I walked the streets for over an hour finding this place and working up my appetite. Upon entering,…read moreI saw a bustling, too busy for words or greetings staff doing what needed to be done to satisfy the already packed house. But then... appeared in the doorway between the bar and the first small dining room, a middle aged man with herring bone rimmed glasses and a chef's stature, looking like he belonged. Our eyes met and I moved slowly closer to him to question if they were still serving. (fear set in that it was after nine on a Saturday night with a packed house they would tell me they are out of food). The gentleman introduced himself as Sven, the owner and chef and pointed to a small table they obviously squeezed in for single diners like myself. A woman server quickly set the table, seated me and handed me tonight's menu. Hand written (by Sven himself) in German, I struggled to grasp just one dish to be recognizable. NOT! When the server returned, I asked her what alphabet this menu was written in? She said the chef writes the menu every night in his own handwriting, and she proceeded to read and translate in English the offerings of the night. All sounded incredibly creative and amazing, so my reply was, "what is everyone raving about tonight?" She suggested the Pepper Steak on a bed of Navy, Lima and Green beans. And the Swordfish Carpaccio. I asked her to wine pair the best of what was 'by the glass' and that she did. An Italian Rosé with the Carpaccio and a Portuguese Cabernet Sauvignon with the Steak. A whole lot more action and another glass of wine occurred and wow, oh wow what an amazing culinary and night on the town with Sven unfolded. I could go on and on here... it was my last night in Hamburg which is why I opted to dine in the best I could find. Well it turned out to be Sven's last night as he was 'moving on' (not retiring) but just done with this chapter of his life. Upon finishing my main course, Sven politely joined me at my table and told me his story of how he started the restaurant 33 year's ago. He pulled a delightful older man close to him and began kissing his bald head and telling me how much he loved this man. The man had been with the restaurant for 28 years as the kitchen coordinator/dishwasher/busboy and all 'round go-to man behind the scenes. It was obviously an emotional moment for both these guys. Sven gestured to the bartender to pour me another glass of wine (on the house) and continued his story about how the German government offers a €100,000 tax deduction if you've started a business and sell it at age 55. Sven proceeded to invite me out on the town with him for a few more drinks in the St. George district where he knew all the local pubs and lots and lots of people. He even walked me to the train station to make sure I got on the right train back to my hotel. Anyway... so much more to this story... Bottom line... I'm sure the quality of food coming out of this kitchen will sustain because the staff obviously loved Sven and were sad to see him go. The understudies in the kitchen are apparently who bought the restaurant and planned on changing nothing. I hope I run into Sven again someday... maybe in Portugal or the Azores!

Best. Schnitzel. Ever…read more This was my birthday dinner, and it was perfect. The restaurant is a bar and a room for roughly 24 people. No reservations. Waiting is standing room only. But it was worth it. Very much worth it. We both ordered the Schnitzel - since we did not want to share. Their wine selection is small but very good as well. I tried a few of their whites by the glass. Portions were perfect and the room was cheery and warm. Next time I will save room for dessert.

Sweet and chill place to grab an affordable bite to eat and a good night glass of wine. I came here…read morewhile on a business trip and really enjoyed the music and the friendly waitress.

Simple place to grab an authentic and really good Italian coffee, pasta, or toasts. Friendly,…read morepopular ... and I'd go from 3.5 * to 4.0 * if they managed to clean out the cardboard, boxes, Amazon shipments and stuff on the floor next time I visit. ;)