Local restaurants in Dresden serve up an incredible selection of regional dishes, making them excellent spots for trying Saxon-style cuisine at affordable prices. One of Germany’s most culturally significant cities, Dresden has a fascinating history that results in monumental landmarks in virtually every neighbourhood.
If you want to experience some of the city's best local flavors, plan your Dresden itinerary around its thriving dining scene. Here, we delve into the best restaurants and taverns in the city for those looking to sample traditional food and beverages created from the highest quality produce.
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Sachsenmarkt
A farmers’ market specializing in locally produced goods
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Sachsenmarkt is where Dresden locals go for fresh Saxony products. Situated in a leafy corner of the Altstadt neighbourhood, this weekly market takes place every Friday.
Around 160 stalls offer delicious culinary items, ranging from seafood and vegetables to confectionery and cheese. With most vendors responsible for producing these fine products, we highly recommend chatting with them to find out what makes their items so special.
Location: Lingnerallee, 01069 Dresden, Germany
Open: Friday from 8 am to 4.30 pm
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Kutscherschänke
Taste authentic German cuisine in this historic inn
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Kutscherschänke is a charming inn where hungry diners can discover the incredible flavors of traditional German pub food. Located along Münzgasse street, this inn is just a short walk from the Elbe River. Locals have been frequenting this popular spot since the 16th century.
Kutscherschänke captures this story with hearty German house specials like roast duck with red apple cabbage, Saxon-style black beer beef, and broiled sausages. You can also find burgers, desserts and cocktails on the menu.
Location: Münzgasse 10, 01067 Dresden, Germany
Open: Daily from 10 am to midnight
Phone: +49 (0)351 4965123
Mapphoto by Thomas Woodtli (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified
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Carolaschlösschen
For delicious local cuisine overlooking tranquil lakefront gardens
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Carolaschlösschen serves brunch and dinner with views of Dresden’s natural beauty. Overlooking a serene lake in The Grand Garden of Dresden – a striking 17th-century palace and Baroque landscape – this relaxed restaurant specializes in authentic German and international cuisine.
Carolaschlösschen's vibrant art deco dining room complements its wide-ranging menu of schnitzels, broiled seafood, and vegetarian option. Plus, its picturesque terrace is great for enjoying the fresh air during summer months.
Location: Querallee 7, 01219 Dresden, Germany
Open: Monday–Thursday from 11 am to 10 pm, Friday–Saturday from 11 am to 11 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm
Phone: +49 (0)351 2506000
Mapphoto by Rufus46 (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified
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Pulverturm
Soak up the historic city centre at this themed restaurant
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Pulverturm is a traditional German restaurant on the edge of a scenic square in Dresden’s old town district. After you’ve finished wandering the nearby sights, such as the impressive Frauenkirche Lutheran church, visit this dining sput for a tasty feast featuring provincial cuisine.
Selections from the broil include suckling pig and braised pork knuckles. Dine beneath age-old vaulted ceilings, while local musicians and magicians provide light entertainment throughout the evening.
Location: An d. Frauenkirche 12, 01067 Dresden, Germany
Open: Friday–Saturday from 11 am to 11 pm, Sunday–Thursday from midday to 10 pm
Phone: +49 (0)351 262600
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Coselpalais
A historic baroque building serving great coffee and cakes
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The Coselpalais is one of Dresden’s most iconic baroque buildings. Although it was built in 1765, the structure has been demolished and rebuilt several times over the years, including an iteration dating back to 1975. Inside, you’ll discover the Coselpalais Grand Cafe and Restaurant's first-class dining experience.
The structure sits in the middle of Dresden's old town, near landmarks such as the Frauenkirche, Brühl's Garden and the Albertinum museum. You get to dine on freshly baked Saxony-style cakes and barista-style coffee. If you're looking for something filling, Coselpalais Grand Cafe and Restaurant serves a wide selection of pasta and broiled dishes, alongside local wines.
Location: An d. Frauenkirche 12, 01067 Dresden, Germany
Open: Monday–Saturday from 11 am to 11 pm, Sunday from 11 am to midnight
Phone: +49 (0)351 4962444
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Altmarktkeller
Discover regional dishes and craft beer from acclaimed brewers
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Altmarktkeller is a wonderful place to experience hardy Saxon dishes in a warm and welcoming setting. Located in the bustling Altmarkt district near the soaring Palace of Culture, this historic beer hall has stunning vaulted ceilings that enhance its lively atmosphere.
Food-wise, expect crispy pork knuckle, ox cheek, and pork leg goulash. To round out your meal, there’s also an astounding selection of sumptuous desserts such as apple strudel, orange panna cotta, and quark balls. Altmarktkeller is especially renowned for its regional craft brews, so enjoy a drink (or two) on the beer hall's sun-drenched terrace.
Location: Altmarkt 4, 01067 Dresden, Germany
Open: Thursday from 11 am to 11 pm, Friday–Saturday from 11 am to 11.30 pm, Sunday–Wednesday from 3 pm to 11 pm
Phone: +49 (0)351 4818130
Map - 7
Gänsedieb
Dine on Saxon-style dishes and cold beer in a charming square
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Gänsedieb’s laidback vibe makes it great for sampling Saxon cuisine during your stay in Dresden. Set along a historic square in the Altmarkt neighbourhood, the tavern overlooks the Gansediebbrunnen – or Goose Thief Fountain – which recounts a popular 16th-century legend about a heist gone wrong.
Food-wise, popular options include the home-style roast bratwurst and sauerkraut, as well as the wild boar stew and goose breast. Enjoy these outstanding meals with a cold German beer in the cozy pub or on the terrace (with live music).
Location: Weiße Gasse 1, 01067 Dresden, Germany
Open: Daily from 11 am to 10 pm
Phone: +49 (0)3514850905
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Brennnessel
Relish vegan and vegetarian dishes in a charming courtyard
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Brennnessel is an enchanting local restaurant in the neighbourhood of Wilsdruffer. Surrounded by residential streets lined with cozy cafes, this much-loved eatery offers a peaceful courtyard and on a seasonal menu featuring mostly vegetarian and vegan dishes, like homemade pasta and fresh salads.
From this location, you’ll find yourself within a 10-minute walk from the famous Zwinger palatial complex. This sprawling landscape showcases many of the most significant baroque-era buildings in Dresden, ensuring you get to know the city’s fascinating architectural history alongside its culinary scene.
Location: Schützengasse 18, 01067 Dresden, Germany
Open: Monday–Saturday from 11 am to 11 pm (closed on Sundays)
Phone: +49 (0)351 21789068
Map - 9
El Horst
A lush, family-friendly beer garden in Striesen
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El Horst is a remarkable local restaurant in Striesen, a suburb east of Dresden's city centre. This leafy pub is home to a vast outdoor dining area and beer garden, making it a great place to spend hours soaking up the warm weather.
The menu constantly changes depending on the season, but you’ll often find classic Saxon dishes like minced pork with cabbage noodles and roast pork loin with horseradish. Alongside a stellar collection of pasta and vegetarian meals, there's also a tempting beer menu highlighting the best of German brewing.
Location: Bergmannstraße 39, 01309 Dresden, Germany
Open: Monday–Saturday from 4 pm to 11 pm (closed on Sundays)
Phone: +49 (0)351 3360551
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Falscher Hase
Dresden’s original vegan restaurant
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Falscher Hase is widely regarded as one of the best spots for vegan cuisine in Dresden. Everything on the menu is designed specifically for plant-based diners. Set in the trendy Leipziger Vorstadt neighbourhood, the eatery’s hip yet understated courtyard provides a great atmosphere once the sun goes down.
Here, you’ll find traditional soups served with freshly baked bread, house-style omelets, and vegan burgers drenched in delicious condiments. Falscher Hase opens late into the evening, transforming into a popular bar with a wide selection of beers, wines and cocktails.
Location: Rudolf-Leonhard-Straße 3, 01097 Dresden, Germany
Open: Tuesday–Friday from 5 pm to 10 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 1 pm to 10 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +49 (0)351 30959112
Map