Leipzig's most famous restaurant, a wine cellar dating to at least 1525 beneath the Mädler-Passage, immortalized by a tavern scene in Goethe's Faust, serving traditional Saxon and German dishes in themed vaulted rooms.
Auerbachs Keller has operated continuously as a wine tavern since at least 1525, and Goethe both drank here as a Leipzig student and later set a key tavern scene of his play Faust in the cellar. The restaurant today spans several themed rooms beneath the Mädler-Passage shopping arcade, decorated with murals depicting scenes from Faust and vaulted stone ceilings dating to the building's historic core. The kitchen serves traditional Saxon and German dishes, roasts, dumplings, and regional specialties, aimed at both the steady flow of tourists drawn by the literary history and Leipzig locals marking special occasions.
Because of its fame, the restaurant can be busy throughout the day, and reservations are advisable for dinner, particularly for the more atmospheric historic rooms rather than the newer extension seating. The bronze Faust and Mephistopheles statues at the arcade entrance above the cellar stairs are a free attraction in their own right, worth seeing even for visitors not planning to dine.
| Price | €€ |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 12:00-24:00 (kitchen typically closes around 22:30) |
| Reservations | Recommended for dinner, especially in the historic themed rooms |
| Address | Grimmaische Straße 2-4 (Mädler-Passage), 04109 Leipzig |
Weather through the year in Germany
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Germany.
Location
Grimmaische Straße 2-4 (Mädler-Passage), 04109 Leipzig
Highlights
- Continuously operating wine cellar since at least 1525
- Setting for the tavern scene in Goethe's Faust
- Vaulted historic dining rooms with Faust-themed murals
- Bronze statues at the Mädler-Passage entrance
- Traditional Saxon and German menu
Tips for visiting
- Touch the Mephistopheles statue's polished bronze shoe at the arcade entrance for the local good-luck tradition
- Ask to sit in the Goethe-Keller or Fass-Keller rooms for the most historic atmosphere
When to visit
Weekday lunch for a quieter historic dining experience
Accessibility
Reached by stairs from the Mädler-Passage arcade above; not step-free.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is Auerbachs Keller touristy?
It draws significant tourist traffic given its literary fame, but it remains a genuine working restaurant also used by Leipzig locals for special occasions.
Which room should I request?
The Goethe-Keller and Fass-Keller rooms are the most historically atmospheric; ask when booking if a specific room matters to you.
Do I need a reservation?
Recommended for dinner, particularly for the historic themed rooms, which are the most requested seating.