North German fish dishes, schnitzel & potato variations in a Gothic cellar with a vaulted ceiling.
Uri Michon
A Historic Culinary Discovery in Lübeck’s Old Town
Walking through Lübeck’s old town, the sign for the “Potato Cellar” was enough to spark our curiosity, and I am so glad it did. We discovered a genuine underground cellar dating back to the 14th century (operating as a restaurant since 1980). The atmosphere is fantastic, featuring large rooms with long wooden tables and charming old brewery decor.
The food was just as impressive as the setting. We started with the potato soup bowl. It looks small at first glance, but it is deceptively filling! It was packed with fresh ingredients and generous meat chunks—not too soft, well-prepared, and perfectly seasoned. If you aren’t starving, this soup alone could satisfy you.
For the main course, we tried a seasonal specialty: a composition of kale, sausage, a piece of pork neck, and small potato cuts. It was a delight for the senses—visually appealing with a wonderful smell and taste.
The prices are very reasonable given the portion sizes, and the service was excellent—helpful, nice, and efficient. This is definitely a great place for couples, families, or even large groups. Highly recommended!
… moreThomas Augustinus
Very nice – surprisingly large – restaurant in an authentic cellar in Lubeck altstadt.
We had a main dish with pork medallions and potatoe pancakes. Very tasteful and a large serving.
For desert we shared a potato waffle with plum and vanilla ice. Very tasteful!
Our warm recommendations of this pearl of Lubeck altstadt
… moreerika kruse
“Kartoffelkeller” lies in the most gorgeous rustic cellar of the old hospital, with beautiful arcs and historical decor. Unfortunately, it lacks a bit behind when it comes to the experience. We ordered two starters and two main courses, alongside a couple of beers and a drink. The starters were good, with the gratin being particularly creamy and excellent. For the main courses we got the winter style potato and tje schnitzel, though we got the wrong dish instead of the potato. When we then got the right meals, it was dull and bland. I’m not particularly asking for exotic seasoning, but salt and pepper it to taste, please. Potatoes fried in bacon grease sound delicious, but there was no crust and the taste was bland and the onions tasted like store bought canned stuff. The duck was bland and rubbery, and nothing on the potato matched. I’m sad it was such a dull meal, for the place and the service was nice, even with the language barrier
… moreNaiara Oliver Marbà
Splendid meet, fish and potatoes. The stuff was also really nice. If you are looking for some German traditional food that it’s affordable and delicious, this is the place
… moreGwen
Dining in a cellar was super cool! The restaurant is located right next to or attached to the Hospital of the Holy Spirit. The cellar is well decorated with paintings and chandeliers. The service staff are really nice even though they cant really speak in English. The pan fish was simply divine! The fish was fresh and silky paired with chunky mash potato. The vegetables on the top add a nice freshness to cut through the heaviness of the creamy sauce and oily fish.
Also ordered herring with potato pancakes. The pancakes were good but really heavy, so it works well with the pickles and other pickled vegetables.
The dark beer was really good! Very light with a hint of caramel and malt notes at the end – the aftertaste was a lot like rooibos. If you like beer but you arent a fan of the bitterness, this is a great choice!
Overall a great experience, highly recommend!
… moreAleksandrina Grigorjeva
It’s really atmospheric place in traditional basement, German food in the menu. they are famous for dishes with or from the potatoes. big potato – vegetarian option was good, but dry a little, not enough souce. baked potatoes with ham was great schnitzel was ok, huge but a little bit dry. I recommend to visit this restaurant. polite and fast service, good atmosphere
… moreMandy Benton
We travel to Lübeck from America every year and the end of our trip is always capped off with a visit to the Kartoffelkeller. The food and atmosphere is always top notch but our most recent visit today was the best by far. It’s our understanding that the restaurant is now under new management and we had the most excellent service from Mandy & Miri today. They were so gracious and attentive and we are already looking forward to next year’s visit. Cheers from Ohio!
… morePhi
The atmosphere was great, the food was a tad bit expensive but tasty and the service was OK.
… moreSabrina Svane
Excellent food! Long wait. We arrived around 5pm, where only 2 others were in the restaurant. And we still had to wait nearly 45 minutes for our food to arrive, after ordering it. While waiting, a family of 4 came in, ordered their food, got it and nearly finished eating before ours came. Our waiter served the family, sitting right next to us, and didn’t even glance at us or tell us to have patience for our food. When I asked for the bill, nearly 10 minutes went by before I could pay. So the place is Cosy, the food is excellent, but the waiting time could be better. Would not eat there at rush hour.
… moreAlicja Nowacka
Probably one of the best place with super German cuisine in Lubeck (or at least what I found so far ). You won’t definitely leave the place hungry – whatever you order the portions are very solid and tasty! My friend couldn’t finish her meal so we need to ask for take away Atmosphere at this restaurant is also magical, it is the basement so the interior is also one of a kind. What we experienced that this place gets really quickly busy, so that’s also a good sign thank you so much and see you next time
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