Restaurants and Bars

Fine food and drink, followed by a wild night out on the town has only recently become a problem-free proposition in Leipzig. Until the opening of Markt 9 in Barfussgässchen several years ago, there was arguably not a single proper bar in the city centre. Now, however, the small street is full of tapas bars (Tapa Mundo and Spizz), reopened historical inns like the Zum Arabischen Coffeebaum as well as countless clubs. In the summer months, a large, open-air seating area is set up directly on the main marketplace, allowing visitors to eat, drink, meet people, and celebrate late into the night.

Those who find the clientele here too young or stylish can look for something more suitable on Gottschedstrasse in the Schauspielviertel. Its proximity to the theatres ensures that the people here are generally a bit older, but therefore more cultured or at least culturally oriented. Visitors can meet up with actors lunching at the Luise, while dancers, music students and architects sit together at Maga Pon. The Barcelona specialises in Spanish cuisine and offers fine wines and cocktails. Many other pubs and restaurants provide specialities and ambience from far away lands, and in summer often set up tables on the street or in courtyards. At the start of Gottschedstrasse, visitors can attend cultural events or dance the night away to electronic music at places like the Kosmoshaus and Kabarett Club.

With respect to restaurants and bars, the southern district of Leipzig is the oldest area of the city. Students, artists, and the Szenevolk (in-crowd) have lived in and around Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse for generations, and these most definitely form the majority of the clientele in this area's haunts. Ex-students also keep memories of student life alive here. Here, you'll find Killywilly, a legendary Irish Pub, Cortex, a trendy cocktail lounge with electronic music and Avocado , the best-known vegetarian restaurant in the area. Bohemian poets and actors frequent the Cafe Grundmann and enjoy coffee, red wine and antipasti in its art-deco interior. A very new and critically acclaimed restaurant is the Kitchen, with its changing weekly menu featuring authentic international cuisine.

Farther to the south is the Connewitzer Szene, in which alternative and underground lifestyles are still practised. One can purchase beer and enjoy home-cooking in buildings occupied by squatters—those interested will find these places easy to find!

Visitors looking for something a bit more traditional will find it in the city-centre. A must for afternoon coffee and cake is the Riquethaus, housed in a former colonial office with a beautiful facade and coffee-house charm. You'll find traditional German fare in Auerbachs Keller. Goethe worked on Faust here during his time in Leipzig. The interior is decorated with scenes from the famous drama, and Mephisto himself shows up from time to time to frighten the guests a bit.

Sophisticated Saxon cuisine can be found in Zill´s Tunnel , a traditional Leipzig restaurant, dating from 1841. A step up is the Kaiser Maximilian, one of the few Leipzig restaurants to receive a recommendation from the Michelin Guide. In its stylish and modern atmosphere, diners will certainly experience an exceptional evening. There's also one clear leader when it comes to international cuisine: Yamato celebrates Japan's culture, culinary and otherwise, at the highest standards.

Simpler sushi can be found at Mr.Moto, where guests must fish the plate of their choice off an artificial stream. Good Cuban cuisine at reasonable prices is to be found at Varadero. Some recommendations for Italian are Don Camillo & Peppone, and the Emporio, where one can additionally purchase directly imported wine and foodstuffs. The most service-oriented Indian restaurant is the Maha Radscha in Karl-Liebknecht-Straße, while the most solid Mexican fare is on offer at Sancho Pancha in Industriestraße.

Fast food is now available on almost every street corner. In particular, one can find snacks from all over the world in the Hauptbahnhof and the city center.

In sum, there is considerable choice in all things culinary in and around Leipzig. Frequent ownership changes and new openings makes it impossible to give reliable tips for some areas. However, the choice of German and international cuisine in the range of good to very good is quite acceptable. In the town center and the Schauspielviertel, everyone will find something to their taste and in line with their budget.