These Nuremberg Old Town restaurants should be on any visitor’s list! We love each of these places to eat in Nuremberg because they offer something truly special, unique, and memorable. Whether you want wild game stew in a medieval tavern, traditional Franconian fare and a smoked beer, a steaming bowl of top quality ramen, or cake in a castle – it’s all here!
1) Wirsthaus Hütt’n 🍖 – Best Authentic Franconian Food
Reservations are highly recommended here. They have squeezed us in before as a courtesy which we appreciated, but felt a little rushed. This is a popular place, so plan ahead, get your table reserved, and make an evening of it!
This restaurant is located right in the heart of Nuremberg Old Town. The atmosphere is traditional old-world German tavern, and it’s perfect – dark wood beams, multiple little dining rooms, and a snug and festive bar area.
While you’re waiting for your table, you can order a glass of “Smoky George,” a local smoked beer. I’ve heard it’s an “acquired taste” but I acquired the taste right away and loved it! Or if you’re in the mood for something a little more high-octane, try a shot of schnaps! I recommend the raspberry (himbeeren).
We found this charming place thanks to a tip from a local antique dealer. We asked about the best places to eat in Nuremberg, and he didn’t even hesitate with his recommendation. He also told us emphatically to get the Schaufele (pronounced SHOY-fuh-luh).
We didn’t even know what that was at the time, but we sure do now! Think of fall-of-the-bone pork shoulder that melts in your mouth, with crispy skin like a fried pork rind. Add some potato dumplings, sauerkraut, and gravy, and heaven awaits!
We have ordered schauefele several times since, trying to recreate the experience we get in Nuremberg but so far Hütt’n makes the absolute best. If you decide to get it, bring your appetite! We were glad we had a 15 minute walk back to our hotel because we felt like we’d just had Christmas dinner!
🐾 Dogs are allowed in the bar area, which also has a few tables.
Check out the Wirsthaus Hütt’n website and menu
Of all the places to eat in Nuremberg, this is our absolute favorite!
2) The Castle Bakery 🍰 – Best Sweet Treats
In the courtyard of Nuremberg Castle
Touring Nuremberg’s castle complex and wondering if that cute little bakery is worth a pop-in? The answer is a resounding YES. The Germans love their tradition of ‘kaffee und kuchen’ (coffee and cake), and so do we! It’s a perfect way to get off your feet, socialize, and enjoy some of the absolutely amazing local pastries.
As a matter of fact, I dare you to just look at the pasty cases and not get a slice of cake, or some other sweet treat! They’re as good as they look!
You can get something to go, or grab a cute little table in the back room.
During Christmas they even sell castle-themed gingerbread/lebkuchen and hot mulled wine (glühwein)!
The courtyard and bakery are accessible without purchasing a ticket to the castle so you can go any time!
3) Augustiner Zur Schranke 🍛 – Best History
Beim Tiergärtnertor 3, 90403 Nürnberg
Reservations recommended during peak times.
If you’re into historic buildings with incredible back story, and scrumptious hearty tavern fare, I highly recommend this one.
The history of the establishment is printed on the menu and dates back to the 14th century! It makes for some fascinating reading before you order. Damage to this old tavern from WWII was extensive, but amazingly the skeleton of timbers remained intact and the new place was built exactly the same with the original old bones!
We ducked in here on a winter visit when we were a little chilled and had a soup/stew lunch and a couple beers. Talk about warmth, charm, and hospitality. And the food was great – not fancy but well-made, delicious, and comfort food all the way.
They also have lovely outdoor eating in the summer, and are located right in the middle of one of the most scenic spots in all of Nuremberg’s Old Town. It’s just a stone’s throw from the Nuremberg Castle complex, and the Art Bunker. So this is a great spot to stop when you get hungry in the middle of seeing the sights no matter what the season.
They are open daily from 11:00 am – 11:00 pm.
Check out Augustiner Zur Schranke’s website and menu
4) Finyas Taverne 🍺 – Best Dining Experience
Weißgerbergasse 18, 90403 Nürnberg
Reservations highly recommended!
This place is absolutely a one-of-a-kind experience you will never forget! It’s as close as you will ever get to a full-on medieval tavern. Long benches of dark wood covered in sheep skin, stews and soups, flammkuchen, huge ceramic steins of beer, genuine medieval surroundings (not kitschy stuff), and actual lanterns and candle light.
I honestly can’t remember how we first found this place, but we walked in and our jaws dropped. It was like stepping out of a time machine and into the Middle Ages. Even the address on Weißgerbergasse is incredible – one of the few original medieval streets in the city that didn’t get bombed during the war. Give yourself time for a stroll either before or after your meal. Great photo ops!
Seating is mostly at long tables, and you may end up sharing the table with others. This freaked me out a little at first, but honestly it’s pretty great! We’ve met some really interesting people here, and it adds to the whole social vibe of this very special place.
We’ve eaten here multiple times and always have a blast. The food is authentic, hearty, and delicious, the staff is friendly, and the atmosphere is perfect to wrap up a day of seeing the medieval sights in this incredible city.
They open at 5pm for dinner only, and are closed on Sunday and Monday.
Check out Finyas Taverne’s website and menu
5) Engelhardt’s Bio Restaurant 🌶 – Best Thai and Vegetarian
If you’ve had your fill of German food and you’ve got a craving for Thai, have I got the place for you! I’m picky about my Thai food so I often hesitate to try somewhere without a recommendation first, but this place absolutely delivered!
I raved to the waitress about my noodles, and she said that the chef is from Thailand so everything is 100% authentic, and not “Germanized.”
The atmosphere is lovely and low key, and we had a very nice romantic dinner for two.
The food is organic and locally sourced as well, and absolutely delicious, with many vegetarian options! You can truly tell that they take pride in their service and the food they serve.
There’s even a thoughtful chart in the menu you can use to track ingredients if you have food allergies.
They open at 5pm, and are closed Sundays, Mondays, and holidays.
Check out Engelhardt’s website and menu
6) Monki Ramen 🍜 – Best Ramen and Cocktails
Königstraße 41 pedestrian zone, 90402 Nuremberg
Reservations highly recommended
If you are looking for ramen, sushi, or fabulous cocktails, Monki Ramen is another great restaurant in Nuremberg to check out. My chef daughter is a ramen junkie and she picked this spot and got a real winner!
The atmosphere is really fun, with hanging paper lanterns, bold wallpaper, a sleek modern bar, and a bustling staff serving a packed house. This is one of the busiest places to eat in Nuremberg, and there’s often a line out the door, but that attests to how much it’s loved.
Your choices are plenty including appetizers, ramen, Japanese dishes, and desserts. We really enjoyed our whole experience here.
It wasn’t a long, lingering dinner, but we didn’t feel rushed even though they definitely have a fast turnover during busy times.
And the ramen…. ohhhh my goodness. The broth was complex and silky and the noodles were fantastic. We each got a slightly different bowl and we all gave it an enthusiastic thumbs up. We hit this on a winter trip, and it was just perfect for a delicious warm up that was light yet filling.
Check out Monki Ramen’s website and menu
🍸 Atelier Bar at Le Meridien Grand Hotel – Best for a Nightcap
Bahnhofstraße 1-3, 90402 Nürnberg
And if you’re looking for an oh-so elegant nightcap to end the evening, head on over to Le Méridien Grand Hotel. They have an absolutely gorgeous little bar, and they make a wicked cocktail – accompanied by a little bowl of salty nibbles.
Mine is the old fashioned, and it was 10/10. My companions were equally impressed!
Check out Le Meridien’s website
🍽 Our Favorite Places to Eat in Nuremberg
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about our favorite places to eat in Nuremberg. To be honest, we’ve never had a bad meal in the city, but these are our top picks for location, service, food quality, and atmosphere. Have you tried any of these places or do you have a favorite not listed here? Let us know!
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