Dinner in Bamberg: top 9 restaurants for the discerning
June 11, 2025
Bamberg, a picturesque city in the heart of Franconia, is famous not only for its captivating architecture and rich history, but also for its delicious cuisine and brewing traditions. For discerning gourmets and lovers of romantic dinners, Bamberg offers a number of exceptional restaurants that will satisfy even the most discriminating palates. In this article, we will take you on a culinary journey through nine of Bamberg's best restaurants that combine the traditional flavors of Franconia with modern culinary trends. From cozy breweries to elegant restaurants overlooking the city, each of these places offers an unforgettable dining experience. Prepare for a feast for the senses, where traditional German hospitality meets innovative ideas from chefs, creating the perfect backdrop for a romantic dinner or a special evening with friends.
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Traditional flavors of Bamberg
Start our culinary journey with restaurants that are the essence of Bamberg's gastronomic tradition. Our first stop is Kachelofen, a restaurant with a reputation among locals and tourists alike. Located in the heart of the old town, at Ob. Sandstraße 1, it offers authentic Bavarian cuisine at affordable prices. The interior of Kachelofen, with its distinctive tiled stoves, from which the restaurant takes its name, creates a cozy atmosphere ideal for a romantic dinner. The menu abounds with local specialties such as Schäufele (pork shoulder) and Apfelstrudel, all of which can be sipped with a wide selection of German draft beers. Guests praise not only the taste of the food, but also the fast and helpful service.
Another must-visit place is Eckerts Wirtshaus, located at Ob. Mühlbrücke 9. This restaurant, located at the back of a historic brewery, surrounded by the narrow streets of the former Jewish quarter, offers an unforgettable Franconian dining experience. The establishment's specialty is pork neck prepared according to traditional recipes. Eckerts Wirtshaus is the ideal place for those who want to feel the real atmosphere of Bamberg - most of the guests are locals, which testifies to the authenticity and quality of the dishes served.
For beer lovers, a must-see on the Bamberg culinary map is Brauhaus Zum Sternla. This historic brewery, operating on Lange Str. 46, boasts an impressive number of more than 3,500 positive reviews. Zum Sternla is famous for its excellent beer brewed on site and generous portions of traditional dishes. Guests especially recommend the shoulder in beer sauce and the wide selection of beers, including the famous March beer. The restaurant also offers the option of ordering smaller portions of some dishes, which is indicated on the menu with an asterisk.
When comparing the three places, it is worth noting their unique features. Kachelofen stands out for its atmosphere and wide selection of beers, Eckerts Wirtshaus focuses on authenticity and local character, while Brauhaus Zum Sternla is ideal for lovers of beer and traditional cuisine in large portions. Prices at all three restaurants are moderate, making them accessible to a wide range of guests. Each of these places offers a unique culinary experience that will give you a better understanding and appreciation of Bamberg's rich gastronomic tradition.
Modern interpretations of local cuisine
When moving on to more modern interpretations of local cuisine, don't miss the Spezial-Keller restaurant, located on Sternwartstraße 8. This place, which has been in existence for more than half a century, offers not only traditional Franconian dishes, but also unforgettable views of Bamberg. Spezial-Keller is famous for its unfiltered beer, which can surprise even the most demanding gourmets. An additional attraction is live music - a trio playing both U2 classics and German hits. Guests praise not only the food and beer, but above all the unique atmosphere, which makes a visit to Spezial-Keller an unforgettable experience.
Another place that combines tradition with modernity is Scheiners am Dom, located at Katzenberg 2. Located in close proximity to the famous Bamberg Cathedral, this restaurant offers a menu that will satisfy both lovers of classic German cuisine and those seeking more refined flavors. Scheiners am Dom is known for its large portions and the ability to pay by both cash and card. Guests especially recommend the schnitzel, which is considered one of the best in the city.
For those looking for something completely different, the ideal choice is Bolero Bamberg on Judenstraße 7-9. This Spanish restaurant brings a breath of fresh air to Bamberg's culinary scene. Bolero is famous for its delicious tapas, drinks and wide selection of wines. The restaurant's interior is stylishly decorated, creating the perfect backdrop for a romantic dinner. Guests praise not only the food, but also the professional and friendly service and the opportunity to taste authentic Spanish flavors in the heart of Franconia.
When comparing the three establishments, it is worth noting their unique features. Spezial-Keller is distinguished by its panoramic view of the city and the atmosphere of a traditional brewery, Scheiners am Dom offers classic German dishes in a modern twist, while Bolero Bamberg brings an exotic touch to the local culinary scene. Prices at all three restaurants are moderate, although Bolero can be a bit more expensive due to imported Spanish products.
As for the atmosphere, Spezial-Keller is ideal for those who appreciate informal gatherings over beer and live music. Scheiners am Dom is the perfect choice for a romantic dinner in the shadow of the cathedral, and Bolero Bamberg will work well for a date as well as for meeting friends over tapas and wine. Each of these restaurants offers a unique dining experience, blending tradition with modernity and allowing guests to discover the different facets of Bamberg's gastronomy.
Culinary diversity of Bamberg
Continuing our culinary tour of Bamberg, we can't leave out restaurants that bring an international touch to the local food scene. One such place is Little Italy Bamberg, located at Pfahlplätzchen 4. This charming Italian restaurant offers the authentic flavors of Italy in the heart of the Franconian city. Guests especially praise the pizza with chanterelles, tomatoes and smoked cheese, as well as the tagliatelle, also topped with chanterelles. Little Italy Bamberg is the perfect place for those who are looking for a change from traditional German cuisine, but still want to enjoy a cozy atmosphere and excellent service.
For lovers of traditional German cuisine, but with a slightly more modern twist, an excellent choice would be the Hofbräu on Karolinenstraße 7. This restaurant offers simple but tasty German cuisine combined with regional spirits. Hofbräu is known for its affordable prices and fast-filling tables, a testament to its popularity with tourists and locals alike. Guests especially recommend the deer goulash and wild boar sausage served with cabbage.
The last, but certainly not least, stop on our Bamberg culinary map is the Kleehof in der Gärtnerstadt, located on Königstraße 6. This restaurant stands out not only for its excellent food, but especially for its exceptional service and atmosphere. Kleehof offers both traditional Franconian dishes and more innovative offerings, including options for vegetarians and vegans. Guests praise not only the taste of the dishes, but also their presentation and attention to detail.
When comparing the three restaurants, it's worth noting their unique features. Little Italy Bamberg is ideal for lovers of Italian cuisine, offering a whiff of Mediterranean flavors in the heart of Franconia. Hofbräu is a classic of German gastronomy, ideal for those who want to try traditional dishes at affordable prices. Kleehof in der Gärtnerstadt, on the other hand, combines elements of tradition and modernity, offering a wide selection of dishes to satisfy even the most demanding guests.
In terms of prices, all three restaurants are in the moderate range, although Kleehof in der Gärtnerstadt may be slightly more expensive due to its more sophisticated menu. In terms of atmosphere, Little Italy Bamberg offers a cozy, romantic atmosphere, the Hofbräu is lively and ideal for informal gatherings, while the Kleehof in der Gärtnerstadt creates an elegant yet friendly environment.
To sum up our culinary journey in Bamberg, it's worth noting that the city offers a remarkable gastronomic diversity. From traditional Franconian delicacies to classic German dishes to international flavors, there is something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner, a get-together with friends or just want to enjoy local specialties, Bamberg will certainly not disappoint you. However, remember to always book a table in advance, especially on weekends and during the tourist season, as the best restaurants fill up quickly. Enjoy your meal and cheers - or as they say in Bamberg: 'Guten Appetit und Prost!'
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