Best Restaurants in Erfurt: Top Places to Eat in 2025
Whether you're a visitor eager to explore the local gastronomy or a resident searching for your next favorite dining spot, Erfurt offers an impressive range of restaurants that cater to all tastes. From traditional German taverns serving hearty Thuringian specialties to refined fine dining experiences and vibrant international cuisine, the city has something for every palate.
To guide our customers through the list of best restaurant in Erfurt, we have carefully selected a list of eateries known for their high-quality ingredients, homemade dishes, and outstanding service. Each of these establishments stands out for its dedication to flavor, authenticity, and a unique dining experience. Whether you’re in the mood for classic German fare, Mediterranean delicacies, or exquisite Asian cuisine, our guide to the best restaurant in Erfurt will lead you to an wonderful dining experince.
1. Clara – Restaurant im Kaisersaal
Situated in Erfurt's historic Altstadt, Clara – Restaurant im Kaisersaal offers an exquisite dining experience under the guidance of Michelin-starred chef Christopher Weigel. The restaurant presents contemporary cuisine, featuring meticulously crafted multi-course menus that blend regional specialties with international flavors. Diners can choose from five to eight-course meals, each dish showcasing a harmonious balance of taste and presentation. Complementing the culinary offerings is an extensive wine list with over 200 selections, including rare finds and numerous options available by the glass. If you're a fan of the Michelin Guide, Clara has been awarded one Michelin star, along with The First and Masters.
We are unsure about the booking availability, so if you'd like a table here, please make sure to contact them before visiting Clara.
- Address: Futterstraße 15/16, 99084 Erfurt
- Website: www.restaurant-clara.de
- Phone Number: +49 361 568880
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Closed on Sunday and Monday
2. Bachstelze
Bachstelze, located on the outskirts of Erfurt in the Bischleben district, offers a unique dining experience that seamlessly blends rustic charm with culinary innovation. Under the guidance of renowned chef Maria Groß, who earned a Michelin star in 2013 and was Germany's youngest female chef to receive this honor, Bachstelze emphasizes regional and handmade cuisine. The menu is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to freshness and seasonality, featuring dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients that change with the seasons. This approach ensures that each visit offers a new and delightful culinary experience.
- Address: Hamburger Berg 5, 99094 Erfurt
- Website: www.mariaostzone.de
- Phone Number: +49 361 7968386
- Opening Hours: Please refer to the official website or contact directly for current opening hours.
3. Il Cortile
Il Cortile brings a slice of Italy to Erfurt, offering authentic Italian cuisine in a warm and inviting setting. The menu boasts a variety of traditional dishes, including handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and delectable seafood options. Their specialty lies in the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients that capture the essence of Italian cooking. Il Cortile is also listed as one of the best places to eat in Erfurt by the Michelin Guide.
- Address: Michaelisstraße 45, 99084 Erfurt
- Website: www.ilcortile-erfurt.de
- Phone Number: +49 361 6447851
- Opening Hours: Daily: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
4. Ballenberger
Ballenberger is a charming establishment known for its commitment to regional cuisine with a modern twist. The menu emphasizes seasonal ingredients sourced from local producers, offering dishes that reflect Thuringian culinary traditions.Specialties include innovative takes on classics like Sauerbraten and Thüringer Klöße. Ballenberger is also listed as one of the best places to eat in Erfurt by the Michelin Guide—without breaking the bank.
- Address: Marktstraße 35, 99084 Erfurt
- Website: www.ballenberger-erfurt.de
- Phone Number: +49 361 6447852
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Closed on Sunday and Monday
5. Espach Café & Restaurant
Espach Café & Restaurant is a beloved spot that has been delighting Erfurt residents and visitors for generations. Originally established in 1839, the venue underwent a complete renovation in 2020, emerging as a full-service restaurant with a diverse menu. Patrons can enjoy a variety of dishes, including fish, meat, and vegetarian options, all crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The establishment also offers an extensive breakfast selection on weekends. The newly designed winter garden opens onto a spacious sun terrace, providing a picturesque view of the surrounding greenery, complete with a water feature and playground.
- Address: Alfred-Hess-Straße 36a, 99094 Erfurt
- Website: www.espachcafe.dee
- Phone Number: +49 361 78946818
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Saturday, Sunday & Holidays: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Closed on Monday
6. Pier 37
Pier 37 offers a German dining experience characterized by its unique culinary style, described as "Regional cuisine with Thuringian charm – modern and creatively interpreted." The restaurant emphasizes the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients to craft dishes that blend regional flavors with contemporary preparation methods. Guests can enjoy their meals in an environment featuring clear lines and warm colors, designed to provide a relaxing and memorable experience. During pleasant weather, the terraces directly by the river offer a delightful setting to savor the cuisine while enjoying the gentle sounds of the Gera river.
- Address: Lange Brücke 37a, 99084 Erfurt
- Website: https://www.pier37.de
- Phone Number: +49 361 6027600
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Sunday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Closed on Monday
7. Wirtshaus Christoffel
Wirtshaus Christoffel offers a unique medieval dining experience, immersing guests in the ambiance of the Middle Ages.The establishment features unique decor and staff dressed in period costumes, enhancing the historical atmosphere. The menu includes traditional medieval dishes and beverages, providing a culinary journey back in time. Regular events feature minstrels, jesters, and knights, adding to the immersive experience.
- Address: Michaelisstraße 41, 99084 Erfurt
- Website: www.wirtshaus-christoffel-erfurt.de
- Phone Number: +49 361 6447853
- Opening Hours: Daily from 11:00 AM
8. Restaurant Zum Alten Schwan
Zum Alten Schwan offers a menu that blends traditional German cuisine with contemporary influences. Diners can enjoy a variety of dishes, including local specialties and international options, all prepared with fresh ingredients. The restaurant's ambiance combines historic charm with modern comfort, providing a welcoming setting for both casual meals and special occasions.
- Address: Michaelisstraße 45, 99084 Erfurt
- Website: www.restaurant-zum-alten-schwan.de
- Phone Number: +49 361 6447854
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
9. Haus Zum Naumburgischen Keller
Similar to Zum Alten Schwan, Haus Zum Naumburgischen Keller offers German and European cuisine. The establishment is known for its traditional dishes and has received positive reviews for its food and service. The ground floor features a rustic dining room that can accommodate around 28 guests, but one of the most striking features of Haus Zum Naumburgischen Keller is the medieval vaulted cellar, which provides space for up to 30 people. This area creates a unique, old-world ambiance, perfect for an intimate dining experience.
- Address: Michaelisstraße 49, 99084 Erfurt
- Phone Number: +49 361 5402450
- Opening Hours: Daily: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
10. VinRice Restaurant
Another great dining spot on Michaelisstraße is VinRice Restaurant. We’ve included VinRice here because it is one of the rare Asian cuisine establishments in Erfurt that emphasizes fresh ingredients, embraces traditional values, and applies modern cooking techniques.
VinRice has been serving Vietnamese food in the city for nearly half a decade. After closing for two months for renovations at the beginning of 2025, it has returned with a new menu, a new team, and a concept that highlights the art of Vietnamese and broader Asian cuisine and, new interior design. The head chef is one of the most talented chefs in Vietnam, he brings traditional Vietnamese dishes to the table with a fresh perspective on quality and presentation. The menu also showcases elements of fusion cuisine, blending innovation with authenticity.
- Address: Michaelisstraße 43, 99084 Erfurt
- Website: www.vinrice.de
- Phone Number: +49 361 78929544Tripadvisor
- Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 11:30 – 22:00, Friday to Saturday: 11:30 – 23:00
Sunday & Holiday: 12:00 – 22:00
We value the dedication of local chefs to homemade recipes, fresh ingredients, and creative culinary techniques . If you're looking for the best restaurant in Erfurt, then we hope that our list provide good tip!