Nine outstanding JRE Restaurants in Germany with rooms for your next culinary weekend trip.

Germany is an exciting foodie destination, with a huge range of different regional cuisines, international influences, and dining options ranging from Michelin-stared restaurants to traditional inns, bistros, eateries, food festivals, and street food.

Like every year, I have reworked my restaurant list to include new openings, those introducing new concepts, traditional places, and most importantly, those I want to return to. I must confess, it is a list that keeps growing year after year.

When it comes to choosing where to go, there are many top destinations across Germany that promise sensational culinary encounters like Berlin (international fusion dishes), Hamburg (seafood), Baden-Baden/Black Forest (high number of Michelin-starred restaurants), Lake Constance (seasonal regional dishes combining German, Austrian and Swiss traditions) or the Franconian wine region, among others.

Yet, to get on my list, a restaurant must offer more than great food experiences. Particularly when the place is too far to simply get in the car; or taxi given the visit would likely include some wine.

That’s where restaurants offering the option to stay overnight are coming into the focus. Additional criteria include scenic surroundings, wellness options and the proximity to cultural or historic sites.

Which brings me to the question, where to start looking for the right places anyway? Mainstream travel and food publications are a great source to start with. But over the years, I have come to trust on a few hotel and restaurant associations, grouping together members featuring similar quality standards, focus on regional products, sustainability and forging close bonds with local businesses, just to name a few.

What are JRE Restaurants

I discovered JRE Restaurants several years ago by accident. Visiting a restaurant recommended to me by a good friend, the JRE sign at the entrance sparked my curiosity. Enquiring with the waiter, I was presented with a little booklet highlighting members in Germany.

Said booklet (updated annually) has become one of my most trusted inspiration source for new culinary adventures in my home country and other European destinations.

But what exactly is JRE Restaurants? Shortly put, it is an association of young, passionate chefs and restaurateurs across Europe, recognized for blending innovation with tradition, sustainability, and high-level gastronomy. Including a wide range of different places, from traditional inns to Michelin-starred restaurants, what they have in common are young, talented chefs dedicated to sharing their love for food.

While the association is focusing on food, many of the member restaurants are embedded in family businesses running the restaurant as part of a hotel.

JRE member restaurants and hotels range from historic to modern, with most only comprising a limited number of rooms, while a few are larger.  A major commitment of the association is to pay high attention to sustainable practices and high-quality, local ingredients.

Nine exciting restaurants with accommodation in Germany to inspire your next culinary getaway

If a special gourmet experience is on your bucket list, the restaurants listed below are a mix of places I have visited in the past, and those I am keen to tick off my list sooner than later. All of them are sourced from the latest JRE member directory. In addition to excellent food, all offer accommodation on-site.

Reber’s Pflug – Schwäbisch Hall

Owner and chef Hans-Harald Reber is renowned for his mix of traditional regional dishes prepared with modern, innovative international twists. The restaurant is particularly famous for its high-quality meats, sourced from a trusted local butcher. Meanwhile, wine buffs will love the excellent selection

Guests can stay in the adjacent “Wohn.Reich” a small traditional country inn which offers modern, sustainably furnished rooms and suites.

As for the destination, Schwäbisch Hall in Baden Württemberg, around 60 kilometres northeast of Stuttgart, is one of Germany’s oldest towns. The well-preserved medieval core features the Baroque City Hall and the gorgeous Roman-Gothic St. Michael’s Church. During the summer months, the 53 steep stone steps in front of the church turn into the stage for the town’s renowned annual open-air festival including performances ranging from drama to musical theatre.

Reber’s Pflug, Weckriedener Str. 2, 74523 Schwäbisch Hall

Rüssels Landhaus – Neurath/Wald

Imagine a romantic forest setting, perfect to slow down and get immersed into nature. Nestled in a beautiful side valley of the Mosel River, not far from Trier and Luxemburg, Rüssels Landhaus is exactly this. Set in a renovated mill, the small country hotel, offers 14 individually designed rooms and suits.

At Rüssels Landhaus, you are guests of Ruth and Harald Rüssel who are looking at a long history in the hospitality sector as chef and sommelier respectively. The two on-site restaurants, the bistro-style Hasenpfeffer and the fine-dining restaurant both offer creative, regionally sourced food.  

Chef Harald Rüssel is a passionate hunter, with the surrounding forests of the Hundsrück his hunting grounds. Thus, game will prominently feature on the menu during hunting season though you can expect vegetables to take centre stage in a lot of dishes. The chef has also authored a couple of cookbooks and created his own gin.

For more on Rüssels Landhaus check out my post Bucolic luxury at Rüssels Landhaus in the forests of Saar-Hunsrück.

Rüssels Landhaus, Büdlicherbrück 1, 54426 Naurath (Wald)

Mittermaier’s – Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Does medieval Rothenburg ob der Tauber need any introduction? Who has not seen pictures of the scenic corner featuring a narrow yellow timber-framed house that allegedly inspired Disney’s Pinocchio? Beyond the famous little corner, the is widely known for its intact 14th-century town walls, colourful timber-framed houses, and cobblestone streets.

Located only few steps away from Würzburger Tor, one of the main gates leading into the beautiful historic walled core, Villa Mittermaier is the role model of JRE Restaurants concept offering excellent food in combination with cosy rooms.

In fact, everything seems to evolve around the small Michelin-starred restaurant spotting a minimalist yet very elegant design and relaxed atmosphere. Chef Christian Mittermeier focuses on local produce prepared with an innovative twist. Think of dishes like drained carrot served with miso and coriander or grilled char with dashi and marinated vegetables.

For more on the location, read my post Villa Mittermeier Hotel Review: A fabulous culinary weekend in fairytale Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

Villa Mittermaier, Vorm Würzburger Tor 7, 91541 Rothenburg o.d.T.

Meisenheimer Hof – Meisenheim

Combining Michelin-starred food, lovely rooms and a stunning surrounding scenery in one of Germany’s official wine regions is reason enough for a visit. For all still needing another nudge, not only is Meisenheimer Hof a JRE member, but the small boutique hotel is also part of the renowned Romantik® Hotel association.

Chef Markus Pape creates excellent traditional regional dishes with innovative twists. Think of such classics like spaetzle yet made with cow liver and wild blood sausage with bergamot foam. Make sure to start your meals with a glass sparkling wine from the hotel’s own vineyard, Disibodenberg. It produces some of Germany’s finest sparkling wines.

As for the location, the hotel is nestled right in the heart of the historic town of Meisenheim. Belonging to the Bad Kreuznach district, the small Rhineland-Palatinate town has held city rights since 1315. A listed historic ensemble, it features a remarkably preserved medieval townscape, including an outstanding late-Gothic castle church. On top of this all, the town is a state-recognized recreational resort. In other words, perfect for all those preferring slow travel.

Meisenheimer Hof, Obergasse 33, 55590 Meisenheim

Restaurant Philipp – Sommerhausen

Nestled in a 400-years old Renaissance building in the small historic Franconian wine town of Sommerhausen, renowned for its preserved historic townscape with half-timbered houses, city walls, cobble stone streets, and 16th-century Old Town Hall. The town is also filled with local wineries offering wine tastings and local food specialities. Outside the city walls, the surrounding vineyard are full of hiking trails, and the many more idyllic, medieval wine towns of Franconia are only a short drive away.

Owned by Heike and Michael Philipp for over 20 years, the Michelin-starred restaurant Philipp offers modern French-influenced cuisine with Asian and Mediterranean touches. In addition to the popular ‘classic’ menu featuring regional, seasonal produce, chef Micheal Philipp is renowned for his carte blanche surprise tasting menus while sommelier Heike Philipp is creating exceptional wine pairings.

In addition to being a member of the renowned JRE network, the restaurants is constantly featured in the Michelin Guide, Gault & Millau, Gusto and the well-known Schlemmer Atlas, a restaurant guide featuring over 1,500 high-quality restaurants in Germany, Austria and South Tyrol.

Upstairs, two cozy suites and one double room featuring a baroque-style design are waiting for those that do not want to go back on the road following their meal.

Restaurant Philipp, Hauptstraße 12, 97286 Sommerhausen

Le Pavillon, Hotel Dollenberg – Bad Peterstal-Griesbach

French-inspired, modern, and high-end fine dining focusing on regional ingredients and classic dishes from the Baden region. All this set in an elegant dining room featuring panoramic windows opening to the panoramic scenery of a secluded Black Forest valley.

The restaurant, constantly awarded with two Michelin stars offers 5- to 8-course tasting menus created by Head Chef Martin Herrmann, completed by a comprehensive wine list.

This is the perfect stopover for nature lovers, nestled in the upper Renchtal Valley of the Black Forest near the Black Forest National Park. Surrounded by the forested mountains, the area is perfect for hiking, cycling, and exploring nearby waterfalls and historical sites.

Hotel Dollenberg, Dollenberg 3, 77740 Bad Peterstal – Griesbach

Restaurant Schlossberg, Hotel Sackmann – Baiersbronn

Schlossberg is another one of the 28 Black Forest Michelin-star awarded find dining locations. Nestled in the scenic Murg Valley, Schlossberg has been an institution for decades. Owner and chef Jörg Sackmann, now together with his son Nico, create innovative dishes with international influences in a chic, modern setting. Featuring 5 to 8 course menus and a 5 to 7 course vegetarian menu, the restaurant holds two Michelin-stars.

The restaurant is part of the wide-ranging dining concept of Hotel Sackmann, also owned by the Sackmann family. For a more relaxed, regional dining experience, Murgstube and Silberberg buffet restaurant are two excellent alternatives.

Surrounded by the scenic Black Forest, there is no way to stop here for a meal only. The 4-star Sackmann Hotel featuring an extensive wellness area with an infinity pool, hot tubs, and steam room is perfect for getting pampered over an extended weekend or as starting point for hiking and cycling through the surrounding area.

Hotel Sackmann ,Murgtalstraße 602, 72270 Baiersbronn

Restaurant Alexander Herrmann, Herrmanns Romantik Post Hotel – Wirsberg

Alexander Herrmann is without exaggeration one of the most famous chefs in Germany, featuring on TV shows like The Taste and other culinary productions. His own two-Michelin-starred restaurant features creative high-quality dishes. Though the main selling point for me is the restaurant’s ‘Future Lab’ initiative, a research space experimenting with fermentation, smoking, maturation and refining with local products using globally inspired methods. The results are bold, creative and locally inspired tasting menus.

The restaurant is part of yet another Romantik® Hotel, Herrmanns Posthotel. The historic 4-star hotel is owned and run by the Herrmann family since 1869. Modern, individually designed stylish rooms often incorporating natural materials, a natural stone spa area and the surrounding idyllic Franconian countryside featuring the perfect backdrop of forests and mountains, are the selling points no one can easily ignore.

Posthotel Alexander Herrmann, Marktplatz 11, 95339 Wirsberg

Restaurant Caroussel, Bülow Palais – Dresden

Combining classic French brasserie style with regional, seasonal ingredients, Chef Thorsten Bubolz is well-known for this 3 to 4-course menus featuring such classics like venison pâté, cured salmon, and beef tartar with his own creative twists. Should you be in the mood for more casual, brasserie-style dishes, Bülow’s Bistro adjacent to Caroussel, and likewise overseen by Chef Thorsten Bubloz easily accommodates this too.

The restaurant’s stylish, elegant design featuring clearly echoes the location in one of the city’s historic grand palais.

Bülow Palais, opened in 2010 as 5-star hotel and part of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux association, offers 58 elegant rooms and suits, combining modern luxury with classic appeal. A large spa with a Caribbean-themed wellness area adds another reason stay beyond your meal.

The is nestled in Dresden’s baroque quarter, slightly away from the city core on the other side of the Elbe River. Still, just a short walk away, the famous Semper Opera House, Zwinger Palace and Frauenkirche are just few of the city’s fascinating nearby highlights.  

Bülow Palais, Königstraße 14, Dresden

If you are looking for great restaurants across Germany for an exciting culinary experience with additional perks like accommodation, spa/wellness areas and scenic surroundings these nine JRE restaurants have you covered with outstanding menu options.