Le Plat du Jour

The Plat du Jour in Hamburg mainly serves french cuisine in a rural style and without much ado , but in even higher quality.

At the Plat du Jour, the cooking is French and primarily country style, without frills, but rather of excellent quality. 

Feasting in secret. A first-class restaurant, close to the Town Hall, in the city centre – and yet almost free of tourists? Yes, this exists. It is nicely hidden at Dornbusch, a tiny street six minutes’ walk south-east of the Hamburg Town Hall. This is where the wealthier ladies and gentlemen from publishing houses and law firms spend their lunch break, but the restaurant is also well frequented in the evenings. 

As is usual in French brasseries, we find a slightly cramped guest room, furnished practically and elegantly, which allows a view into the kitchen. Those who prefer it a little quieter can take a seat in the lower back room, although the oxygen supply is not particularly good here. What is particularly good by contrast – and hasn’t changed for ages – is the menu. At the Plat du Jour, the cooking is French, and primarily country style, without frills, but rather of excellent quality.

As such, we can find bistro classics such as escargots or fish soup with rouille and garlic bread as an appetizer, and main courses such as roast rabbit leg with Dijon mustard sauce, and the classic steak frites – served here as a rump steak – with pepper sauce. 

The small dessert menu offers few surprises: popular desserts such as crème brûlée, crêpes or profiteroles, and a platter of excellent raw milk cheeses.  

The service adapts to the guest: if you only order an appetizer and a mineral water, you might not be served with much charm. However, if, as is normal in France, you order three courses and wine, you will be treated like an old friend.

It should be emphasized that you can really make a splash at the Plat du Jour, but you don’t have to, because the price range of the food and drink menu is astonishingly large. Whether you wish to invest 50 euros or 250 euros in three courses and a bottle of wine, is entirely up to you.