Culinary Düsseldorf: Altbier, Sushi & the best restaurants along the Rhine

Altbier: The city’s signature drink

No beverage is as closely associated with Düsseldorf as Altbier. This top-fermented, dark beer has been brewed in the city for centuries and is known for its full-bodied, slightly hoppy, and pleasantly smooth taste.

Today, Düsseldorf is still home to five traditional brewery pubs that brew and serve their Altbier on site:

• Uerige – the most iconic brewery, located in the Old Town with a truly rustic atmosphere

• Schumacher – family-run since 1838, located on Oststraße

• Füchschen – very popular with locals on Ratinger Straße

• Zum Schlüssel – brewing tradition for over 170 years at Bolkerplatz

• Kürzer – the youngest brewery, with a more modern interpretation

To experience true Düsseldorf lifestyle, you sit down at a long wooden table, simply order “an Alt,” and let the “Köbes” (traditional beer waiter) serve you. The beer keeps coming until you place a coaster on top of your glass.

Typical food includes hearty classics like pork knuckle, potato pancakes (Rievkooche), or Halve Hahn — a rye bread roll with cheese despite its name having nothing to do with chicken.

Killepitsch & local specialties

For something stronger, try Killepitsch, a ruby-red herbal liqueur produced in Düsseldorf since 1858. Its recipe of over 90 herbs, berries, and fruits is strictly secret. You can taste it directly at the small “Killepitsch counter” in the Old Town.

Another local highlight is Löwensenf, Düsseldorf’s famous mustard. Whether medium or extra hot, it enhances any sausage dish and is a popular souvenir from the city.

Little Tokyo on the Rhine

Düsseldorf is home to one of the largest Japanese communities in Europe. Around Immermannstraße — affectionately called “Little Tokyo” — you’ll find outstanding authentic Japanese cuisine:

• Naniwa – legendary ramen spot, often with a queue outside

• Takumi – famous for rich Tonkotsu ramen

• Soba-An – handmade soba noodles and traditional tempura

• Yabase – high-quality sushi dining experience

You’ll also find Japanese supermarkets such as “Shochiku,” offering everything from matcha powder to onigiri and sake.

Conclusion

Düsseldorf’s culinary scene is a unique mix of traditional brewery culture, strong local specialties, and one of Europe’s best Japanese food districts — making the city a true destination for food lovers.

Enjoy Düsseldorf — even at home

10 minutes to the Old Town, 15 to the Japanese quarter. With your own kitchen for enjoying great food — and Rhine views included.

Apartment on the Rhine – book your stay

Rheinische classics, reimagined

For those who want to experience Rhineland cuisine beyond traditional brewery pubs and Halve Hahn, Düsseldorf offers many modern restaurants that reinterpret regional classics. Dishes like sauerbraten, Himmel un Ääd (mashed potatoes with applesauce and black pudding), or Rhenish-style herring salad can be found on many menus — often in lighter, more refined versions.

Michelin-starred & fine dining

Düsseldorf has developed into a true fine dining destination in recent years, with several Michelin-starred restaurants. For special occasions, these addresses are worth knowing:

• Im Schiffchen – a traditional two-star restaurant in Kaiserswerth

• Yoshi by Nagaya – one Michelin star, Japanese-inspired fine cuisine

• Agata's – one star, modern fine dining concept

• DR.KOSCH – high-end bistronomy with creative cuisine

Reservations are strongly recommended, often weeks or even months in advance.

Carlsplatz – the city’s most beautiful market

A must-visit for food lovers is Carlsplatz Market, located in the heart of the Old Town. This historic market is open daily (except Sundays) and offers fresh fish, cheese, vegetables, wine, bread, and international specialties.

A hidden gem: the many street food stalls where you can eat your way around the world — from oysters and pasta to Thai curries.

Cafés, bakeries & sweet treats

Düsseldorf also shines when it comes to desserts and coffee breaks:

• Classic cafés like Café Heinemann, known for its famous champagne truffles

• Trendy spots like Café Hüftgold in Bilk

• Small pastry shops around Oststraße with handmade tarts and French-style pastries

• The market cafés at Carlsplatz with fresh, seasonal treats

Enjoy evenings by the Rhine

From the apartment in Hamm, Düsseldorf’s culinary highlights are easily and quickly accessible. After dinner in the Old Town or a glass of wine in the Medienhafen, a walk along the Rhine promenade makes for an unforgettable evening — especially on warm summer nights.

Shopping tip for your apartment stay

If you prefer cooking yourself, several supermarkets and specialty shops are within walking distance of Chrisma Apartments. Fresh fish from Carlsplatz, a good bottle of wine, and a home-cooked dinner with Rhine views can become one of the highlights of your stay.