By Donna Richardson
Hamburg is the second-largest city in Germany after Berlin, with a population of 1.9 million. It is a cosmopolitan port city, and despite its name giving rise to the Hamburger, it is firmly establishing itself as a fine dining foodie city after an impressive showing at the Michelin awards in June,
Hamburg now boasts a total of 16 Michelin stars, leading Germany in sustainability with eight Green Stars. The elevation of Haerlin to three-star status means that Hamburg joins Munich and Baiersbronn as one of only three German cities with two three-star restaurants.
Ten of the city’s best chefs will unite on 7 September 2025, for the second edition of ‘Hamburg’s Stars’ by OPEN MOUTH, an afternoon of relaxed, high-end dining that reflects Hamburg’s bold, sustainable and refreshingly authentic culinary scene.
From freshly caught seafood on the waterfront to boundary-pushing tasting menus served by some of Europe’s top chefs, Hamburg has firmly established itself as a heavyweight on the global food scene.
Following a landmark year at the 2025 Michelin awards, where the city secured 16 stars and led Germany in sustainability with eight Green Stars, Hamburg’s culinary credentials continue to soar. Now, with the return of its chef-led food festival ‘Hamburg’s Stars’ by OPEN MOUTH this September, the city invites travellers to taste the best of northern Germany in one exciting, flavour-filled trip.
At this year’s Michelin Guide ceremony in Frankfurt, Hamburg earned its second coveted three-star restaurant as the historic Haerlin joined The Table in the prestigious top tier. With a total of 16 starred restaurants and the highest number of Green Stars in Germany, Hamburg is proving that fine dining and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
A city of stars
Newly starred restaurants such as Heimatjuwel, Glorie and Koer showcase modern, regional cuisine with a sustainable ethos – from fermented rutabaga tartare to creative casual fine dining. Established favourites like 100/200 Kitchen, Zeik, and Haebel continue to push boundaries with local sourcing, zero waste principles, and bold experimentation.
This autumn, Hamburg’s culinary scene will come alive at the second edition of ‘Hamburg’s Stars’ by OPEN MOUTH, a food summit that unites 10 of the city’s best chefs (together holding 19 Michelin stars) for an afternoon of relaxed, high-end dining.
Curated by Maurizio Oster (Zeik), eleven restaurants with a total of twelve Michelin stars and seven green stars will come together for a very special kind of kitchen party held at the Foodlab in HafenCity. The event offers diners the chance to sample dishes from top restaurants – including Bianc, Jellyfish, Gutsküche, and Landhaus Scherrer – while chatting to the chefs and enjoying the buzz of a gourmet kitchen party. It’s informal, immersive, and ideal for travellers looking to go beyond the typical fine dining experience.
Tickets (€349) and details at: www.openmouth.hamburg
Why Hamburg?
It’s not just about what’s on the plate – it’s about the people, the passion, and the place. While Munich champions tradition and Berlin leans avant-garde, Hamburg strikes a delicate balance: bold ideas, regional roots, and a firm commitment to sustainability. From rooftop cocktails and alfresco dining to dockside seafood and Michelin tasting menus, Hamburg’s food scene is as diverse as the city itself. Whether you’re strolling along the historic Altstadt, the creative neighbourhoods of St Pauli and Ottensen, or the modern harbourfront of HafenCity, food is the common thread that ties it all together.
Exploring Hamburg
From modern art and German romanticism to ethnology and maritime history, Hamburg boasts a wide variety of museums. Being a maritime city, there are many museum ships to explore.
Cap San Diego is a former cargo ship cum floating museum and more. Visit the exhibits and then book a night aboard the ship. There’s also Peking a four-masted barque is the flagship of Hamburg’s impressive Deutsches Hafenmuseum, MS Bleichen, a unique artifact of maritime history was saved from being scrapped and now lies at the Hafenmuseum’s 50er Schuppen. Rickmer Rickmers, which has been a museum ship since 1983, the three-masted Rickmer Rickmers is one of Hamburg harbour’s most popular attractions. There is also Schaarhörn Museum Ship, a luxurious century-old steamer still goes strong while living and breathing the charm of times past and MS Stubnitz in HafenCity: formerly a GDR fishing vessel, the MS Stubnitz is now a buzzing event location as well as U-434, a fully operational U-434 submarine in Hamburg’s harbour to experience a trip below sea level in a Soviet warship!
Getting around
Hamburg boasts an extensive public transport system including underground trains, a light-rail network, buses and ferries. Enjoy free public transport and up to 50% discounts on museums, musicals and tourist attractions with the Hamburg CARD and Hamburg CARD Local. Bike-lovers can explore Hamburg on two wheels when they sign up for the city’s public bike system: StadtRAD Hamburg.
Plan Your Culinary City Break
To discover more about Hamburg’s restaurant scene, upcoming food events, and sustainable travel tips, visit:
Where to stay?
25hours Hotel Altes Hafenamt
Set inside a historic red brick building in the Uberseequartier part of Hafencity is 25hours Hotel Altes Hafenamt. This is a former Port Authority building and it has 49 rooms. The vibe is a luxe maritime theme with exposed brickwork and globes dotted around, for an explorer’s retreat. Inside the rooms. the king-sized beds have headboards made out of old doors and spacious bathrooms, some with bath tubs. There is a minibar and also tea and coffee-making facilities.
The Movenpick Hotel in Hamburg City
This four-star hotel is trendy and modern and boasts 226 rooms located in a 19th Century water tower merging a historic atmosphere with modern design. It is a six-storey hotel and the Tower suite boasts panoramic city views. It also has a stylish bar and gym. There is also a terrac and a garden area in the city so you needn’t miss your green space. It is centrally located close to the entertainment district and is in the middle of Sternscganzenpark.
Arcotel Onynx Hamburg
ARCOTEL Onyx Hamburg, is in the heart of the cultural district with its cool black exterior mirroring the trendy surroundings. Close to the iconic ‘dancing towers’ on the Reeperbahn, Arcotel Onyx is ideal for party-goers and sight-seers alike. Close to St. Pauli district’s Tanzende Türme and Landungsbrücken piers, St. Michael’s church, many of Hamburg’s musicals. The hotel boasts 215 rooms and suites and two accessible rooms and it has its own Onyx’s spa to unwind before you explore the outside world. The hotel has GreenKey accreditation and is passionate about sustainability.
Getting There
There are six daily flights from the UK to Hamburg
British Airways and Eurowings fly from London Heathrow
Ryanair flies from London Stansted
Easyjet flies from Manchester
