Düsseldorf travel guide - where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
Düsseldorf's table is built around Altbier, the dark top-fermented beer poured from the barrel in the Altstadt's house breweries (Uerige, Füchschen, Schumacher, Schlüssel and Kürzer). Classic dishes are Düsseldorfer Senfrostbraten (roast beef with a mustard crust), Rheinischer Sauerbraten, Himmel un Ääd and Halve Hahn. The city also has Germany's largest Japanese community, concentrated along Immermannstraße (Little Tokyo), and nine Michelin-starred restaurants in the 2026 guide.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Düsseldorf.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Japanese
European
French
International
Food tours & tastings in Düsseldorf
Eat your way through Düsseldorf with a guide.
Browse food experiences in DüsseldorfWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Halve Hahn
A rye roll with aged Gouda, butter and mustard served in most Altstadt brewhouses; it is cheese, not chicken.
Price: EUR 3-5
Currywurst and Bratwurst
Grilled sausage with curry-ketchup or mustard, sold at stands around the Altstadt and the main station.
Price: EUR 4-7
Reibekuchen
Crisp fried potato pancakes with apple sauce, a classic at Rhineland fairs and Christmas markets.
Price: EUR 4-6
Killepitsch
A local herbal liqueur served in small glasses; Et Kabüffke on Flinger Straße is known for serving it through a window.
Price: EUR 2-4
Ramen and gyoza
Quick Japanese lunches are the Little Tokyo equivalent of street food.
Price: EUR 12-16
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Carlsplatz Markt
The city's main daily food market in the Carlstadt with produce, cheese, fish, flowers and prepared food stalls.
Hours: Mon-Sat, usually from about 08:00; confirm stall hours with the city market office
Düsseldorf Christmas market at Marktplatz
Seasonal market around the Jan-Wellem statue with Glühwein, Reibekuchen and crafts; one of several themed Christmas markets.
Hours: 2026 listed as 19 November-30 December; Sun-Thu 11:00-20:00, Fri-Sat 11:00-21:00 (confirm on visitduesseldorf.de)
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
In Altstadt brewhouses the Köbes waiter keeps bringing 0.25-litre Altbier until a beer mat is placed on the glass.
Shared tables are normal in brewhouses; ask before sitting.
Tipping of about 5-10 percent, rounded up, is customary; state the total when paying.
Carry some cash, since a few Altstadt venues prefer it.
Michelin-listed restaurants usually need a reservation days or weeks ahead.
Hours in third-party listings conflict; check the venue website before travelling.
- Vegetarian
- Brewhouse menus are meat-led; Halve Hahn (rye roll with cheese) and side dishes are vegetarian. Japanese restaurants on Immermannstraße offer more vegetarian choices.
- Vegan
- Traditional Altbier houses offer few vegan dishes; Japanese and international restaurants in Little Tokyo and the Medienhafen are the easier option.
- Gluten free
- Schnitzel, rolls and dumplings contain gluten; German law requires allergen information, so servers can name the allergens in each dish.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Street food Ramen or donburi on Immermannstraße about EUR 12-16 (~$14-18); bakery lunch about EUR 5-8 (~$6-9), Note Little Tokyo lunch sets and brewhouse snacks are the cheapest sit-down meals | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |