Tag: Frankfurt

  • Frankfurt Layover Guide – Make the Most of a Few Hours (or Overnight)

    Frankfurt Layover Guide – Make the Most of a Few Hours (or Overnight)

    As one of Europe’s largest and busiest airports, Frankfurt Airport is more than just a gateway – it’s also a golden opportunity to spend an extra day exploring. With Condé Nast Traveller naming Frankfurt as one of the Best Places to Go in Europe in 2026 (it will also be the World Design Capital in 2026) it’s the perfect time to turn your layover into a mini city-break.  

    Often dubbed “Mainhattan” (a nod to its location on the River Main and its skyscraper-filled skyline), Frankfurt blends modern architecture, historic charm and foodie culture in a compact footprint. So why not add an extra day after landing or before your next flight?


    Getting into the City from the Airport

    • From the airport’s Regionalbahnhof (S-Bahn station) hop on the S8 or S9 trains – they’ll get you into central Frankfurt in about 11-15 minutes.  
    • Alternatively, a taxi or rideshare from terminal to city centre will cost around €35-40 depending on traffic.
    • Pro tip: If staying longer, the Deutschlandticket (€59/month for regional travel in Germany) might be worthwhile.
    • Choose stations like Hauptwache or Konstablerwache for optimal access to the main shopping zone (Zeil) and historic Altstadt.

    Historic City Centre & Skyline Contrast

    Neue Altstadt (New Old Town): The area of the historic centre was largely destroyed in WWII, and Frankfurt made a conscious decision to rebuild the heart of the city. Today it appears like something from the 1500s – yet in reality it’s been reconstructed over recent years. The striking contrast between half-timber houses and the modern skyline is always fascinating.

    Skyline Views: Frankfurt has quite a few ways to see the skyline — the most accessible is the Main Tower (with a public observation deck for just a few euros). For dinner with a view, consider Franziska (in the south-side high rise) or the NFT Skybar for drinks and skyline vistas.


    Culture & Museums

    • Art lovers: Don’t miss the Städel Museum — one of Germany’s top art museums.
    • Natural history enthusiasts: The Senckenberg Museum of Natural History boasts dinosaur skeletons and immersive exhibits.
    • For greenery: The Palmengarten is a peaceful botanical garden and ideal for a relaxed break from the city buzz.
    • Bonus point: Frankfurt’s selection of cultural events is set to explode in 2026 as it becomes the World Design Capital.  

    Food & Drink (Coffee, Lunch, Dinner)

    Coffee & Breakfast Spots

    • Bunca Coffee
    • drei kaffeebar
    • Hoppenworth & Ploch

    Lunch & Casual Bites

    • Dining Raum
    • Chinaski
    • Sunny Side Up

    Dinner & Evening

    • naiv
    • Babam
    • Buffalo Steakhaus

    Tip on local flavour: Get a taste of the region by trying Apfelwein (Frankfurt’s apple-wine) in the Sachsenhausen quarter – it’s a local tradition.  

    Make sure to check out our Frankfurt food guide for more food spots.


    Neighborhoods & Local Vibe

    Bahnhofsviertel: Known for its vibrant mix of restaurants and bars, it’s one of the city’s busiest food-zones. While two main streets (Nidda & Taunusstraße) have a rougher reputation, much of the area is absolutely worth exploring — quality street food, international eateries and a lively evening vibe.

    Nordend & Sachsenhausen: If you have more time, step off the beaten path into Nordend for charming cafés, or head to Sachsenhausen for traditional Hessen cuisine (Grüne Soße & Apfelwein) and taverns.


    Shopping & Premium Style

    • Goethestraße: Frankfurt’s luxury shopping mile — ideal if you’re after designer labels or a stylish café stop.
    • Zeil & Konstablerwache/Hauptwache: These central stations give you quick access into the shopping heart of the city.

    Practical Layover Tips & Timing

    How much time do you need?

    • For a quick look: Even 2–3 hours allow you to leave the airport, explore Altstadt and return.  
    • If staying overnight: Pick a central hotel near Hauptwache or Römerberg so you’re ideally located for the next morning’s flight.

    Tickets & Transport

    • Buy your day ticket via the DB App or RMV App (there are ticket machines at the stations as well)
    • Free WiFi, showers and lounges are available at the airport for waiting-time usage.  

    Timing Advice

    • Arriving midday? Head straight for Altstadt, grab lunch and coffee, then enjoy skyline views at dusk.
    • Arriving evening? Try dinner with a view + a walk along the Main river.
    • Sunday? Note many shops are closed, especially outside the main tourist zones.

    Verdict

    If you’re flying through Frankfurt, don’t just wait for your connection. With its compact city centre, dramatic contrast of old and new, food culture and sky-high viewpoint options, the city makes for a surprisingly memorable stopover. Whether you’re here for a few hours or a full extra day, you can escape the airport and turn your layover into a genuine urban mini-escape.

  • Condor Premium Economy on the A330neo – Worth the Upgrade or Save Your Cash

    Condor Premium Economy on the A330neo – Worth the Upgrade or Save Your Cash

    Our Condor Premium Economy Review of the A330neo starts with first impressions: bold stripes, a new cabin, and the question – does Premium Economy really deliver a step up, or is it smarter to save the money (or jump straight to Business)?

    Condor Premium Economy Review A330neo

    ✈️ Quick Flight Facts

    • Route: Frankfurt (FRA) → Boston (BOS)
    • Aircraft: Airbus A330-900neo
    • Flight Time: ~7h 45min (day flight)
    • Seat: Premium Economy (standard Economy seat with extra pitch)
    • Cabin: Separate PE section, wider pitch vs. Economy, same seat shell
    • Booking: Cash ticket; PE typically priced well below legacy carriers
    • Date Flown: 2025

    Booking & Value

    Condor positions Premium Economy as a value step-up: more legroom, a bit more food, and included alcoholic beverages, without the high price of Business. If your priority is budget and a daytime crossing, the math can make sense. If you’re buying PE for sleep on an overnight, you’ll likely be happier saving the money or going Business.

    Ground Experience (FRA T1)

    Departures are from Terminal 1, Area C. As a leisure carrier, Condor’s bag-drop can mean long queues, and our gate (B60) was an out-position served by bus. Security in that B concourse was down to a single lane when we arrived – it took a while. While a Condor Business Class Ticket gives you access to the Lufthansa lounges in Frankfurt, you won’t get into any lounges with your Premium Economy ticket. Even with American Express Platinum you won’t get into the Lufthansa Lounges as they require a Lufthansa Group Ticket. In short: expect a functional, not premium, ground flow.

    Cabin & Seat

    The A330neo hard product looks fresh, but Premium Economy uses the same seat shell as Economy. The upgrade is primarily extra pitch/legroom – which, to be fair, was sufficient even at 195 cm. The seat itself isn’t built for sleeping; for a day flight, it’s fine. Storage is standard, and the PE cabin feels calm and new, but don’t expect a full dedicated product like you have on most other carries.

    Food & Beverage

    Quantity over finesse. Shortly after takeoff we were served a tray with starter, hot main and sides. Our main was Italian spinach gnocchi, asparagus, lemon cream sauce; pre-landing came a hot mini pizza plus a light snack in between. Flavors were good (exactly what you’d expect), but we were positively surprised by how much food was offered on a relatively short hop.

    Drinks are the bright spot: beer, wine and spirits are included in Premium Economy. We loved the BrewDog x Condor collaboration – a fun, well-branded touch that Condor absolutely nails. Coffee/tea and soft drinks are available throughout.

    Service

    Crew were efficient and friendly, more “charter energy” than boutique polish – which fits Condor’s brand. Service ran smoothly despite the bus-gate boarding scrum.

    IFE & Connectivity

    The A330neo has a modern IFE look and a fair selection for a sub-8-hour crossing. Expect the typical pay-Wi-Fi tiers; we treated this as a watch-a-movie-and-chill flight and skipped connectivity.

    The A330neo Vibe

    Condor’s striped livery and clean new cabin are undeniably fun. If aesthetics and a fresh aircraft matter to you, you’ll enjoy the ride – just remember PE is a soft step up, not a sleeper seat.

    Verdict

    • Best for: Daytime crossings where extra legroom + included drinks are enough.
    • What stood out: Generous catering cadence, fun BrewDog collab, brand-new A330neo cabin.
    • What could improve: True PE seat (wider seat base/leg-rest), ground experience at FRA bus gates.
    • Would we book again? Yes, for daytime value. For overnight comfort, we’d choose Business or a legacy PE with a better seat.

    Pro-Tips

    • At FRA T1: Arrive early for C-area bag drop and allow extra time for B-gate security and bus boarding.
    • Seat strategy: Pick PE rows away from galleys/lavs to keep the cabin quiet.
    • Expectations: Think “Economy+ with perks,” not a true PE recliner – great for day flights, less ideal for sleep.

    Compare Next

    Curious how this stacks up against premium cabins? Read our Lufthansa First Class on the A340-600, our Lufthansa 747 Business Class (Upper Deck), and our Qatar Airways 787-9 Business Suite. Planning the trip around it? Don’t miss our New England Road Trip guide.


    Have you flown Condor Premium Economy? Drop your questions below or join us on Instagram @urbanescapestories for behind-the-scenes clips from this flight.

  • Lufthansa A340-600 First Class Review 2025 – Is It Still Worth It?

    Lufthansa A340-600 First Class Review 2025 – Is It Still Worth It?

    There’s something undeniably special about stepping onto a Lufthansa A340-600, one of the last four-engine long-haul aircraft still flying. In this Lufthansa A340-600 First Class review 2025, we take you from Boston (BOS) to Frankfurt (FRA) to see whether this legendary First Class experience – from lounge to caviar service – is still worth the splurge.

    ✈️ Quick Flight Facts

    • Route: Boston (BOS) → Frankfurt (FRA)
    • Aircraft: Airbus A340-600
    • Flight Time: ~6h 45min
    • Seat: 1G (Lufthansa First Class, 1-2-1 configuration)
    • Cabin: 8 Seats, Open “Half Suite” Design
    • Booking: Available via Miles & More (from 90,000 miles one-way + fees) or as an upgrade from Business Class

    Pre-Flight & Lounge Experience

    Boston is one of Lufthansa’s key transatlantic gateways, served by the A340-600, Boeing 747-8, and Airbus A380. Lufthansa operates its own dedicated lounge at Logan Airport, which includes a First Class area for eligible passengers. It’s not the full Frankfurt First Class Terminal experience — no Porsche transfer or private security lane — but it sets the tone with calm design, à la carte dining, and attentive staff.

    Lufthansa A340-600 First Class aircraft at Boston Logan
    The majestic A340-600 at Boston Logan – still one of the most elegant silhouettes in the sky.

    The Cabin & Seat

    I was seated in 1G, one of the middle seats in Lufthansa’s eight-seat First Class cabin. While the seat design is undeniably dated compared to newer enclosed suites from airlines like Emirates or ANA, there’s something timeless about Lufthansa’s open yet private layout. The seat feels wide, supportive, and infinitely adjustable. The ottoman even slides toward you – perfect if you prefer lounging rather than fully reclining.

    Lufthansa First Class seat 1G A340-600 cabin interior
    Seat 1G — the classic half-suite design, open but beautifully spacious.

    The A340-600’s nose section feels both intimate and grand – no overhead bins in the center seats mean more headroom and an open atmosphere. Storage is tucked discreetly into armrests and side panels. It’s not Allegris-level, but it’s a reminder that Lufthansa’s old First Class still holds its charm.

    Dining at 35,000 Feet

    This is where Lufthansa’s heritage truly shines. The dinner service began with an amuse bouche and a glass of champagne, followed by the airline’s signature caviar service – beautifully presented with traditional garnishes. For many, this alone justifies the First Class indulgence.

    Starters followed: a selection of tuna, duck, and salad, each well-balanced in flavor. For the main course, I chose the beef fillet with red wine jus and seasonal vegetables. It was delicious, even if the plating wasn’t quite as elaborate as on some Middle Eastern competitors.

    The flavors, however, were outstanding.

    Dessert came in the form of a cheese plate and a glass of port wine – a fitting end to a two-hour dining experience. The wine list features two champagnes, four whites, and four reds, ranging from €20 to €100 retail, alongside Lufthansa’s own Avionic signature cocktail. Personally, I enjoyed the Grüner Veltliner with my starters and a Super Tuscan with the main – both excellent pairings.

    Sleep & Comfort

    After dinner, the crew offered to prepare my bed – a gesture that still feels indulgent, even after years of flying. The bedding was thick and comfortable, and despite the short transatlantic flight, I managed a solid two hours of sleep. The flight attendant even asked whether I’d like to be woken for breakfast – a small but thoughtful touch that perfectly sums up Lufthansa’s First Class service ethos.

    The amenity kit featured products from Augustinus Bader, adding a true touch of luxury. While not as multipurpose as Lufthansa’s Porsche Design Business kits, the overall quality was superb.

    Lufthansa First Class breakfast scrambled eggs and salmon A340-600
    Breakfast before landing — freshly scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and chives.

    Service & Crew

    Lufthansa’s First Class crew are in a league of their own – professional yet warm, anticipating needs without overstepping. Every interaction felt natural, from setting the table with precision to offering a second glass of wine mid-flight. While the hardware may be showing its age, the service remains timeless.

    Connectivity & Entertainment

    The in-flight entertainment system is, admittedly, due for an upgrade – smaller screens and dated menus compared to newer aircraft. However, the free Wi-Fi for First Class passengers is a welcome perk, and connectivity was stable throughout the flight.

    Final Thoughts – Lufthansa A340-600 First Class Review: Is It Still Worth It in 2025?

    Lufthansa’s First Class on the A340-600 may not have sliding doors or on-demand espresso bars, but it has something rarer – heritage and heart. The blend of understated design, exceptional service, and that unmistakable “Lufthansa calm” make this a product that continues to stand out, even in 2025.

    Iconic, understated, and still refined — Lufthansa’s First Class remains a timeless experience.

    Verdict

    • Best for: Travelers seeking old-school aviation elegance and refined European service.
    • What stood out: Caviar service, crew attentiveness, exceptional bedding comfort.
    • What could improve: IFE screen quality and presentation of hot dishes.
    • Would I fly again? Absolutely – especially while the A340-600 is still flying.

    For those considering this experience, it’s often best booked via Miles & More at around 90,000 miles one-way (plus taxes) – or as an upgrade from Business Class. If you’re looking for comparisons, check out our upcoming Condor Premium Economy Review, our Lufthansa 747 Business Class Review, and our Qatar Airways Qsuite Experience to see how the world’s leading premium products stack up.

    FAQ – Lufthansa A340-600 First Class

    Is Lufthansa A340-600 First Class still worth it in 2025?

    Yes – if you value classic aviation style and refined service over the newest hardware. The seat isn’t a closed suite, but the caviar service, excellent bedding and genuinely attentive crew make this one of the most charming ways to cross the Atlantic, especially while the A340-600 is still flying.

    How many miles do I need for Lufthansa A340-600 First Class?

    On most routes you’ll need from around 90,000 Miles & More miles one-way plus taxes and fees for a First Class ticket. Availability can be limited, especially from North America, so it’s worth checking multiple dates or considering an upgrade from Business Class when offers appear.

    What is the best seat in Lufthansa A340-600 First Class?

    Solo travellers usually prefer a window seat (1A or 2A / 1K or 2K) for privacy and views, while couples often choose the middle seats (1D/1G or 2D/2G) to sit together. I flew 1G, which offered a nice balance of openness and space in the centre of the cabin.

    What is the dining experience like in Lufthansa First Class?

    Expect a multi-course restaurant-style service starting with an amuse-bouche, champagne and Lufthansa’s signature
    caviar service. On my flight the starters and main course were flavourful and well paired with wines, followed by a classic cheese plate and dessert. Presentation is more understated than on some Middle Eastern carriers, but the quality is excellent.

    How does Lufthansa First Class compare to Qatar or other premium airlines?

    Compared to enclosed suites like Qatar Airways Qsuite or Emirates First, Lufthansa’s A340-600 First Class feels more open and traditional. You don’t get doors or an ultra-modern IFE system, but you do get a quieter cabin, superb bedding and one of the most polished crews I’ve flown with. It’s less “flashy luxury” and more quiet, European elegance.

    Have you flown Lufthansa’s A340-600 First Class? Let us know your thoughts in the comments – or follow along on Instagram @urbanescapestories for more behind-the-scenes travel moments.

  • Best Pizza in Frankfurt

    Best Pizza in Frankfurt

    Frankfurt’s pizza scene has grown incredibly over the last few years, and we’ve done the delicious work of finding the truly great spots. This is our personal, curated list of the best pizzerias in the city, from authentic Neapolitan mainstays to fantastic local gems.

    Pizza Montana

    Style: Authentic Neapolitan | Vibe: Lively & Casual | Best For: A quick, perfect pizza

    Montana remains one of our top recommendations and a true local favorite for authentic Neapolitan pizza. While they have a bustling location in Nordend, their spot in the vibrant Bahnhofsviertel is incredibly convenient. The atmosphere is lively, with both indoor and outdoor seating. Their pizzas are consistently excellent, featuring a soft, chewy crust and high-quality toppings. Don’t miss their homemade chili oil for an extra kick.

    Pro-Tip: Always check their ever-changing list of special pizzas—they’re usually creative and delicious. And for those with a sweet tooth, they even offer a sweet dessert pizza. The seating is modern and efficient, making it the perfect spot for a high-quality meal before heading out, rather than a long, lingering dinner.

    Rimini

    Style: Classic Italian | Vibe: Energetic & Fun | Best For: Huge pizzas and a lively atmosphere

    A legend from the neighboring city of Offenbach, Rimini has finally opened a location in the heart of Frankfurt, close to the iconic Dom (Cathedral). This place is always buzzing with energy. They are famous for their gigantic, classic Italian-style pizzas with a slightly thinner crust, which are perfect for sharing. In the summer, keep an eye out for their pop-up location, which brings their fantastic pizza to a relaxed, sunny spot by the river.

    Calma Chaos

    Style: Modern Italian | Vibe: Stylish & Relaxed | Best For: A sit-down pizza and pasta dinner

    If you’re in the Bahnhofsviertel but looking for a slightly more relaxed atmosphere than the typical quick-bite spots, Calma Chaos is an excellent choice. It’s a bit more of a stylish restaurant where you can comfortably sit down and enjoy a nice glass of wine with your meal. While their pizza is great, they also offer a selection of very good pasta dishes, making it the perfect compromise if you’re dining with someone who isn’t in the mood for pizza.

    Super Bro’s

    Style: Neapolitan | Vibe: Modern & Popular | Best For: Pizza Purists

    In any serious discussion about the best Neapolitan pizza in Frankfurt, Super Bro’s is always in the conversation. What sets them apart is their official AVPN certification (Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana), which means they adhere to the strict, traditional methods of pizza-making as dictated by Naples itself. For pizza purists, this is a very big deal. The result is a pizza that is consistently flawless, with a beautifully soft, airy crust and high-quality, simple toppings. The vibe in their Gallus location is modern and often busy, with the focus squarely on the incredible pizza.

    7Bello

    Style: Old-School Trattoria | Vibe: No-Frills & Authentic | Best For: The best value for money

    This is our secret tip if you are looking for amazing pizza that won’t break the bank. Tucked away in a quieter part of the city, 7Bello is a classic, family-run Italian spot that has been around for years. Don’t expect trendy decor or a fancy menu. What you get is honest, delicious, and generously sized pizza at a price that is hard to beat in Frankfurt. It’s a true local gem.

  • The Frankfurt Food Guide: Our Favorite Restaurants for Every Occasion

    The Frankfurt Food Guide: Our Favorite Restaurants for Every Occasion

    Welcome to our personal Frankfurt food guide! Frankfurt is often seen as a city of banking and skylines, but beyond the corporate hustle lies a surprisingly diverse and delicious food scene. As Frankfurt is our home base, we’ve spent years exploring its culinary landscape, from chic fine dining establishments to bustling, authentic eateries.

    This isn’t a list of every restaurant in the city. This is our personal, curated guide to the places we love and return to time and again. It’s a list for every mood and occasion, filled with our honest opinions and insider tips.

    For a Special Night Out

    These are our go-to spots for date nights, anniversaries, or when we just want an elegant and memorable meal.

    Lohninger

    Cuisine: Modern Austrian | Vibe: Intimate & Elegant | Location: Sachsenhausen | Price: €€€€

    Lohninger remains our favorite restaurant in the city at the moment. It perfectly balances a cozy, intimate atmosphere with impeccable, fine-dining quality food. The menu is a brilliant mix of modern creations and timeless Austrian classics. The Wiener Schnitzel here is, without a doubt, the best we’ve ever had. It’s an essential booking for any special occasion.Read our full, dedicated review of our experience at Lohninger here.

    Mon Amie Maxi

    Cuisine: French | Vibe: Romantic & Classic | Location: Westend | Price: €€€€

    As the name suggests, this is a classic French brasserie tucked away in the chic Westend neighborhood. The setting is intimate and romantic, with secluded booths perfect for a date night. We’ve been here on multiple occasions, and the food has always been amazing. For a truly special meal, the duck to share is an absolute must-try. It’s certainly a pricier restaurant, but for the quality and atmosphere, it’s definitely worth it.

    Franziska

    Cuisine: Modern German | Vibe: Breathtaking Views | Location: Sachsenhausen | Price: €€€€

    If you want to experience Frankfurt’s skyline from a unique angle, Franziska is the place. Located atop the Henninger Turm, it’s one of the only skyscrapers on the south side of the Main river, giving you a stunning, unobstructed view of the city’s financial district. The food is creative, but it’s important to note two things: you are paying a premium for the incredible location, and some tables can lack privacy due to the small space. Our tip: go in spring or autumn to watch the sunset during your dinner.


    For a Perfect, Casual Meal

    When you want guaranteed delicious food in a more relaxed setting, these are our top picks.

    Buffalo Steakhouse

    Cuisine: Steakhouse | Vibe: Cozy & Traditional | Location: Innenstadt | Price: €€€

    This is our favorite place in Frankfurt for a truly excellent steak. The restaurant is hidden away in a small alley near the famous Fressgass’ (eating street). The decor is cozy and traditional rather than trendy—the focus here is entirely on the quality of the food, and it delivers. Make sure to order their incredible garlic bread as a side. For bigger groups, you can even order a whole piece of meat to share.

    Pizza Montana

    Cuisine: Neapolitan Pizza | Vibe: Casual & Lively | Location: Bahnhofsviertel | Price: €

    Pizza Montana is our go-to for authentic, Neapolitan-style pizza. With two locations in the city, they serve up a perfectly soft, chewy crust and high-quality toppings. They always have a variety of creative, ever-changing special pizzas that are usually worth a try. A consistently great choice for a casual weeknight dinner.


    For an Authentic & Lively Experience

    These are the places we go when we’re craving bold, authentic flavors and a vibrant atmosphere. Comfort takes a backseat to incredible food.

    Babam

    Cuisine: Persian | Vibe: Busy & Authentic | Location: Bahnhofsviertel | Price: €€

    The Bahnhofsviertel (train station district) is one of Frankfurt’s best areas for diverse and authentic food, and Babam is a shining example. This is a simple, no-frills Persian restaurant that is always packed. People come here for one thing: the food. We love their tender lamb dishes. When you go, be sure to taste their homemade lemonade and don’t be shy with the sumac on your table—it’s a Persian spice with a wonderful lemony flavor that is perfect on grilled meat.

    Mosebach

    Cuisine: Traditional Frankfurt | Vibe: Rustic & Local | Location: Nordend-Ost | Price: €€

    You can’t write a Frankfurt food guide without mentioning at least one Apfelweinwirtschaft (apple wine tavern). Mosebach, located near the popular Berger Straße, is our favorite. This is where you go for the true local experience. I always eat the Schnitzel here, but if you want to go “full Frankfurt,” you must try something with Grüne Soße (Green Sauce), the city’s most famous dish. And of course, order your Apfelwein (apple cider) in a Bembel (a traditional stoneware jug) to share.

    Saravanaa Bhavan

    Cuisine: South Indian (Vegetarian) | Vibe: Simple & Quick | Location: Bahnhofsviertel | Price: €

    If you love South Indian food as much as I do, this is the place to try. It’s part of an international chain, but it’s famous for one thing: authentic dosas, which are thin, crispy crepes made from fermented batter, served with various fillings and sauces. They offer them in countless variations, and it’s a delicious and affordable meal.


    For a Great Night In

    GO by Steffen Henssler

    Cuisine: Sushi (Take-out) | Vibe: Restaurant-Quality at Home

    Our special tip for when you’re hungry for high-quality sushi but want to spend the night at home or in your hotel. The sushi from GO is phenomenal—it’s expensive for take-out, but it’s absolutely worth the price for the quality you receive. A perfect treat for a special night in.

    Final Thoughts on Our Frankfurt Food Guide

    We hope this Frankfurt food guide helps you discover some of the incredible food our city has to offer. This list is always evolving as we find new favorites, so be sure to check back!

  • 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)