Adolf Wagner

Established in 1931, Apfelwein Wagner is a cornerstone of Frankfurt's apple wine culture. This family-run tavern in Sachsenhausen has wooden benches, rustic charm, and a lively, communal atmosphere. The menu serves hearty German fare like schnitzel, pork knuckle, and the famous Frankfurter Grüne Soße. The 'Frankfurt platter' is perfect for sharing, with grilled meats, sausages, sauerkraut, and potatoes. But the real star is the home-made Apfelwein, served in traditional blue-and-white Bembel jugs .

• Web:

  www.apfelwein-wagner.com

• E-mail:

  info@apfelwein-wagner.com

• Address:

  Schweizer Straße 71, Frankfurt

• Phone:

  +49 69 612565

• Opening hours:

  Daily 11am–midnight

Dauth Schneider

This traditional apple wine tavern in Alt-Sachsenhausen has been a local meeting spot since 1850, serving Frankfurt specialities such as pork knuckle, ribs, schnitzels, and seasonal dishes alongside its house apple wine. Inside, it’s cosy and lively; outside, the cobbled square fills up quickly, especially on warm evenings.

• Web:

  www.dauth-schneider.de

• Address:

  Neuer Wall 5-7, Klappergasse 39, Frankfurt

• Phone:

  +49 69 613533

• Opening hours:

  Daily 11:30am–midnight

Erno's Bistro

Tucked away in Frankfurt's Westend-Süd, Erno's Bistro offers a refined yet unpretentious dining experience. Under the guidance of owner Eric Huber and chef Valéry Mathis, the restaurant has maintained its Michelin star for over two decades. The menu showcases modern French cuisine with Mediterranean influences, featuring dishes like foie gras, steak tartare, and seasonal specialties. The intimate, wood-paneled interior exudes classic bistro charm, complemented by an extensive wine list emphasizing French selections.

• Web:

  https://ernosbistro.de

• Address:

  Liebigstraße 15, Frankfurt

• Phone:

  +49 69 721997

Heroes Premium Burgers

A cult favourite in Frankfurt’s Nordend-Ost, Heroes has been flipping 100% housemade burgers since 2011. The menu is a playground for burger lovers, featuring inventive creations like the 'Moonshiner'(beef patty, bacon, whiskey BBQ sauce) and the 'Dirty Pain' (beef patty, spicy sauce, jalapeños). Vegetarians and vegans are well-catered for with options like the 'Heroes-Vatty' (pea protein patty) and Beyond Meat alternatives. The interior is decked out in comic book artwork, and in summer, the outdoor seating is perfect for people-watching along the bustling Berger Straße.

• Web:

  www.heroes-burgers.de

• Address:

  Leibnizstraße 13, Frankfurt

• Phone:

  +49 69 84773735

• Opening hours:

  Daily noon–10pm

Im Herzen Afrikas

Im Herzen Afrikas is a popular Eritrean-East African restaurant, serving bold flavours, shared platters, and plenty of character. Their mixed platters arrive with injera, a spongy sourdough flatbread used instead of cutlery, along with stews like Dorho (spicy chicken), Zigni Begie (lamb in hot sauce), and vegetable sides such as spinach or lentils. The interior is beautifully decorated with cosy corners (there is even a hut), warm lighting, and original African design elements, all accompanied by pleasant background music. Prices are fair for the generous portions. It gets busy in the evenings, so booking ahead is recommended.

• Web:

  www.imherzenafrikas-frankfurt.de

• E-mail:

  reservierung@imherzenafrikas-frankfurt.de

• Address:

  Gutleutstraße 13, Frankfurt

• Phone:

  +49 69 24246080

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Thu 4pm–11pm, Fri & Sat 1pm–11pm, Sun closed

Iwase

If you're craving Japanese food during your stay in Frankfurt, head to Iwase. This intimate spot is a favourite among locals and visitors alike, offering authentic Japanese cuisine in a setting that feels like a cosy izakaya. The menu features fresh sushi, sashimi, tempura, and udon, among others, all prepared with care and attention to detail.

• Address:

  Vilbeler Straße 31, Frankfurt

• Phone:

  +49 69 283992

Bar Helium Frankfurt

Bar Helium is a colourful and quirky bar, where monkeys hang from the ceiling, playful lighting, and a mix of fun furnishings set the tone for a memorable night out. The drinks menu ranges from creative cocktails to a solid selection of beers, paired with deli-style snacks. On cooler evenings, the heated terrace is perfect for hanging out with friends.

• Web:

  www.helium-ffm.de

• Address:

  Bleidenstraße 7, Frankfurt

Batschkapp

Batschkapp, named after the local dialect word for a flat cap, is a staple of Frankfurt’s live music scene. The venue hosts everything from rock and pop shows to indie acts, themed parties, and special events. Be sure to check their website for upcoming concerts and events.

• Web:

  https://batschkapp.net

• Address:

  Gwinnerstraße 5, Frankfurt

• Phone:

  +49 69 95218410

Club Voltaire

Club Voltaire is a longstanding cultural venue in Frankfurt, where locals gather for readings, talks, and occasional live music performances. The space feels lived-in and cosy, with mismatched chairs and a low-key bar serving beers, wines, spirits, and soft drinks at reasonable prices. It's a place where locals and visitors alike can engage with Frankfurt's artsy side.

• Web:

  www.club-voltaire.de

• Address:

  Kleine Hochstraße 5, Frankfurt

• Phone:

  +49 69 292408

Elfer

Elfer is a compact music club in Frankfurt for fans of rock, metal, techno, and indie. The line-up mixes live bands and DJ sets, with plenty of space to grab a beer and hit the dance floor. The venue has a laid-back, slightly gritty feel, complete with a small bar and some old-school arcade games.

• Web:

  https://elferclub.de/#home

• Address:

  Kleine Rittergasse 14-20, Frankfurt

Eschenheimer Turm

Set inside the historic 15th-century Eschenheimer Turm, this bar and restaurant serves a variety of dishes from burgers to hot stone plates, along with a full selection of drinks. Inside, the lounge by the fireplace is cosy, while the outdoor seating lets you soak up the city atmosphere. For something completely unexpected, the restrooms are perched at the very top of the tower — a quirky twist to the experience.

• Web:

  www.eschenheimer.de

• Address:

  Eschenheimer Tor 1, Frankfurt

• Phone:

  +49 69 292244

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Thu noon–1am, Fri & Sat noon–3am

Jazzkeller

Jazzkeller sits in the heart of Frankfurt and has been hosting top jazz musicians since 1952. The club has a cosy, intimate vibe, with a slightly old-school, speakeasy feel. Live music is on most nights, so be sure to check their calendar while you're in town.

• Web:

  www.jazzkeller.com

• Address:

  Kleine Bockenheimer Straße 18a, Frankfurt

Bitter & Zart Chocolaterie

Stepping into Bitter & Zart feels like slipping back into the 1920s, with its vintage furniture, sparkling chandeliers, and pastel tones that set a nostalgic mood. The air is rich with the scent of cocoa and roasted nuts, and the café is known for its creamy hot chocolate, delicate pralines, and handmade truffles. Enjoy coffee or tea amid the art deco charm, then browse the adjoining shop for beautifully wrapped sweets and gifts to take home.

• Web:

  https://bitterundzart.de

• Address:

  Braubachstraße 14, Frankfurt

• Phone:

  +49 69 94942846

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 10am–6pm, Sat 10am–4pm, Sun closed

Café Mozart

Founded in 1915, Café Mozart is a classic Frankfurt institution just off the busy Zeil shopping street. Its interior feels timeless, with red booths, armchairs, and the hum of quiet conversation. The menu runs from breakfast through lunch, but the real draw is the homemade cakes and tarts: try the Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest cherry cake), the Schweizer Nußtorte, or the Frankfurter Krokantkranz with its nutty crunch.

• Address:

  Töngesgasse 23, Frankfurt

• Phone:

  +49 69 291954

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 9am–8pm, Sun 10am–7pm

Coffee Fellows

Coffee Fellows is a well-known German café chain built around the idea of feeling at home, with several locations across Frankfurt. The branch on Kaiserstraße offers a quiet spot in the middle of the city buzz, perfect for a relaxed coffee break or a light lunch. Inside, the smell of freshly brewed coffee, cookies, and chocolate greets you as you walk in, and there’s a good mix of comfy seating, friendly service, and familiar classics like bagels, cakes, and speciality coffees.

• Web:

  www.coffee-fellows.com/locations/frankfurt-kaiserstrasse

• Address:

  Kaiserstraße 14, Frankfurt

• Phone:

  +49 69 21089787

Mainkai Café

Mainkai Café is a relaxed café with a terrace overlooking the Main River. It’s popular spot for breakfast and weekend brunch, serving generous plates of eggs, pancakes, and fresh fruit alongside good coffee and fresh juices.

• Web:

  www.mainkaicafe.de

• Address:

  Mainkai 15, Frankfurt

• Phone:

  +49 69 26097565

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–9pm

The Holy Cross Brewing Society

The Holy Cross Brewing Society is a family-owned specialty coffee shop in Frankfurt's Old Town offering a rotating selection from various esteemed roasters. Patrons can enjoy expertly brewed espresso drinks, filter coffee, and cold brew in a minimalist, industrial-chic setting. In addition to its coffee offerings, the café provides a selection of homemade pastries and light bites.

• Web:

  https://theholycross.de

• Address:

  Fahrgasse 7, Frankfurt

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 9am–6pm, Sat & Sun 10am–6pm

Wacker's Kaffee

Wacker’s Kaffee has been roasting its own beans and serving coffee in Frankfurt since 1914, staying true to its artisanal roots and family-run charm. The flagship café on Kornmarkt is small and rustic, and regulars don’t mind queuing — the coffee’s that good. There are now a few branches across the city, including one on Grüneburgweg in the Westend and another on Schweizer Straße in Sachsenhausen. Each keeps the same warm, unfussy atmosphere, freshly baked pastries, and a strong focus on fair-trade, slow-roasted beans.

• Web:

  https://wackers-kaffee.com

• Address:

  Kornmarkt 9, Frankfurt

• Phone:

  +49 69 287810

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 8am–6pm, Sun closed