Stuttgart offers a broad culinary experience, from simple, hearty, and flavourful local Swabian cuisine in a medieval prison, to fine international fare at one of Stuttgart’s trendiest spots overlooking a castle.

Weinstube Schellenturm

The Weinstube Schellenturm (Wine Tavern Shackle Tower) provides perhaps the most unusual dining experience in all of Stuttgart. Not only is it located in the Bean Quarter, the oldest district in Stuttgart, but the wine tavern is housed in a former medieval prison dating from 1564 – not that diners would notice its humble roots today. The menu is limited to local Swabian food, and while not extensive, dishes are prepared with only the highest quality and freshest ingredients. Even the potato salad is raved about, and fortunately it is served as a side dish on many main courses. No visit to this part of Germany is complete without trying spätzle, a type of local egg noodles made from scratch. The Bärlauchpesto Spätzle (Wild garlic pesto spätzle) served at the Weinstube Schellenturm is an especially tasty take on this local dish. Diners will also find special, hard-to-find Swabian liquors here along with a selection of some of the region’s finest wines.

Cube

In the heart of the city and situated on the top floor of the Kunstmuseum (Art Museum) is Cube. Engulfed in floor-to-ceiling windows, diners are treated to a bird’s-eye view of central Stuttgart overlooking Königstrasse, the distinguished-looking baroque New Castle and main pedestrian shopping street. Be sure to make a reservation in advance and request a table overlooking the castle to enjoy the best views Cube has to offer. The interior is just as contemporary as the exterior, and is one of Stuttgart’s most stylish restaurants. A variety of regional and international cuisine is served. The white asparagus dishes, a local speciality, come highly recommended when in season. Wine lovers will be delighted by the ever-changing list featuring wines from Germany, Europe, and beyond. The foyer of the Art Museum has a special lounge. Bar staff serve masterful cocktails, wines by the glass and unusual spirits in astonishing variety.

Nirvan

The plain façade of this Persian restaurant on Eberhardstrasse does not reveal what diners may expect as they descend the stairs into this basement restaurant. An elegant interior decorated in an old-world style with soft lighting awaits, along with a warm greeting by the friendly and helpful staff. Diners are then faced with the difficult decision of choosing what to eat from the extensive menu, which serves up a wide range of Persian specialities. The selection of lamb and chicken dishes is particularly large, and Nirvan offers one of the most generous selections of vegetarian entrées in Stuttgart. The fried eggplant in garlic and tomato sauce is especially noteworthy, as is the royal saffron rice, which is served as a side dish with most entrées. Diners can expect to leave with full, satisfied bellies. Appropriately enough, on Friday evenings guests are entertained by belly dancers!