10 Great Restaurants in Dortmund

Der Schneider takes its name from head chef Phillip Schneider and prides itself on its modern dishes with innovative twists. The contemporary decor will put you at ease while you decide whether you want to tailor-make your meal from the à la carte menu or choose their famous 6-course set menu.

Although many of Chef Phillip’s dishes push culinary boundaries, he and his team make sure to incorporate seasonal produce from the surrounding Dortmund region into their menus. A meal at Der Schneider wouldn’t be complete without a wine pairing, and a recommendation from the expert sommeliers is the best way to cap a truly memorable Dortmund dining experience.

Pfefferkorn prides itself on delivering a world-class steakhouse experience to its Dortmund patrons, with the Hoher Wall 28 branch in particular famed for its Prime Nebraska beef and dry-aged Irish beef cuts. Although mainly for meat lovers, the diverse menu caters for other tastes too, with the schnitzel and cod fillet coming highly recommended.

The team here are well-versed in the various cuts of meat, with the eager and attentive staff on hand to provide their expert recommendation to patrons. The rustic interior exudes an ambience that invites you to enjoy warm hospitality in one of Dortmund’s signature steakhouses.

Das Hoesch is set in the old industrial Phoenix West quarter of Dortmund. It's a bistro that oozes upscale elegance. The chefs here have garnered a reputation for delivering exquisitely plated meals worthy of any foodie’s Instagram feed.

Although the menu changes frequently, you can be assured that staples like the dry-aged fillet and free-range chicken are always prepared to perfection. Smaller bites like the pastas, burgers and salads are just as appetising, served with a healthy selection of sides. Cap your meal with a wonderfully decadent dessert and immerse yourself in the ambience of this Dortmund hotspot.

EMIL Grill and Meer is a sophisticated Dortmund restaurant that elevates the steakhouse experience, not just by sourcing the finest cuts of meat, but also by using a unique method of grilling their steaks at 800°C. The staff are more than willing to walk patrons through the various menu options, advising them on the different qualities of each cut of meat.

The interior deserves an honourable mention, too, as the warm lighting in the former Auerbachkeller creates a warm and inviting atmosphere; the perfect backdrop for a memorable meal. Under the watchful eye of award-winning chef Sebastian Felsing, you can rest assured that you will leave EMIL Grill and Meer both satiated and amazed by his team’s extraordinary culinary creations.

Grüner Salon is a quaint Dortmund neighbourhood café set in Nordmarkt Park. This is a delightful spot to enjoy bistro dishes, cold beers, or a range of vegan and vegetarian options. Weekend visitors to Grüner Salon are in for a treat, as they serve their breakfasts from 9.30 am to 2 pm, with a selection including a scrumptious English breakfast and irresistibly flaky croissant sandwiches.

While the menu changes regularly, customers are quick to rave about the cosy atmosphere and creative dishes. Those with a sweet tooth will be delighted at the cakes and pastries on offer – perfect with a cappuccino. Overall, Grüner Salon is a lovely spot to while away the hours while visiting Dortmund.

Set on the outskirts of Dortmund city, Pferdestall is a restaurant steeped in history. Enter the stunning Zollern colliery and you will find a former stable converted into a majestic dining hall, capable of seating up to 130 people. Instead of Steiger horses and carriages, Pferdestall is nowadays famous for offering a range of regional Westphalian dishes such as Currywurst, Ruhrpott tapas and Dortmunder Rostbraten.

In addition to the expansive colliery are the outdoor terraces, where patrons can enjoy a leisurely dining experience. Families are also catered for with a kids' playground next to the former stables. Most importantly, Pferdestall ticks the boxes when it comes to hearty, home-style cuisine. Be sure to stop off here for some signature Dortmund hospitality.

Gute Stube combines first-class gastronomy with warm Westphalian hospitality, all set in the lavishly appointed Parkhotel. As far as Dortmund eateries go, this upscale restaurant features dishes worthy of its coveted Michelin rating. Expect local flavours with a sprinkling of international influence; the signature 7-course set menu is a veritable feast of different tastes.

In addition to the variety of set menus, there is no shortage of wines for the perfect pairing. Waiters are always on hand to provide expert advice when it comes to crafting the perfect meal. Take your time and savour every bite, because a meal at Dortmund’s Gute Stube is slow dining at its finest.

Billed as an American diner featuring local delicacies, David’s has become something of a Dortmund institution for those who love burgers and beer. They’re also renowned for their desserts, with a tantalising selection of oven-baked cakes on offer. If you’re feeling peckish then nibble on one of their cheese platters, or order from their vegan menu if you prefer your meal meat-free.

The major draw for a restaurant like David’s is not just the fantastic fare, but the welcoming, laidback atmosphere and efficient service. Open all year round, visitors to Dortmund can enjoy the beer garden on balmy summer days, and escape to the heated terrace when the temperatures start to dip in winter.

Kartoffel-Lord is Dortmund’s premier vegan and vegetarian restaurant, where meat-free options abound. Signature items on the ‘The Lord’s’ menu include a moreish falafel wrap, handmade flatbreads and dips, and of course, baked potatoes with an appetising selection of fillings.

Night owls will be delighted to know that Kartoffel-Lord is open until the early hours at the weekend, making it the perfect spot for some snacking after a night out. The trendy interior features contemporary timber and bamboo finishes, while the outside patio is a great spot to park during the Dortmund summer. With a heritage dating back more than 25 years, Kartoffel-Lord is a well-deserved stalwart of Dortmund's restaurant scene.

Café Tucholsky always serves up fresh, wholesome fare befitting its 33-year-old heritage, whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner. Set in the art Hotel Tucholsky, about 30 minutes from Dortmund, this bistro combines attentive service with a menu that caters to a wide variety of tastes. Expect fresh salads, exotic curries and juicy burgers.

The refined decor from the art Hotel Tucholsky filters down to the café, with an understated elegance to the interior that makes eating here a joy. One thing is certain; when it comes to good food, Café Tucholsky gets the basics right. The fare is worth the drive out from the Dortmund city.