3 Best Restaurants in Bayreuth, Franconia and the German Danube

At first glance, this restaurant doesn't look particularly promising—a small part of a large cinema complex on the edge of town, with an uninviting terrace overlooking a busy street—but the fact remains: this is the best burger joint in Bayreuth. The beef patties are excellent, and there are topping options galore, from the classic (like cheddar and bacon) to the adventurous (like goat's cheese and fig sauce). There are chicken and veggie burgers, too, along with a choice of sides. Start your meal with a small salad, loaded nachos, or mozzarella sticks, and end it with a syrupy pancake, apple crumble, or a chocolate brownie.

A traditional German pub with a summer terrace that spills out across Maximilianstrasse, this popular place specializes in high-quality Franconian fare, from roast venison with dumplings and cabbage to grilled pikeperch with potato risotto. Look out for seasonal specialties, too, such as strawberry and white asparagus salad. Don't worry if it's too chilly to sit outside: the huge glass ceiling over the dining room gives it a light and airy atmosphere, even in winter.

This self-described "Franconian nostalgic inn" harks back to the 17th century, when the local Wirtshaus (inn-pub) was the meeting place for everyone from the mayor's scribes to the local carpenters. Beer and hearty traditional food (with a hint of Mediterranean influence) are shared at wooden tables either in the rustic interior or out in the shady beer garden. If it's on the menu, opt for the freshly caught trout fried in almond butter.