As soon as the sun starts coming out towards the end of Winter, Frankfurt goes through a stark transformation. It goes from gloomy and cold to cheery and charming in the blink of an eye and the riverfront - and the way city dwellers use it - plays a significant role in this shift.
To me, better weather means being able to go to Meral as often as I can, as it embodies memories of past travels and the arrival of the longer days of Spring and Summer.
So what is Meral? Meral is a kebab shop - but there are so many already, how does this one stand out? Meral is a kebab shop on a boat moored at the quay on the south side of the river that not only serves the most common delicacies but also sells Fish Döner. Yes, just as you would in Istanbul, here you can have a fish sandwich along with your walk by the river, and you can even pair it with an Efes beer. There are four different fish-based sandwiches to choose from, all of them delicious, but my go-to is the one with baby calamari (doused in lemon juice, please!)
Meral is the perfect companion to an after-work beer at Maincafe, a riverfront Sunday bike ride or a Museum tour. You can have it on the go, or you can bring your blanket and have a picnic on the lawn in front of it. Enjoy!
Find your way with 139 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Frankfurt's street art and graffiti is definitely worth your attention, so follow my recommendations and find the best works and installations!
by
"Pizzeria da Cimino" is where most people in Frankfurt go for pizza! My favorite one is the one with spinach. It's just the perfect place for casual lunch.
by
"Wayang" is the one Indonesian restaurant in Frankfurt that sets itself apart. Protip: for a full experience, ask for some tea along with with your meal...
by
"Fit Kitchen" Frankfurt is a restaurant for people looking out for what they eat, which can be tough on the go. They're tasty & have nutrient counts...
by
"Fichtekränzi" is one of the oldest typical restaurants in Frankfurt. Here you will have the chance to get to know Apfelwein (apple wine) culture and...
by
"Orfeos Erben" Frankfurt is a delicate, multifaceted bar/restaurant offering intimacy and refinement. But above all this restaurant is actually a cinema!
by
"Andalucia" is not only a Frankfurt tapas restaurant: it's a very loyal replica of what you would find in real Southern Spain. I suggest you risk it by...
by
"Immer Satt" is a very nice Frankfurt restaurant, decorated with sheer sobriety, down to earth yet subtly refined. I definitely recommend the German...
by
"Caravan" is an Uzbeki restaurant in Frankfurt. While I can't vouch for the authenticity, the subtle mix of smells and flavours and the environment...
by
"Der Fette Bulle" -- hands-down the best burgers in Frankfurt. It's a great first stop on a night out and even though you need to wait a bit it's worth it.
by
"Hummus Küch'" in Frankfurt is an Israeli snack bar with a cozy environment. I really love their schaschuka, hummus and borekas. Perfect with friends!
by
"Picknick Cafe" Frankfurt is one of my top choices when I'm fed up with ordinary food. From falafel to couscous, there's something for every appetite here.
by
139 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 139 Insider Tips