Heidelberg Restaurants

Heidelberg has a vast array of restaurants, cafes, and fast food establishments. No matter where you go it's reasonably certain you'll find something great. For those who want some ideas to help sort through the options, here are a few of my favorites.

Zum Weißen Schwan - A great place for German cuisine, also known as the Beer Museum because of its 101 different beers. Their menu is translated into at least 6 languages, and has a good variety of different foods, including some nice vegetarian options. It's also conveniently located right on the Hauptstrasse in the center of town, less than a block from my apartment. ;-)

Kulturbrauerei - Traditional German cuisine with an on-site brewery. They offer menues in English or in German, and have the best Apfelshorle ("apple sholah") in Germany, in my opinion. One note of caution: Bring cash, as they DO NOT accept credit cards.

Vetter's - Another traditional German restaurant. This one is classic German, meaning little in the way of variety... there's 1/2 pig, or whole pig, there's a sausage plate, and various other meat dishes. They're known for great beer, and having one of the strongest beers in the world (Vetter 33), which is 33% alcohol. They're nicely located between the Alte Brücke and the Heiliggeist Cathedral.

Grey Stones - A great restaurant when you're in the mood for lighter fare. They have great breakfasts, appetizers, variety of sandwiches, pasta dishes, salads, a couple Indian dishes, a few classic German dishes, deserts, and cocktails. In four years I don't think I've ever had the same thing twice and I've never been disappointed. Great for vegetarians and everyone else. It's right across from Vetter's between the Alte Brücke and the Heiliggeist Cathedral. It's a modern feel with an Andy Warhol theme. Oh, they've also got free WIFI!

Cafe Journal - French styled cafe on the Hauptstrasse, so named because you can find over 40 international newspapers and magazines to peruse as you eat. Aside from various coffees, teas, and other cafe drinks, they have a fairly large menu including good salads, some local German specialities, and a number of pasta dishes. Also serves a great breakfast!

Supan's Thai Bistro - A nice Thai restaurant popular with the local University students because of the large portions for relatively low prices. It sets up tables under the trees in University square, which makes it a great spot for an afternoon of people watching.

Havana - I guess this is Cuban cuisine, but the menu is vast. There are all sorts of Pizzas and other options, but they're known for their "Rollos" which are similar in concept to a baked burrito, but the ingredient possibilities are endless. Don't think beef or refried beans, it could be anything wrapped in a tortilla, sprinkled with cheese and baked. The one I often get has chicken, apple, pineapple, and a spicy, curry sauce. This is also one of the few places in Germany that actually serves frozen drinks. There's a number of alcohol and non-alcohol cocktails and frozen drinks.

Hemingway's - Good pub food and German pizzas (called Flammkuchen). Nice beer garden next to the river, open later in the season due to outdoor heaters.

Cafe Rossi - A little further away, in Bismarkplatz (by the end of the Hauptstrasse away from the Castle). They have plenty of seating and a wide choice of international cuisine. The menu changes on a weekly basis and is typically comprised of seasonal specialties with a few staples. They also offer an interesting array of fresh juices and vitamin drinks.