Where to Eat in Southwest Germany

The beautiful German state of Baden-Wurttemberg in the southwest region is known for many things — its taverns, local beers, Black Forest gin and scenic natural landscapes. It’s also a culinary hub and Germany’s largest Michelin-starred region.

The highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants is in Baiersbronn, a Black Forest community where three restaurants alone hold a total of eight Michelin stars. Also in the region is chef Marco Akuzen’s Top Air venue at Stuttgart Airport, the world’s only Michelin-starred airport restaurant. In Ammolite, visit chef Peter Hagen-Wiest’s Lighthouse Restaurant at Europa-Park, which holds two Michelin stars, a first for a theme park anywhere in the world. In the diverse city of Manheim, visit the two Michelin-starred Opus V, serving Asian-influenced dishes, or Le Corange (one star), a fish restaurant.

However, since a tour of Michelin-starred restaurants isn’t always feasible budget-wise, it’s easy to find great food elsewhere. Any village guesthouse will offer an abundance of local specialties like Black Forest ham; Maultaschen, a classic regional comfort food of minced meat in ravioli-like pasta pockets; Guglhupf, a vanilla poppyseed cake; and venison Baden-Baden.

Wash down your Black Forest regional food with a local spirit. Half of Germany’s distilleries are found in the region, particularly in Oberkirch, known for its Schnapps made from local plums, raspberries, pears and cherries.

For a memorable, inexpensive meal, visit Der Goldene Engel in Freiburg, Cafe Konig in Baden Baden, Café Etoile in Breisach and Café Schäfer in Triberg.