Best Places to Eat in Nuremberg for Vegetarians

German cuisine can be very meat based and not the easiest for a vegetarian. On a recent trip to Nuremberg, we discovered there was more to the city’s culinary scene than the Schäufele (pork shoulder) and the Nürnberger Rostbratwurst (Nuremberg sausage), which incidentally is not just any old sausage, as I found out when looking for a vegetarian alternative.

Disclaimer: We were hosted by the Nuremberg Tourist Board, however all views, opinions and photos are my own and remain a copyright of the Curious Pixie.

It has particular requirements in order to meet official guidelines. Such as, being no longer than 9 centimetres and weighing no more than 25 grams. It must also be made only from mince pork (hence no veggie version) and must have a fat content of less than 35 per cent. Due to this artisan tradition and uniqueness, the Nürnberger Rostbratwurst has gained Protected Geographic Indication (PGI) status. Interesting – says the vegetarian.

Vegetarian and vegan German Food

Back to the herbivore plot. Finding plant-based food in Nuremberg was no problem at all. There are some great establishments serving fantastic vegetarian and vegan dishes. And with Germans loving potatoes as much as they love meat I knew finding decent food wouldn’t be an issue.

Here’s a list of my best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Nürnberg:

Hausbrauerei Altstadthof

Nuremberg Brewery

Located in a charming old town on Bergstaße is the organic brewery Hausbrauerei Altstadthof. Nuremberg has been influential in brewing beer for centuries and Hausbrauerei Altstadthof is famous for upholding the Franconian beer traditions.

On our visit, we tried a trio of blonde, red and dark. The red or rotibier as it’s known was my favourite by far, smooth, malty and with a reddish-amber glow in the glass. It went down a treat.

The traditional dining menu is full of regional dishes with a kid’s menu and a small vegetarian section. Spätzle, or as I think of it German mac & cheese pleased the kids along with another German favourite a Kiba. Who knew cherry and banana in a drink would be a winning combo!

The adults feasted on onion beer soup served with a pretzel, a cheese platter with a Bavarian cheese delicacy Obazda and a Kartoffeltaschen, a potato pocket filled with cream cheese served on a salad.

The authentic German beer house has dark wood interiors, copper adornments and dried hops hanging from the ceiling. The rustic atmosphere along with the locals tells you immediately you’re in the right place.

Love your beer, and want to sample some of the best?

Book Now: Private 2 hour Tour with Brewery Visits

Hausbrauerei Altstadthof | Bergstraße 19 | 90403 Nürnberg | Website

Fränk’ness

German celebrity chef Alexander Herrmann brings a new concept of urban Franconian cuisine to Nuremberg’s historic centre with Fränk’ness.

The creative menu offers a mix of traditional dishes and street food with everything from pizzas, burgers, delicious salads and other Franconian oven-baked classics. There are plenty of vegetarian options, although I wasn’t a huge fan of the big chunks of vegetables on my pizza.

Exposed brick walls, mismatched colourful wire lampshades, wooden tables, a visible kitchen and quirky booths creates a casual and fun atmosphere.

Fränk’ness | Königstraße 70 | 90402 Nürnberg | Website

The Wicklein Lebkuchen Bakery

German Gingerbread

Head to Hauptmarkt (the Main Square) for a taste of the best Lebkuchen, the city’s famous gingerbread. The Wicklein Lebkuchen Bakery is a great pitstop when you’re walking around the old town for a taste of this sweet treat with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, creamy hot chocolate or spicy tea.

Browse the array of freshly baked and packaged Lebkuchen, other pastry specialities and confectionary. It’s a treasure trove of German sweet treats. If you have a more time to spare the bakery also offers a 90 minute workshop where you can experience the traditional art of Lebkuchen baking.

The Wicklein Lebkuchen Bakery | The Hauptmarkt 7  | 90403 Nürnberg 

Zeit & Raum

Historical Wespennest, midtown is home to Zeit & Raum. The cosy, inviting cafe and restaurant inspired by French bistros is often referred to as the Living Room. The outside terrace spills out into the pedestrian area overlooking the Pegnitz river. Perfect for summer evenings as are the delicious picnic baskets the cafe offers.

Known for its Alsace-German speciality Flammkuchen, a thin flatbread and Germany’s answer to a thin crispy pizza. The traditional toppings are sour cream, bacon and onions, but there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options along with some Mediterranean-style dishes on offer.

Zeit & Raum | Wespennest 2  | 90403 Nürnberg | Website

Café Neef

Another great stop when exploring the city is Café Neef near Nuremberg’s market square. The window displays of the massive cakes alone will entice you in. It’s the perfect place for a rest and let’s be honest a hug slice of cake, plus they do a great hot chocolate topped with lashings of whipped cream too.

With over 40 years of cake baking under their belts it’s considered an institution, which is evident in the number of locals you’ll find there. From an array of cookies, pastries and tarts, to traditional and some rather innovative creations, you’ll be spoilt for choice. This was the closest we’d get to Nürnberger Rostbratwurst, namely a marzipan homage.

Café Neef | Winklerstraße 29 | 90403 Nürnberg  | Website

Do you know of any great Nuremberg foodie spots ? Let me know in the comments box below.

Watch the highlights video of our trip to Nuremberg:

PIN FOR LATER

Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links that earn me a small commission but come at no extra cost to you. Thanks as always for your support! See my disclosure policy here.