Lunchtime in HafenCity

HafenCity – Hamburg’s youngest district – is full of exciting new buildings by well-known architects, shops, restaurants, and cafés. Here are 12 tips for the perfect lunch in HafenCity.

Those who work in HafenCity – or simply exploring the new district – will find a wide variety of restaurants offering many different flavors to spice up their lunch breaks. Our insiders’ guide provides you with plenty of inspiration to savor HafenCity’s culinary side. If you want to start your lunch break a little bit earlier, why not take a look at the recommendations in our recently published breakfast guide?

Andronaco

Italian cuisine is so much more than pasta and pizza – and classic Italian dishes are always a great choice for a tasty lunch. Take Andronaco, for example. The restaurant in the middle of the HafenCity scenery offers outdoor seating as well as a spacious interior. The Speicherstadt, Hamburg’s second most beautiful panorama, can be admired in front of the restaurant.

Andronaco is always busy at lunchtime and toward early evening. The staff give prompt service, and it’s so convenient to be able to place your order at the cash desk and then pick it up as soon as the beeper you’ve been given goes off. If you want to cook some Italian food again later in the evening, you’ll find all the ingredients you need in the accompanying store.

There is a wide selection of antipasti, salads and appetizers at Andronaco, in addition to traditional and novel pasta dishes, and fresh pizza from the stone oven. Those with a sweet tooth can enjoy Italian desserts like tiramisu and, in summer, some homemade ice cream.

Tripadvisor: 3.5

Am Sandtorkai 44
20457 Hamburg
phone: +49 40 76794390

andronaco.info

weekdays: 10:00 am – 20:00 pm

Rudolph’s

If you happen to run a restaurant right at the entrance to HafenCity, not far from the German magazine Spiegel publishing house, you should offer something good purely out of self-interest. At Rudolph’s, guests really do eat in a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere – the view of the water certainly plays its part too. The furnishings in the spacious room are pleasantly matter-of-fact and modern; the overall style is relaxed. In summer, a long outdoor terrace and a spacious backyard offer a refreshing atmosphere.

At lunchtime, of course, things can get a bit busy. Much of the food is traditional and home-cooked, so some dishes take a little longer. The menu isn’t cluttered, which suggests sensible kitchen planning. Pasta, Italian fish and meat dishes are served, along with a small selection of appetizers and desserts. All the quality dishes are full of freshness. And people with gluten intolerance are catered for too – you can get gluten-free pizzas that taste like real pizza as well as non-allergenic brownies for dessert.

Google rating: 4.4
Tripadvisor: 4

Poggenmühle 5
20457 Hamburg
phone: +49 40 182 977 89

https://www.rudolphs-hamburg.de/

Tue – Thu: 12:00 noon – 22:30 pm
Fri: 12:00 noon – 23:00 pm
Sat: 13:30 pm – 23:00 pm

Coca-Cola index: 0.3: €3,70

Markthalle HafenCity

Markthalle in HafenCity is a very popular place for residents, businesspeople from the surrounding offices and tourists alike because of its perfectly central location in the Speicherstadt. It is only a few minutes away from the Miniatur Wunderland and the Elbphilharmonie. On top of that, you get a wonderful view of the Brooksfleet from the Kibbelsteg which is right in front of you.

The Markthalle’s entrance is a bit hidden. Once in, you can choose between several small restaurant islands that are perfect for a quick lunch: La Bella offers pasta and pizza as well as Anatolian specialties. At Momo, Asian and European cuisine is combined into light meals. There’s also Lee’s Sushi Bar, the Flamm’Hus for tarte flambée, an Indian stand, and an American F-Burger, which offers US patty melt sandwich burgers – connoisseurs love this dish.

The atmosphere is lively in keeping with the market hall. It’s quite busy, especially at lunchtime, because tourists also like to mingle with businesspeople and employees of the surrounding offices. Nevertheless, you still should be able to find a seat.

Google rating: 4
Tripadvisor: 4

Am Sandtorkai 23/24
20457 Hamburg

https://www.info-inside.de/hamburg/markthalle/

weekdays: 10:00 am – 18:00 pm
weekend: 11:00 am – 16:00 pm

Feinkost HafenCity

If you like German cuisine with a regional touch, you’ll find it at Feinkost HafenCity in the middle of this lively district. Vasco da Gama Square is just around the corner, and the Elbphilharmonie concert hall is less than 200 meters away. The beautifully designed rooms are not very large, but in summer you can sit on the outdoor terrace – where guests also benefit from a perfect location with the traditional ship harbor right on the doorstep.

Feinkost HafenCity offers freshly cooked dishes every day. Home cooking and regional dishes come at affordable prices here. Because of the limited space, it can happen that some dishes are soon sold out. On the other hand, the service is speedy – perfect for a lunch break.

Good to know: for an extra euro you can get a larger portion. If you’re in a hurry, have a homemade fish sandwich. And if you want to stay a little longer, you can extend to coffee, cappuccino and cake – all of which have an excellent reputation too.

Google rating: 4.5
Tripadvisor: 4.5

Am Kaiserkai 27
20457 Hamburg
phone: +49 40 36 122 587

https://feinkosthafencity.de/

Mon – Fri: 11:30 am – 16:00 pm
Sat: 09:00 am – 18:00 pm

Coca-Cola index: 0.3: €3,80

Carls Brasserie

It’s easy to find a restaurant in HafenCity that has the advantage of a water view, but CARLS Brasserie is in a prime location: opposite the Elbphilharmonie concert hall, with a beautiful view of the harbor. The bright, modern-designed rooms have a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere. The outdoor terrace also treats you to a wonderful panoramic view over the Norderelbe.

CARLS at Kaiserkai has three different gastronomic areas – including lunch. CARLS Brasserie not only offers beer (brasserie is the French word for brewery), but a rather extensive wine list and, of course, classic French cuisine. Boeuf bourguignon, steak tartar, and bouillabaisse are all popular. CARLS Bistro serves smaller and quicker dishes such as tartines – as the various sandwiches are called – and bowls with regional vegetables. CARLS Wine Bar also offers smaller dishes, but here it’s all about the cheese selection, classic croque monsieur or Hanseatic fish&chips accompanying a good wine.

Google rating: 4.2
Tripadvisor: 4

Am Kaiserkai 69
20457 Hamburg
phone: +49 40 300322400

https://carls-brasserie.de/

Brasserie
daily 12:00 noon – 15:00 pm, 16:30 pm – 23:00 pm

Bistro
daily 12:00 noon – 23:00 pm

Wine bar
Wed – Sun: 13:00 pm – 21:00 pm

Coca-Cola index: 0.2: €4,90

Fleetschlösschen

Even from a distance, the Fleetschlösschen catches your eye in the Speicherstadt, which is hardly lacking in attractions. The historic little house directly on the water seems to have fallen out of time. Customs officials used to register goods for the Speicherstadt there, and even Kaiser Wilhelm II visited. Today, the motto in the Fleetschlösschen is “klein aber fein” – small but fine – which perfectly describes the 34-seat restaurant. So it’s worth making a reservation. When the weather is nice, you can sit on the outdoor terrace.

Those who fear expensive haute cuisine can rest assured – the menu is easy to grasp and offers good and simple fish dishes at reasonable prices. The lunch menu focuses on maritime classics such as fish soup, labskaus (a stew made of beef and potatoes), salmon fillet with fried potatoes and mustard sauce, fried fish, and fish cakes. Delicious desserts round off the meal.

Google rating: 4.6
Tripadvisor: 4.5

Brooktorkai 17
20457 Hamburg
phone: +49 40 30393210

https://fleetschloesschen.de/

Mon – Sun: 10:30 am – 22:30 pm

Coca-Cola index: 0.3: €3,40

Oberhafen-Kantine

You will have to walk a few hundred meters if you want to go to the Oberhafen-Kantine. But it’s well worth it because this little restaurant is a real insider’s tip. The cozy-looking building nestles under the Oberhafen rail bridge, which connects Hammerbrook with HafenCity. In the past, the restaurant was a canteen for dockworkers. Today, employees of the offices in HafenCity like to dine there and a few tourists sometimes find their way here too. The down-to-earth ambience is still part of the Oberhafen-Kantine to this day.

The menu offers a variety of typical Hamburg dishes, such as pan-fried fish, kale – of course – and more substantial ‘raclette burgers’ with melted cheese; or simply meatballs, with a side salad if desired. In addition, there are homemade products such as mustard or lemonade syrup, which can be enjoyed here or at home.

Good to know: because the Oberhafen canteen only offers a manageable number of seats, it is always a good idea to reserve in advance. Especially if you want to eat with several people.

Google rating: 4.5
Tripadvisor: 4

Stockmeyerstrasse 39
20457 Hamburg
phone: +49 40 32 80 99 84

https://oberhafenkantine-hamburg.de

Mon – Thu: on request
Wed – Sat: 12:00 noon – 22:00 pm
Sun: 12:00 noon – 17:30 pm

Coca Cola index: 0.2: 2,90€

Green Lovers

Sometimes the craving for a little green is overpowering, even when it comes to food. Green Lovers is an excellent place to treat yourself to something healthy. The simple but cozy decor creates a nice atmosphere, and the view of HafenCity is always a plus. Green Lovers is centrally located at the western end of HafenCity, so it’s also within easy walking distance of the surrounding offices.

Behind Green Lovers is a gastronomic concept that places particular emphasis on fresh and healthy products. The salads alone offer a wide choice of 30 delicious ingredients. In addition, there are fresh soups, curries, snack variations for vegetarians, paninis, and much more. Colorful vitamin bombs such as freshly squeezed juices and smoothies help to healthily survive the capricious weather.

It is usually quite busy around lunchtime. But many visitors have praised the fact that the team behind the counter is always friendly and relaxed.

Google rating: 4.2
Tripadvisor: 4.0

Am Kaiserkai 65
20457 Hamburg
phone: +49 40 69 27 93 64

https://greenlovers.de/

Mon – Fri: 11:30 am – 3:00 pm

Coca-Cola index: 0.2: €2,70

Neni

Levantine cuisine is trendy. The dishes inspired by Middle East recipe books offer a wide range of delicacies that are perfect for your lunch break – whether you are part of the office people crowd, the vegetarians, vegans, or those with a gluten intolerance. Mezze, salads, sandwiches, and shakshuka are now part of everyday life in HafenCity.

Neni certainly makes sure of that. The restaurant is right in the middle of the bustling neighborhood on Osakaallee. A snug location with a lot of style has been created there in the old rooms of the Altes Hafenamt, the former port authority offices. Neni serves Middle Eastern delicacies, mostly with delicious humus. In addition, all kinds of falafel, babaganoush, homemade Labane cream cheese and shakshuka – a typical pan dish of tomato ragout and eggs – represents the entire region gathering peacefully at one table. For those who like something more substantial, there are pulled beef burgers and rib-eye steaks as well as other meat dishes.

Google rating: 4.5
Tripadvisor: 4.0

Osakaallee 12
20457 Hamburg
phone: +49 40 555575442

https://www.nenihamburg.de/

Mon – Fri: 6:30 am – 23:00 pm
weekend: 7:00 am – 23:00 pm

Coca-Cola index: 0.2: €3,50

Sala Thai

Thai cuisine is incredibly diverse: exotic spices and herbs give the meals a very special taste. Thai cuisine combines influences from China, India and Europe, and it is wholesome and popular in Hamburg as a lunch break option.

Sala Thai is a very nice restaurant in the middle of the western HafenCity with a great view: Grasbrook- and Sandtorhafen as well as the Marco Polo Tower are in front of the restaurant. With its low tables in the wood-paneled dining room or on the terrace, Sala Thai is an excellent meeting place for lovers of Thai cuisine.

The lunch menu is slightly less expensive than the evening menu and includes dishes that are particularly suitable for a short (or longer) lunch break including a selection of soups, classic curries, and meat dishes. There is an extra menu for vegetarians.

The menu comes with the added advantage that those spicier dishes which might irritate the Hamburg palate a little too much are specially marked.

Google rating: 4.2
Tripadvisor: 4.0

Am Kaiserkai 1
20457 Hamburg
phone: +49 40 323909

http://www.salathai.de/

daily: 12:00 noon – 23:00 pm

dean&david

If you want to keep up with the latest Hamburg style and eat healthy green food at lunchtime with a view of the Fleet and Speicherstadt, you can find whatever your heart desires at Dean&David in the center of HafenCity. The restaurant near the Überseeboulevard shopping center creates a nice ambience with its sleek modern furnishings. There is also an outdoor terrace where you can relax and watch the hustle and bustle of the world passing by.

The idea behind Dean&David is to offer top-notch dishes made from healthy food, high-quality ingredients and sustainable production. That means there is an abundance of salads, bowls, curries, smoothies, and more.

Dean&David make it a point to hand-prepare their food. This means that some dishes take a little longer, but the serving staff are surprisingly quick. Perfect for a short lunch break without a soup overdose.

Google rating: 4.1
Tripadvisor: 4

Osaka Avenue 2
20457 Hamburg
phone: +49 40 40185852

https://deananddavid.com/ueberseeboulevard-hamburg/

Mon – Fri: 08:00 am – 20:00 pm
weekend: 11:00am – 8:00 pm

Coca-Cola index: 0.25: €3,40

Goa HafenCity

Goa in HafenCity is the perfect place for a culinary trip to India. The subcontinent offers an enormous selection of delicious dishes. Since the spice blends, hot sauces and regional delicacies are so varied, hardly any Indian restaurant resembles another. In addition, vegetable ingredients play a prominent role in Indian cuisine, making the dishes an excellent choice for vegetarians.

Goa in Großer Grasbrook is well laid out, with a fresh and modern ambience. The restaurant offers a manageable selection, which is perfectly sufficient for lunch. In addition to classic Indian street food dishes such as pakoras or samosa dumplings, there are various curries and tandoori dishes. Many traditional Indian recipes are harmoniously combined with European ingredients, such as naan bread with burrata and tandoori sauce or chicken tikka with truffle.

Google rating: 4.7
Tripadvisor: 4.5

Großer Grasbrook 9
20457 Hamburg

https://www.goahafencity.de/

daily: 12:00 noon – 21:30 pm

Coca-Cola index: 0,3: €3,90