urbanescapestories

Author: urbanescapestories

Rustic Charm, Refined Flavors: Dining at Waldschlösschen Dagobertshausen
Sometimes, the most memorable meals are not in bustling city centers, but tucked away in special destinations. We found a wonderful one at the Restaurant Waldschlösschen in Dagobertshausen, a tiny, charming village just outside Marburg, which delivers refined comfort food with exceptional skill.

The Vibe: A Culinary Escape

Driving into Dagobertshausen feels like stepping into a quieter, more peaceful world. The VILA VITA group owns the stunning centerpiece of the village, the Hofgut estate. The restaurant occupies a historic, beautifully renovated building that exudes warmth and elegance without feeling stuffy. It’s the kind of place where you can immediately relax for a lovely evening, making it an ideal setting for a Sunday dinner or a special occasion.

A unique feature we appreciate is their winter offering: private, transparent Igloos outside, where a small group can enjoy a private dining event under the stars.

Our Dinner: Elevated Classics

Chef Roland Kestner curates a menu that strikes a pleasant balance between regional German classics and modern, international flair. The quality is immediately apparent, earning the restaurant recommendations in both the Michelin Guide and Gault&Millau.

The Starters

We began with two starters that set a high standard for the meal. The chefs cooked the Scallops perfectly, leaving them delicate and sweet. A true highlight, however, was the Waldschlösschen’s spicy Beef Tatar. It was certainly one of the most memorable tatar dishes I have had. The beef was exquisite, but the pairing truly impressed us: a scoop of savory mustard ice cream. I would never have expected this combination, but the cool, sharp tang of the mustard against the rich, spicy beef was a remarkably creative touch.

The Main Courses

For our mains, we leaned into the comfort food promise. I had to order the Original Wiener Schnitzel, and it arrived golden, crisp, and perfectly thin—a testament to how a simple dish can be truly elevated when executed this well. My partner opted for a Pasta dish, which was also very well-prepared, flavorful, and beautifully presented.

Final Thoughts

Restaurant Waldschlösschen is a wonderful find. It’s a place that delivers a complete experience: the idyllic countryside setting, the warm and sophisticated ambiance, and food that is both comforting and impressively creative. It’s a reminder that some of the best culinary experiences are hidden just off the beaten path. For anyone in the Frankfurt or Marburg area looking for a special meal, this is a destination well worth the drive. It has certainly become one of our favorite restaurants in the region.

Overall ★★★★★ (5/5)

Explore Our Other Stories

If you enjoyed this review, here are some other food and travel stories you might like:
- Lohninger: An Austrian Triumph in the Heart of Frankfurt: A look at another of our favorite restaurants, this time right in our home city.
- Alpine Luxury with a View: Kempinski Berchtesgaden: For another memorable German getaway featuring stunning views and high-end dining.
17/07/2025
Lohninger: An Austrian Triumph in the Heart of Frankfurt

I wanted to kick off my first official restaurant review on the blog by talking about one of my absolute favorite restaurants in the Frankfurt area: Lohninger. This isn’t just a place to eat; it’s an experience. For anyone looking for incredible Austrian cuisine that feels both classic and contemporary, this is the spot.

The Vibe & Location

Nestled in a beautiful old building close to the Main river, Lohninger has an atmosphere that is both elegant and cozy. It strikes that perfect balance where you feel you’re somewhere special without it being stuffy. The space itself is intimate, and it’s an incredibly popular place, so let me start with a crucial tip: make sure you have a reservation before going. Trust me, you don’t want to be turned away at the door.

The menu concept is brilliant. It’s split into two parts: one featuring modern, international dishes and one dedicated to timeless Austrian classics. While you could stick to one, the real magic, and what I’d recommend, is to play around with whatever you like, mixing both of them. Honestly, every single dish here tastes amazing.

Our Dinner: A Tour Through the Menu

We decided to go for the full experience, choosing a starter and a main each, and then sharing what I consider a mandatory dessert.

The Starters

We started by pulling from both sides of the menu. From the international side, we had the Yellowfin Tuna Sashimi. It was a vibrant, appetizing plate that tasted every bit as fresh and delicious as it looked.

From the Austrian side, I opted for the Hereford Prime Filet Tatar. This was a rich, savory take on a classic tartar, and it was absolute perfection. I loved every single bite of it; a true standout and a sign of the quality to come.

The Main Course

For our mains, we went straight for the heart of Austria. My partner chose the K. u. k. Ochsenbackerlgulasch (braised ox cheek goulash), which was deep, complex, and incredibly tender—pure comfort food elevated to an art form.

I ordered the Wiener Schnitzel (you will see there is a pattern behind this). Let’s talk about this. Yes, it was the most expensive Schnitzel I have ever eaten, but it was, without a doubt, also the very best. Impossibly thin, perfectly crisp, and served with a simple elegance that lets the quality of the ingredients shine. It’s one of those dishes that can justify its price tag with a single bite.

The Dessert

Whatever you do, you have to save room for their Kaiserschmarrn. We decided to share it, and it was the perfect end to the meal. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s an event. A fluffy, shredded pancake, lightly caramelized and dusted with powdered sugar, it’s sweet, soulful perfection. It is an absolute must-have.

Final Thoughts

Lohninger Frankfurt remains a top favorite for a reason. It’s the combination of exceptional food—whether you’re craving a classic Schnitzel or a modern sashimi—and a wonderfully intimate atmosphere. It’s the perfect place for a special occasion or simply for when you want a meal that you know will be flawless from start to finish. This 5* experience combined with the Austrian food also reminded us of our recent stay in the Kempinski Berchtesgaden.

Overall ★★★★★ (5/5)

12/07/2025
What to Do in Kanazawa: A 2-Day Itinerary for Food & History
When planning our Japan itinerary, Kanazawa wasn’t initially on the top of our list. But as we mapped out our route from Kyoto to Tokyo, this lesser-known gem in Ishikawa Prefecture stood out as the perfect stopover. And it turned out to be exactly that—a charming town rich in history and beauty, ideal for a short 2-3 day visit.

Often called “Little Kyoto,” Kanazawa offers a condensed, genuine glimpse into historic Japan without the overwhelming crowds. The city is famous for its gold leaf production (kinpaku), and you’ll see its shimmering touch everywhere—a constant reminder of the city’s deep-rooted artisanal heritage. If you’re wondering is Kanazawa worth visiting, the answer is a resounding yes.

For our stay, we booked The Sanraku Hotel Kanazawa. It was a lovely 5-star hotel—impeccably clean with fantastic staff. However, we were missing a few amenities that we would usually expect in this category.

Getting to Kanazawa

Getting to Kanazawa is straightforward, especially if you have a Japan Rail Pass. The city is a major stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line, making it easily accessible.
- From Tokyo: The direct Shinkansen ride takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.
- From Kyoto/Osaka: You’ll need to take a combination of the Thunderbird limited express train and Shinkansen, which takes just over 2 hours.
Must-See Sights in Kanazawa: A Walking Itinerary

Kanazawa is incredibly walkable. Here are the sights you shouldn’t miss.

Kanazawa Castle & Kenroku-en Garden

Start your exploration at Kanazawa Castle, the historic seat of the powerful Maeda Clan. While a reconstruction, its impressive gates and turrets give you a real sense of feudal Japan.

Right next door is Kenroku-en, rightfully known as one of Japan’s three most beautiful landscape gardens. Every path leads to a picture-perfect view of its ancient ponds, stone lanterns, and charming teahouses. Plan for at least a couple of hours to soak it all in.

Omicho Market: The City’s Kitchen

A short walk from the castle is Omicho Market, while not as large as markets in bigger cities (like the famous Nishiki Market in Kyoto), its authentic vibe is its main draw. It’s the best place in Kanazawa to try fresh seafood, regional produce, and street food snacks.

Explore the Historic Geisha and Samurai Districts

No trip to Kanazawa is complete without walking through its preserved historical districts.
- Higashi Chaya District: This is the city’s main geisha district, with beautiful latticed wooden teahouses that now serve as cafes and artisan shops.
- Nagamachi Samurai District: Wander past the mud-walled residences where samurai once lived. You can even enter the Nomura-ke, a restored samurai house, to see how they lived.
Best Restaurants in Kanazawa: From Hidden Ramen to DIY Sushi

The food scene in Kanazawa was a major highlight of our trip. Here are our top recommendations.

Dinner & Unique Food Experiences
- Aburaya: This was a top find for authentic, cheap eats. A tiny ramen spot in the basement of an office building, you order from a cash-only machine in the back. It’s a no-frills, delicious, and genuine local experience.
- Sushi Rekireki Omicho: Hands down, the best sushi experience we had in Japan. You must book in advance. We chose the omakase menu, where the chef presents a flawless course-by-course journey of the freshest fish. It’s a culinary event you won’t forget.
- Kanazawa Temakizushi Coil: This concept is brilliant and so much fun. You build your own sushi from a huge list of high-quality ingredients. It’s interactive, creative, and a perfect activity for a date night. We loved it.
Breakfast & Coffee Shops
- townsfolk coffee: The perfect place to start your day. We had a wonderful breakfast here before exploring the nearby samurai district.
- PETRA BAKE & COFFEE: Located right at the corner of Omicho Market, it’s an ideal spot to grab a quality coffee and pastry before diving into the market’s buzz.
- SWAY COFFEE ROASTER: For coffee aficionados, this modern cafe serves up an excellent brew in a sleek, contemporary setting.
Final Thoughts: Is Kanazawa Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Kanazawa was an unexpected highlight of our Japan travels. It packs an incredible amount of culture, history, and outstanding food into a compact, accessible city. While sights like Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto are stunning, the relaxed and authentic atmosphere of Kanazawa offered a welcome change of pace. It’s the perfect addition to any itinerary, beautifully bridging the journey between Tokyo and Kyoto.
10/07/2025
5 days in Kyoto

We recently completed our first Japan trip and I want to take you along with us to show you the highlights of each of our stops.

Arrival: From Nagoya to Kyoto via Shinkansen

We landed late at night in Nagoya and hopped on the legendary Shinkansen straight to Kyoto Station. Our first experience with Japan’s rail system – clean, fast, and punctual. In under two hours, we were in the cultural heart of Japan.

Our hotel, the Holiday Inn Kyoto, was conveniently located within walking distance of the city center and just a few minutes from the subway.

Getting Around Kyoto: What You Need to Know

Let’s start with the practical part: how to get around Kyoto. The city has a massive central hub – Kyoto Station – and just two main subway lines. Most of your travel will likely involve buses, which operate on a zone-based system. Subways are distance-based.

Tip: Grab a prepaid IC card (like Suica or ICOCA). It works across most trains, subways, and buses throughout Japan – even in Tokyo or Osaka.

IC cards are rechargeable cards that can be used to conveniently pay fares on public transport – they can also be used on vending machines, shops and restaurants. You can get physical cards at the airport or simply download the app. As foreigner you can’t reimburse money in the app so make sure to spend it at the airport.

If you’re staying near the city center, consider walking. Kyoto is surprisingly walkable, and exploring the side streets gives you a glimpse into everyday life far from the tourist hotspots.

Breakfast Spots

Totaro – A charming little café known for its Japanese-style sweet breakfast and matcha. Think delicate rice dumplings (dango) and cozy vibes. It opens at 10 AM, and even then, there’s usually a small queue. There’s no seating – just standing tables – but it’s worth the wait.

Kissa Kishin – If you’re craving a more Western-style breakfast, this one hits the spot. It’s a favorite among international travelers and serves French toast, brioche, and good coffee. It’s located a bit outside the city center, so a bus or Uber is your best bet.

Lorimer – A spot for the traditionalists. Here you can experience a classic Japanese breakfast with various sizes and dishes like grilled fish and pickled sides. We chose the smaller version, and it was just right to start the day.

Totaro

Kissa Kishin

Lorimer

Lunch & Dinner: Ramen Dreams Come True

Men-ya Inoichi – This is where Instagram and real life collide. The ramen here is truly exceptional, but be warned: it’s popular. You take a number, go away for a couple of hours, then return and wait again. All for 20 minutes of ramen bliss. If you’re visiting during cherry blossom season, be prepared to wait – but it’s worth it. Plan ahead and explore the city while you wait.

Comorebi – Our second ramen stop, and honestly our favorite. A cozy little place with excellent ramen, great local beer, and warm hospitality. We didn’t have to wait when we arrived, but by the time we left, a line had already formed. Still, we never felt rushed. A true hidden gem.

Mama Pizza – If you’re craving pizza in Kyoto, Mama Pizza is the spot to go. Located a bit outside the city center and near the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, it’s the perfect place to refuel after a stroll through one of Kyoto’s most scenic areas. The surrounding neighborhood is peaceful and picturesque, making it well worth the detour.

Men-ya Inoichi

Comorebi

Mama

Sights You Shouldn’t Miss

Nijō Castle – A beautiful historical site that’s less crowded than Kyoto’s other landmarks but just as impressive. It has a wonderful maintained garden and is beautiful to walk around, just the inner building can be full especially with bigger tourist groups blocking the small hallways.

Nishiki Market – A must-visit for any foodie. This crowded street market is filled with street food, fresh seafood, and local specialties. It’s a great place to snack and explore at the same time.

Kiyomizu-dera – Probably the most touristy place we visited, but undeniably beautiful. The streets leading up to the temple are packed, so try visiting during a weekday or early morning for a calmer experience. Once you’re there, the view is worth it.

Nijō

Nishiki Market

Kiyomizu-dera

Cherry Blossoms as we travelled during cherry blossom season here are some additional tips if you want to find the best places to take some pictures. There is a website tracking the level of bloom during bloom season with daily updates. If they are at full bloom be quick, they only last about two weeks. If you are not keen on seeing these beautiful trees I would advise to travel sometime else, hotels will be cheaper and it will be less crowded.

08/07/2025
Alpine Luxury with a View: Kempinski Berchtesgaden
Nestled high above Berchtesgaden on Obersalzberg, the Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden is situated at nearly 1,000 meters above sea level. Surrounded by unspoiled alpine beauty, the hotel overlooks the Eagle’s Nest and expansive Bavarian valleys.

Arrival in the Bavarian Alps

This wasn’t our first stay here, so we arrived with high expectations and fond memories from a previous winter visit. This time, the summer sun cast long shadows across the hills, promising slow days and mountain air.

Upon arrival, valet staff offered to take our bags and park the car, though they seemed noticeably more rushed compared to our earlier December stay. A small sign of how a busier season can affect even the best-staffed hotels.

We booked through American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts, which offers early check-in when available. Unfortunately, our room wasn’t ready until the standard 3 PM check-in time.

That said, the upgrade to a terrace room was nice—until we discovered it was located right next to the elevator. Nighttime noise put a slight dent in our experience. The hotel did offer us a room change, which we declined, but at €400+ per night, soundproofing should be a given.

Spa and Activity Concierge

The spa area is a true highlight. We spent hours lounging by the outdoor pool, soaking in the sun and silence. With a generous sunbathing deck, saunas, and panoramic mountain views, it’s the kind of place you don’t want to leave.

The hotel also has activity concierges, a surprisingly helpful touch. They helped us plan local hikes, book boat tickets on Königssee, and even arranged a tee time at Germany’s highest golf course—a unique and fun way to experience the landscape.

Our three different experiences dinning at the hotel

We dined all three nights at Johann Grill, the hotel’s standard restaurant. They also offer two more expensive restaurants one of them with two Michelin stars. While the food was consistently good-visually impressive and flavorful—the service was anything but consistent.
- One night, we waited two hours for our main course.
- Another, everything arrived promptly and flawlessly.
- Staff training seemed inconsistent, and at a five-star hotel, you expect better continuity.
The pricing is steep but expected for this level of accommodation. That said, €9.50 for a bottle of water felt excessive. After the first night, we stuck to custom cocktails and wine, which were much more reasonably priced.

Still, the sunset views from our dinner table were magical, and the drinks menu was amazing.

The hotel also offers two other restaurants and a bar that is open the whole day.

If dinner was inconsistent, breakfast was a triumph. Served in the same restaurant, the combination of à la carte dishes and a generous buffet left nothing to be desired.

It was, without exaggeration, the best hotel breakfast I’ve ever had. Everything from the eggs Benedict to local cheeses and fresh fruit was perfectly curated.

Final Thoughts

There were moments of brilliance—the spa, the breakfast, the views—and moments of disappointment, like the dinner service or the surprisingly noisy room that you would not expect at this price point.

Small touches from our earlier stay were missing this time: evening turn-down service, a bit more personalized attention, and an overall smoother rhythm.

Still, we made unforgettable memories—golfing in the Alps, hiking to the Eagle’s Nest, and watching the light shift over the mountains from the pool deck. It was an amazing trip in many ways.

Would we come back?

Yes—with a few caveats. I’d request a room away from elevators and perhaps try one of the other restaurants. Kempinski Berchtesgaden is perfect for travelers seeking luxurious calm in the heart of nature, but service consistency and attention to detail need improvement to match the price point.

Overall ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Find more information about the hotel here.
04/07/2025
urbanescapestories

Hey everyone! This is my blog where I will post my thoughts about hotels, restaurants and everything else along the way, hope you like it!

03/07/2025