Beyond the glass and steel of the banking district lies a city deeply rooted in culinary tradition. Frankfurt’s food scene is defined by rustic “cider houses,” bustling indoor markets, and a handful of local specialties that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
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If you want to eat like a true Frankfurter, here is your essential guide to the dishes and destinations that define the city’s flavor.
1. The “Big Three” Local Specialties
You cannot leave Frankfurt without trying this iconic trio. These dishes are the backbone of any traditional menu.
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Apfelwein (Cider): Locally known as Ebbelwei or Stöffche, this tart, refreshing apple wine is Frankfurt’s signature drink. It’s traditionally served in a blue-grey stoneware jug called a Bembel and poured into a diamond-patterned glass called a Geripptes.
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Pro Tip: If it’s too tart, ask for a Sauergespritzter (mixed with sparkling water).
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Frankfurter Grüne Soße (Green Sauce): A cold, vibrant sauce made from exactly seven herbs (borage, chervil, cress, parsley, burnet, sorrel, and chives). It’s typically served with hard-boiled eggs and boiled potatoes, or alongside a Frankfurter Schnitzel.
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Handkäse mit Musik: A small, translucent sour-milk cheese marinated in oil, vinegar, and onions (the “music”).
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The Etiquette: Traditionally, you don’t use a fork for the cheese. You slice off a piece, place it on buttered dark bread, and use your knife to push the onions on top.
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2. Where to Eat: The Best Cider Houses
The heart of Frankfurt’s traditional dining is in Sachsenhausen, specifically the “Old Sachsenhausen” district south of the river. Look for the green pine wreaths hanging above the doors—a sign that the establishment presses its own cider.
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| Restaurant | Why Go There? |
| Apfelwein Wagner | Perhaps the most famous cider house in the city. It’s loud, busy, and wonderfully authentic. Their Green Sauce is legendary. |
| Zum Gemalten Haus | Right down the street from Wagner, this tavern is famous for its beautiful murals and classic communal wooden tables. |
| Atschel | Founded in 1849, this is one of the oldest spots in town. It offers a cozy, slightly more intimate atmosphere than the massive beer halls. |
| Apfelwein Solzer | Located in the Bornheim neighborhood (on the “Berger Straße”), this is a local favorite away from the main tourist trail. |
3. Market Culture: The Kleinmarkthalle
For a condensed tour of Frankfurt’s culinary world, head to the Kleinmarkthalle. This legendary indoor market is home to over 150 stalls selling everything from local produce to international delicacies.
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The “Must-Do”: Join the queue at Metzgerei Schreiber for their famous Frankfurter Fleischwurst. It’s a local rite of passage to grab a hot link and eat it on the spot.
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The Wine Terrace: Head upstairs to the terrace on the second level. It’s a popular meeting spot where locals enjoy a glass of regional Riesling or Apfelwein while overlooking the market bustle.
4. Something Sweet: The Frankfurt Crown Cake
To finish your culinary tour, track down a slice of Frankfurter Kranz (Frankfurt Crown Cake). This ring-shaped sponge cake is layered with buttercream and jam, then coated in “Krokant” (caramelized nut pieces). It was created in 1735 to resemble the golden crowns of the Holy Roman Emperors, who were crowned in the city.
Note on Dining: Many traditional cider houses are cash only or require a minimum spend for cards. It’s always a good idea to have some Euros on hand before you sit down for your Bembel!