We can’t think of anything more festive than spending a weekend visiting one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets. So grab your warmest winter coat, head to Nuremberg in the south of Germany and immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit. We’ve hand-picked some of the city’s best foodie options for breakfast, lunch and dinner and there’s plenty of glühwein and spicy Christmas cookies to keep you going in between.
Brunch at Literaturhaus is a must visit for anyone who takes their first meal of the day seriously. Tuck into their famous Saturday breakfast buffet or Sunday brunch and enjoy the traditional German meat and cheese platters. If you fancy something a little sweeter, try their French-style breakfast with freshly baked croissants – it always hits the right spot. It’s worth reserving a table in advance as the Literaturhaus, conveniently located in Nuremberg’s beautiful Altstadt (old town), is very popular at the weekends.
Das Steichele is a Franconian institution and serves some of the best traditional German dishes such as crispy roasted goose and Tafelspitz mit Meerrettichsauce (boiled beef with horseradish sauce). Das Steichele is a family-run restaurant which first opened its doors in 1897 and has been going strong ever since.
Lunch at Bratwurst Röslein
If you enjoy a hearty meal, look no further than Bratwurst Röslein – the world’s largest sausage restaurant, dating back to 1431. The restaurant is located right beside the famous Christkindlesmarkt and makes the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch before exploring the festive stalls. Of course, you’ll have to try the famous Nuremberg sausages – Germany’s most popular meat for sure. There’s also Franconian ziebeleskäs (special Franconian cottage cream cheese with onions and fresh herbs) homemade pretzels, or bread dumplings served with cabbage and beer sauce if you’re after veggie delights.
A visit to the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg is an absolute must for locals and tourists alike. If you have a sweet tooth, try the famous stollen, a German Christmas bread enhanced with dried fruit and marzipan without which no Christmas would be complete. Keep warm whilst sipping on glühwein (mulled wine) and tuck into gingerbread and the traditional Nuremberg bratwurst which finds its origin in this Franconian metropolis.
Dinner at Bardolino
Tired of sightseeing across Nuremberg’s old town? Then head to Bardolino, one of the city’s most popular Italian restaurants which serves the best spaghetti with truffle-parmesan sauce prepared at your table. The staff will make you feel like you’re in the heart of vibrant Rome – a real treat for Italian food lovers.
Who said German food only revolves around heavy sauces and meat? Located close to Nuremberg’s city hall, Entenstuben shows that contemporary German cuisine ticks all the boxes a modern foodie is looking for. Treat yourself to dishes like roast parsnip with honey and pine nuts or fresh saddle of venison served with cabbage and hazelnuts.
Dinner at Einzimmer Küche Bar
Alternatively, head to Einzimmer Küche Bar, a tiny contemporary restaurant and bar which feels just as cosy as your living room and serves the most creative food pairings in the entire city. Head chef Tim Kohler’s creations have been inspired by first class chefs around the world and have established him as the rising star of Nuremberg’s culinary scene. Try asparagus paired with mandarin or white chocolate and dill – your taste buds will be in for an unusual treat.
After a busy day of sightseeing, there is no better way to unwind than over drinks and conversation at a chilled out bar. Die Rote Bar is a homely local hang out that attracts guests with its warm atmosphere and well-stocked shelves. Pick from a range of wines, beers, whisky and Champagne or sip on a cocktail. Fancy a ‘cup of good hope,’ ‘sailing cucumber’ or a ‘painkiller’? There’ll be the perfect cocktail to suit your current mood for sure.
Visit OpenTable to discover more top restaurants in Nuremberg, including OpenTable diner favourites like Fränkness, Xinh, and BA Beef Club.
This is a guest post from freelance journalist Beatrice Clark. She has written for Vogue, Glamour and Vanity Fair, among others, and has spent the past 15 years living in France, England and Scotland. She is currently based in Berlin and is always on the hunt for the perfect Eggs Benedict.
