German cuisine is heavily influenced by its neighbouring countries and varies from region to region. Germany has adopted classic dishes from other countries, such as raclette from Switzerland and the ever popular schnitzel from Austria.
The food and drink is often stereotyped for just being about sausages and beer, and while that is an integral (and delicious) part of it, there is so much more to German food. London has plenty of great German restaurants to offer to punters looking for something a bit different from the usual on the foodie scene. The German London food scene is often underrated, and we’re here to show you what you’ve been missing out on. German food is hearty and warming; you can feast on the likes of wurst, schnitzel, spätzle, and more, and round off your meal with a strong lager, and a happy helping of apfelstrudel.
Meat, potatoes, noodles, and dumplings are all very common components of a typical German meal and are served up in a variety of ways. Of course, the wurst – ranging from vegan to bock, has many loyal fans too. The best of the wurst is often disputed, as there are many variations – brat, Weißwurst, tee, knack, and even curry. But hopefully, you can find out which one really is the best, by the time you’ve made your way through this list of the best German restaurants London has to offer.
From sauerkraut to spätzle, we’ve uncovered the best German eats you can get in London and of course, the best beer halls replete with specialty brews - there’s even one that has been brought back after a 200 year absence. We’ve given you the lowdown on our essential list of the best German restaurants London has to offer, so get your dirndls and lederhosen on, and get going. You can thank us later, for introducing you to Bavarian beer halls.
German restaurants London
We've discovered some of the best, most authentic places for you to get your fill of delicious German nosh in London, and we wanted to share this important knowledge with you – trust us, you won't be disappointed.
Munich Cricket Club, Victoria and Canary Wharf
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Why: Munich Cricket Club ticks all the boxes and then some, with a hearty selection of good ole fashioned German eats: think warming beef goulash stews and slow-roasted pork knuckles, with sauerkraut and potato dumplings. For bigger parties, go for the schnitzel or würschtl platters to indulge in a meat-intensive feast. Desserts feature traditional apple strudel, and the lesser known Bavarian potato pancake topped with plum purée and custard.
Where: 1 Abbey Orchard Street, SW1P 2LU; West India Quay, E14 4AE
Stein’s, Kensington and Richmond
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Why: Stein’s proudly serves authentic regional dishes to give German expats (and Londoners) a proper taste of the homeland. Both of the restaurants are stunning spaces, with a contemporary feel and a beer garden, perfect for throwing back a couple of pints after a wholesome meal of traditional Deutsch nosh. Stein’s is big on the Bavarian wurst, such as the spicy red beef sausage and the white veal from Munich, served with sauerkraut.
Where: 51 Princes Gate, SW7 2PH; Richmond Towpath TW10 6UX
Octoberfest Pub, Fulham
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Why: This restaurant celebrates Oktoberfest all year round, with a smashing selection of over 60 different German beers – supplied by the same brewery that stocks the infamous booze festival in Germany. The Octoberfest Pub is run by a bunch of Bavarian food and drink enthusiasts, so you can expect the variety of food to be just as authentic as the beer. Don your lederhosen or dindl, and expect to end the night dancing on chairs to the oompah band, with a stomach happily lined with bratwurst.
Where: 678-680 Fulham Road, SW6 5SA
Zeitgeist at the Jolly Gardeners, Lambeth
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Why: The Jolly Gardeners has been around for over a century, and was the first ever German gastro pub to make its debut in London. The pub features lots of specialty brews and serves up the usual Teutonic offerings of wurst platters, schnitzel, and sauerkraut. Zeitgeist also does a wonderful rendition of Flammkuchen, a German style of pizza consisting of thinly rolled dough topped with sour cream and onion.
Where: 49-51 Black Prince Road, SE11 6AB
Bierschenke, Liverpool Street and Tower Hill
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Why: Biershenke aims to bring the atmosphere of a Munich Beer Hall to London, and does so rather successfully with imported maple wood and proper sausages, plus most of the staff are German. The food is homely and comforting; we love the slow-cooked roast pork shank slathered in gravy along with hearty helpings of pretzel dumplings and sauerkraut, which pairs very well with a big stein of beer.
Where: 4 London Wall Buildings, Blomfield Street, EC2M 5NT; The Arches, 9 Crutched Friars, EC3N 2AU
Katzenjammers, Southwark
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Why: Katzenjammers is a traditional-style restaurant based on an archetypal Bavarian Beerhall, the kind of place where wearing your dirndl or lederhosen wouldn’t go amiss. The menu is extensive and impressive, offering much more than the standard wurst and sauerkraut fare. Main courses may see you dining on pork and dark wheat-beer stew, Oktoberfest Hendl or a roasted ham loin served up Kassler style.
Where: The Hop Exchange, 24 Southwark Street, SE1 1TY
German dishes London
Perhaps your friends aren't as crazy as you are about currywurst or schnitzel, so we've found some restaurants that can satisfy the German in you, while keeping them happy too. Check out our top picks below.
German Gymnasium, King’s Cross
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Why: Restored by the D&D Group to its former glory, this classy 90’s-style brasserie is an amazing modern space with a grand café vibe. German Gymnasium calls the food Mittel-European inspired, and there are plenty of Saxon influences evident in the dishes. The menu is full of contemporary takes on classic German ingredients, such as a beautifully presented thick-cut veal Schnitzel or the Swabian ribeye steak served with spätzle.
Where: 1 King’s Boulevard, N1C 4BU
Fischer’s, Marylebone
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Why: Fischer’s is actually Austrian, but you can find a delightful selection of schnitzels (chicken, wiener, Holstein) and sausages with all the toppings. The highlight of the menu might just be the veal bratwurst fragranced with lemon and ginger and served with caramelized onions. The restaurant itself feels like a time warp, with romantic brasserie vibes from the leather accents and low-lighting.
Where: 50 Marylebone High Street, W1U 5HN
The Delaunay, Covent Garden
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Why: The Delaunay is a classy Mittel-European restaurant, ideal for pre-theatre dining. The menu is eclectic but also serves up some outstanding German fare, such as a chicken schnitzel with lingonberry jam or a wiener Holstein with anchovy and a fried egg. Punters can also order a range of comforting wurst-based dishes, such as the wild boar and cranberry which is served with a celeriac remoulade.
Where: 55 Aldwych, WC2B 4BB
German street food London
Sometimes you don't have time for a proper sit down meal, but when you're out and about and get a hankering for some wurst, you gotta do what you gotta do. Check out our top picks of must-try German street food in London below.
German Deli, Borough
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Why: German Deli is a perennial favourite amongt Borough Market regulars where you can find a smashing selection of wurst and all the toppings. The Thuringian bratwurst is a popular deli offering, but all of the sausages are excellently made.
Where: Borough Market
Artisan Foods, Borough
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Why: Created by Klaus Kuhnke, previously of Scallywags, this sweet and savoury pastry stall focuses on classic recipes and flavourings from his home country. The traditional German cheesecake and pretzels are well worth the visit.
Where: Borough Market
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