10 Best Local Restaurants in Dresden

Sachsenmarkt is where Dresden locals go for fresh Saxony products. Situated in a leafy corner of the Altstadt neighbourhood, this weekly market takes place every Friday. 

Around 160 stalls offer delicious culinary items, ranging from seafood and vegetables to confectionery and cheese. With most vendors responsible for producing these fine products, we highly recommend chatting with them to find out what makes their items so special. 

Kutscherschänke is a charming inn where hungry diners can discover the incredible flavours of traditional German pub food. Located along Münzgasse street, this inn is just a short walk from the Elbe River. Locals have been frequenting this popular spot since the 16th century. 

Kutscherschänke captures this story with hearty German house specials like roast duck with red apple cabbage, Saxon-style black beer beef, and grilled sausages. You can also find burgers, desserts and cocktails on the menu. 

Carolaschlösschen serves brunch and dinner with views of Dresden’s natural beauty. Overlooking a serene lake in The Grand Garden of Dresden – a striking 17th-century palace and Baroque landscape – this relaxed restaurant specialises in authentic German and international cuisine.

Carolaschlösschen's vibrant art deco dining room complements its wide-ranging menu of schnitzels, grilled seafood, and vegetarian option. Plus, its picturesque terrace is great for enjoying the fresh air during summer months. 

Pulverturm is a traditional German restaurant on the edge of a scenic square in Dresden’s old town district. After you’ve finished wandering the nearby sights, such as the impressive Frauenkirche Lutheran church, visit this dining sput for a tasty feast featuring provincial cuisine.

Selections from the grill include suckling pig and braised pork knuckles. Dine beneath age-old vaulted ceilings, while local musicians and magicians provide light entertainment throughout the evening.  

The Coselpalais is one of Dresden’s most iconic baroque buildings. Although it was built in 1765, the structure has been demolished and rebuilt several times over the years, including an iteration dating back to 1975. Inside, you’ll discover the Coselpalais Grand Cafe and Restaurant's first-class dining experience.

The structure sits in the middle of Dresden's old town, near landmarks such as the Frauenkirche, Brühl's Garden and the Albertinum museum. You get to dine on freshly baked Saxony-style cakes and barista-style coffee. If you're looking for something filling, Coselpalais Grand Cafe and Restaurant serves a wide selection of pasta and grilled dishes, alongside local wines.

Altmarktkeller is a wonderful place to experience hardy Saxon dishes in a warm and welcoming setting. Located in the bustling Altmarkt district near the soaring Palace of Culture, this historic beer hall has stunning vaulted ceilings that enhance its lively atmosphere.

Food-wise, expect crispy pork knuckle, ox cheek, and pork leg goulash. To round out your meal, there’s also an astounding selection of sumptuous desserts such as apple strudel, orange panna cotta, and quark balls. Altmarktkeller is especially renowned for its regional craft brews, so enjoy a drink (or two) on the beer hall's sun-drenched terrace.

Gänsedieb’s laidback vibe makes it great for sampling Saxon cuisine during your stay in Dresden. Set along a historic square in the Altmarkt neighbourhood, the tavern overlooks the Gansediebbrunnen – or Goose Thief Fountain – which recounts a popular 16th-century legend about a heist gone wrong. 

Food-wise, popular options include the home-style roast bratwurst and sauerkraut, as well as the wild boar stew and goose breast. Enjoy these outstanding meals with a cold German beer in the cosy pub or on the terrace (with live music).

Brennnessel is an enchanting local restaurant in the neighbourhood of Wilsdruffer. Surrounded by residential streets lined with cosy cafes, this much-loved eatery offers a peaceful courtyard and on a seasonal menu featuring mostly vegetarian and vegan dishes, like homemade pasta and fresh salads. 

From this location, you’ll find yourself within a 10-minute walk from the famous Zwinger palatial complex. This sprawling landscape showcases many of the most significant baroque-era buildings in Dresden, ensuring you get to know the city’s fascinating architectural history alongside its culinary scene.

El Horst is a remarkable local restaurant in Striesen, a suburb east of Dresden's city centre. This leafy pub is home to a vast outdoor dining area and beer garden, making it a great place to spend hours soaking up the warm weather. 

The menu constantly changes depending on the season, but you’ll often find classic Saxon dishes like minced pork with cabbage noodles and roast pork loin with horseradish. Alongside a stellar collection of pasta and vegetarian meals, there's also a tempting beer menu highlighting the best of German brewing.

Falscher Hase is widely regarded as one of the best spots for vegan cuisine in Dresden. Everything on the menu is designed specifically for plant-based diners. Set in the trendy Leipziger Vorstadt neighbourhood, the eatery’s hip yet understated courtyard provides a great atmosphere once the sun goes down. 

Here, you’ll find traditional soups served with freshly baked bread, house-style omelettes, and vegan burgers drenched in delicious condiments. Falscher Hase opens late into the evening, transforming into a popular bar with a wide selection of beers, wines and cocktails.