A Delicious Guide for Food-Loving Travelers 🍽️
Craving something tasty while exploring Hamburg? You’re in the right spot. If you’re staying at the MEININGER Hotel Hamburg City Center, you’re just steps away from Altona and Ottensen—two buzzing neighborhoods brimming with cozy cafés, cult eateries, and hidden food gems.
From hearty German comfort food and fresh seafood to international flavors and sweet treats, here’s where to grab the best bites in Hamburg-Altona. Get ready to eat your way through the city!
Whether you’re looking for good coffee, hearty grub or unique dining experiences
this food guide around Hamburg Altona has you covered
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☕ Knuth
Best for: Breakfast, Coffee, Cake & Chill
Knuth is a neighborhood favorite — and for good reason. Locals say it serves the best coffee in Ottensen (some even argue in all of Hamburg!). It’s buzzing early in the morning with laptop warriors, parents catching up, and regulars reading the paper.
Come hungry: Knuth’s known for its satisfying breakfasts, creamy soups, and homemade cakes. The tiled corner café gives off chill vibes, making it perfect for long chats or solo people-watching with a flat white in hand.
www.dasknuth.com
Große Rainstraße 21
22765 Hamburg
🍷 Klippkroog
Best for: Rustic Dining, Regional Ingredients
“Moin” is the very first word the guest reads by looking at the menu – and in consequence learns everything important about Klippkroog and owner Anna: conscious handling of products, all regional, prepared with love. This stylish, rustic restaurant is a bit off the beaten track around Ottenser Hautptstraße on the other side of Bahnhof Altona. On your plate you will find delicious cream soups, roast beef and rosemary risotto – cooked in the open kitchen. Thanks to a large table Klippkroog is also a great place for larger groups.
www.klippkroog.de
Große Bergstraße 255
22767 Hamburg
🇮🇹 Cuneo
Best for: Iconic Italian Flavors with History
This one’s iconic. Cuneo opened in 1905 and was Hamburg’s first Italian restaurant — and it’s still going strong. You’ll find it on a side street just off the Reeperbahn, tucked inside a cozy, wood-paneled space that fills up quickly.
Tip: Book ahead. This isn’t your average pizza joint. Cuneo serves elegant Italian dishes like fresh pasta, fish, and meat options — all full of flavor and tradition.
www.cuneo1905.de
Davidstraße 11
20359 Hamburg
🥘 Eisenstein
Best for: Pizzas, Pasta & Industrial Vibes
Located inside a former factory building in the historic Zeisehallen complex, Eisenstein is a must-visit for fans of laid-back vibes and great food. It’s the perfect mix of industrial cool and warm hospitality.
What’s on the menu? Thin, crispy pizzas fresh from the stone oven, creative seasonal dishes, and classics like schnitzel and pasta. It’s spacious, stylish, and ideal for dinner with friends or brunch after a slow morning.
www.eisenstein-restaurant.de
Friedensallee 9
22765 Hamburg
🐟 Fischbeisl
Best for: North German seafood & Elbe views
Just a short walk from Altona’s Fischmarkt, Fischbeisl is a cozy spot loved for its fresh seafood and relaxed atmosphere. Located right by the harbor, it’s perfect for watching ships roll by as you dig into a plate of pan-fried plaice, Matjes (pickled herring), or fish soup with crusty bread. Expect honest, regional cooking and friendly service.
📍 St. Pauli Fischmarkt 11, 20359 Hamburg
www.fischbeisl.de (yes, it’s a very old-school website!)
☕ Café Mikkels
Best for: Sweet treats, cozy vibes & weekend brunch
Looking for that perfect mix of Scandinavian simplicity and delicious baked goods? Mikkels is a charming little café in Ottensen known for homemade cakes, scones, and an inviting, hygge-style interior. Their brunch is light but satisfying, and everything feels thoughtfully prepared. A favorite for locals looking to chill with a book or catch up with friends.
📍 Erik-Blumenfeld-Platz 27, 22587 Hamburg
📷 @cafe_mikkels
🌯 Kimchi Guys
Best for: Korean Comfort Food & Street-Style Bites
Craving something spicy and exciting? Kimchi Guys delivers with crispy Korean fried chicken, hearty bibimbap, and zingy kimchi fries. It’s fast, flavorful, and perfect for a casual lunch or late-night bite.
📍 Große Rainstraße 24, 22765 Hamburg
www.kimchiguys.de
🍕 Jill – Pizza in Ottensen
Best for: Neapolitan-Style Pizza Lovers
Jill serves pizzas with that perfect balance of chewy crust and slightly charred edges. Toppings include burrata, spicy salami, and seasonal vegetables. The space is cozy but cool—just like their menu.
📍 Friedensallee 9, 22765 Hamburg
www.jill.hamburg
🍻 Need a nightcap?
End your evening at Altes Mädchen, a stylish craft beer hall not far from the hotel. With over 60 beers on tap and a rotating menu of bar snacks, it’s the perfect spot to wind down after your culinary crawl.
📍 Lagerstraße 28B, 20357 Hamburg
www.altes-maedchen.com
Summin’ up…
Altona and Ottensen are full of personality—and flavor. Whether you’re looking for a local coffee joint, a fine Italian dinner, or quick bites from around the globe, you’ll find your next favorite spot just around the corner.
So, go ahead—eat like a local and explore Hamburg one bite at a time. 🍽️
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🛏️ Where to stay close to the action
Want to try all of them?
Make MEININGER Hotel Hamburg City Center your home base — we’re right in the center of the action,
close to Altona station, with cozy rooms and a guest kitchen for late-night leftovers.
Address: Goetheallee 11, 22765 Hamburg, Germany
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Best Food in Hamburg: FAQs
What’s the best time to visit Knuth or Klippkroog?
Mornings at Knuth are super lively — go early if you want a quiet seat. Klippkroog is perfect for lunch or dinner, especially if you want a relaxed meal with regional flair.
Do these restaurants offer vegetarian options?
Yes! All spots mentioned offer vegetarian choices, with Klippkroog and Eisenstein being especially veggie-friendly.
Is it better to book a table in advance?
Definitely. Cuneo gets packed fast, even during the week. For the others, weekends and evenings are busiest, so reserving a spot is smart.
Can I visit these places if I’m traveling solo?
Absolutely. Hamburg’s food scene is super welcoming. Grab a book, sit by the window, and enjoy your meal — solo dining is totally a thing here.
Where should I stay to explore Altona’s food scene?
The MEININGER Hotel Hamburg City Center puts you just minutes from all these culinary hotspots. Plus, you’ve got easy access to public transport and our guest kitchen for a quick snack anytime.
