The south of Germany is known for its stunning castle and countryside and Stuttgart is no exception. The city is surrounded by trees and gentle hills and its centre is home to the stunning baroque New Palace (Neues Schloss), Old Palace (Altes Schloss), and impressive Schillerplatz, dedicated to the city’s most famous inhabitant, German poet Friedrich Schiller. Interestingly, Stuttgart is also famous for something completely different: luxury cars. Home to Mercedes Benz and Porsche, the city streets are bursting with luxury on four wheels. Whether you are into culture or cars, we can highly recommend a visit to this southern German gem – and since no trip has ever been successful on an empty stomach, here are five of the best restaurants to try while you’re there.
Located inside the Porsche Museum, which is an absolute must-see for visitors to Stuttgart, the restaurant offers both Mediterranean as well as local delicacies. We recommend trying their excellent prime beef dishes. Looking through a glass façade, guests can enjoy a panoramic view of Porscheplatz and the production building where Porsche sports cars and engines are built. Any car fans who don’t want to leave after their meal can make themselves comfortable in the cigar lounge and continue dreaming about driving one of those Porsches…
Gourmetrestaurant 5
Everything at Gourmetrestaurant 5 is unusual and unique, but in a very good way. On the ground floor you’ll find a stylish bar, which is the place to see and be seen and enjoy an aperitif. The first floor leads you to the award-winning restaurant which serves up creative cuisine in its open kitchen. Expect bold flavour combinations and beautifully presented dishes.
The restaurant’s charm is already embedded in its name: “Zauberlehrling”, meaning sorcerer’s apprentice. This is a spot that really charms its guests and transports them into a magical culinary world. Located in a stylishly decorated design hotel in Stuttgart’s Bohnenviertel (Bean Quarter), guests can try their eclectic German fusion dishes. Tip: every Saturday night there is a theme night where you can try their kitchen specialties as part of their 4-course candlelit dinner. If the restaurant really has managed to put a spell on you, you can also book one of their cooking courses and get a look behind the scenes.
Kicho
Even in the deep south of Germany you will find international gems like this traditional Japanese restaurant which has been a favourite amongst sushi lovers in Stuttgart for more than 20 years. So, if you are a fan of sushi and sashimi, we recommend a trip to this city centre restaurant. Be sure to reserve a table in advance – Kicho gets booked up fast!
If you are looking for traditional Swabian cuisine, we recommend paying the Alte Kanzlei, situated in the heart of the city on Schillerplatz, a visit. After learning about Stuttgart’s most famous son, poet and philosopher Friedrich Schiller, you can enjoy one of many traditional and well-loved southern German dishes. The Swabian classic “Flädlesuppe” – a soup made with savoury pancakes, chives and a delicious beef – is a must-try.
Hungry for more? Discover more of Stuttgart’s culinary offerings on OpenTable.
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.
