich-Heine-Allee, it exudes a Parisian vibe with its elegantly upholstered banquettes, glittering mirrors, and eclectic art.
The chef draws inspiration from across Europe and local sources, crafting brasserie-style dishes using sustainable produce. The meltingly tender beef brisket is to-die-for, and so is the unique caviar carbonara.
A meal at The Duchy isn't just about food - it's about stepping into another world where fine cuisine meets art.
📍Breidenbacher Hof Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-Allee 36, 40213 Düsseldorf, Germany
Insider Tips For Choosing The Best Restaurant In Dusseldorf
Read Reviews And Check Menus
Many Düsseldorf restaurants have official websites that display their menus, whether they cater to dietary preferences, and prices, so these details aren't difficult to find at all.
Online reviews are also readily available, which give you real details about the restaurant - the good, the bad and the ugly.
Looking at these details beforehand can give travelers an idea of what to expect from the restaurant, such as vibe, portion sizes, service and price range.
Consider Price And Dining Preferences
While Düsseldorf has countless amazing dining options, some can be pricey, especially those found in touristy areas.
However, there are still plenty of value-for-money restaurants that are conveniently located, many of which are on this page.
To avoid exceeding your budget, verify the menu prices online before making a reservation, or before stepping into the restaurant.
Asking locals for recommendations within your budget is an excellent way to avoid overpriced tourist traps too.
Make Reservations In Advance
Rule number one of eating at a good restaurant in Düsseldorf is to make reservations in advance. Many of the top-rated restaurants can fill up quickly, even on weekdays.
For example, it's highly recommended that you book a table as soon as possible for places like Nagaya, The Duchy and Naniwa.
Additionally, some popular spots like Ristorante La Luce Due and Seven Sundays often have long wait times without a reservation.
Ask Locals For Recommendations
I've been visiting Düsseldorf for as long as I can remember, and I'm still learning about hidden gems and neighborhood spots from local friends.
These recommendations don't even show up on popular review sites or tourist guides.
Asking locals can also give you insight into what to order inDüsseldorf - for instance, they might recommend must-try dishes like Düsseldorf Senfrostbraten or Himmel un Ähd (heaven and earth).
Take Advantage Of Seasonal Festivals And Markets
It's your chance to sample special dishes that are common during that season or festival. Such as Pfannkuchen and Reibekuchen during Karneval, and Glühwein and Lebkuchen at a Christmas Market.
In the summer, visitors can enjoy street food at various outdoor festivals like Düsseldorf Street Food Festival or Gourmet Festival Düsseldorf.
Seasonal festivals and markets in Düsseldorf aren't just about trying new foods; they're also a great way to steer clear of touristy spots.
Rather than heading to busy restaurants where tourists often gather, you can choose to visit less-known food stalls at these events. These hidden gems might serve up high-quality dishes at prices that won't break the bank.
Key Takeaways
- Düsseldorf has a diverse and exceptional culinary scene, offering traditional German fare to trendy international cuisines.
- Some of the best local food in Düsseldorf include Rubens and Münstermann Kontor, while Nagaya and Ristorante La Luce Due offer some of the best international cuisine options.
- There are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options available at Sattgrün or Fleischfrei, while Schwarzes Meer Restaurant is the go-to spot for halal dining. Goldsheim Coffee and Roasted Kaffeebar are perfect for coffee and cake breaks.
- Finally, Concept Riesling offers an extensive selection of wines from around the world while Squarebar is one of the top bars in Düsseldorf.
References:
1: Rubens – Düsseldorf - a MICHELIN Guide Restaurant, retrieved from https://guide.michelin.com/en/nordrhein-westfalen/dusseldorf/restaurant/rubens
2: Brewery "Uerige", retrieved from https://www.visitduesseldorf.de/en/attractions/brewery-uerige-a14412c847
3: Bob & Mary - Beste Burger und Salate in Dusseldorf und Oldenburg | Home, retrieved from http://www.bobmary.de/
4: Nagaya - MICHELIN Guide’s Point Of View, retrieved from https://guide.michelin.com/en/nordrhein-westfalen/dusseldorf/restaurant/nagaya
5: The Taster’s Guide to Riesling Wine, retrieved from https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/the-tasters-guide-to-riesling-wine/
