urbanescapestories

Category: Germany

  • 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)

  • Alpine Luxury with a View: Kempinski Berchtesgaden

    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.