Earlier in the year, I posted about some of my sustainable restaurants to eat in Düsseldorf that also care for their people and the planet. This time, I decided to venture a little bit out of town as well in search of good food with a great concept. I understand that not all of our readers on Life in Düsseldorf may be living in Düsseldorf city itself, so, if you happen to live close to some of these places mentioned below and are wondering where to eat, you might just discover something new in your backyard!
Before we get started, let me introduce myself. Hi, I’m Paushali Lass, a passionate advocate of Indian food who uses The Mustard Table Culinary Events to give Germany a taste of diverse regional food from India. I run cooking workshops and Indian dinners in Düsseldorf, with an emphasis on using local and seasonal fresh ingredients. You can also follow me on Instagram and Facebook at @themustardtable
There are indeed many places that are switching over to a healthier and more planet-friendly eating concept. However, I came up with a select few restaurants that really champion sustainability based on the following criteria:
- Ingredients Sourcing
- Food
- Service
- Work ethics
So, here are my top 5 sustainable places to eat in and around Düsseldorf due to their holistic ‘good food’ concept:
Restaurant ONE, Roermond
If you’ve lived in Düsseldorf for a while, chances are that you’ve heard of Roermond in the Netherlands. Famous for its designer outlet shopping center but also home to a culinary star shining brightly at the forefront of sustainability – ONE.
This Michelin Star kitchen uses ingredients from its own garden, while the interior space bears testimony to a highly advanced eco-friendly design concept. The food and drinks are made with fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs directly from the restaurant’s own garden. Meat and dairy products are sourced from small, local farmers and artisans.
For us Düsseldorfers, we have the luxury of crossing the border over to our Dutch neighbors within an hour’s drive. So, next time you go shopping in Roermond, I would encourage you to reserve a table at this inspiring restaurant and enjoy ONE very special evening of gastronomic delight. Owners Edwin and Bethany are also extremely friendly!
Watch a video on Restaurant ONE
- Price: €€€
- Address: ECI 17, 6041 MA Roermond
- Hours of Operation: Wednesday to Saturday: Dinner; Lunch: Friday and Saturday
Ratatouille, Düsseldorf
Well-known Düsseldorf Chef Sam Keshvari has Persian roots, culinary training in classic French cuisine, and offers his own interpretation of classic food with a whole lot of character in Restaurant Ratatouille. Situated by the beautiful Media Harbour golf course, this place comes with its own small vegetable garden, full of juicy tomatoes and fresh herbs. Enjoying the lovely view of a green horizon with the Media Harbour buildings across the way is a perfect way to destress while enjoying some good food.
Ratatouille serves a variety of foods like delicious seasonal soups, risottos, and classic meat dishes. However, if you are looking for good fish and fresh oysters, this is a safe bet. Chef and hobby fisher Sam knows his fish! He has them delivered fresh from Holland or might even serve something from his own ‘catch’. Ratatouille is opening a branch in Meerbusch soon, so you can even choose where you want to have some very good value-for-money French dishes!
- Price: €€
- Address: Auf der Lausward 51, 40221 Düsseldorf
- Hours of Operation: Monday to Sunday – lunch, and dinner (11 am to 11 pm)
Restaurant Frenzen, Mönchengladbach
If you fancy some traditional German food with a modern touch and live anywhere west of Düsseldorf, you should make a visit to Restaurant Frenzen in Mönchengladbach. The menu card is seasonal, with fresh vegetables and meat sourced from local suppliers. There are lots of delectable vegan options to choose from and if you have kids, do try their homemade fish fingers and chicken nuggets.
Till Eickmann, Chef and Iris Frenzen, Owner
As I spent some time chatting with owner Iris Frenzen, it became clear to me the sustainability aspect of the restaurant is very much an outcome of her and head chef Till Eickmann’s passion for serving quality food, while taking care of people and the planet. Frenzen is very conscious about creating a great work environment, where her staff receive enough holidays and fair wages. As a guest, I appreciate a place that gives me peace of mind of knowing where my food is coming from and that it is served from happy hands.
“I wanted to create a workplace and a restaurant where I would myself feel comfortable as an employee and guest”, says Iris Frenzen. I agree, Ms Frenzen…
- Price: €€
- Address: Waldhausener Str. 89, 41061 Mönchengladbach
- Hours of Operation: Wednesday to Saturday: Dinner (from 5 pm); Sundays: Lunch and Dinner
I received the tip to check out Restaurant Frenzen from a regenerative farm called Zwei Morgen Land (ZML) which is also based in Mönchengladbach and supplies its farm fresh produce to the restaurant.
I was involved in a film project showcasing ‘good’ agricultural practices in this part of Germany and had the opportunity to meet the farmer, Alex, from ZML. The vegetables that are produced on this farm are entirely chemical-free and are produced following farming practices that build up and nourish the soil (for more information on regenerative farming and its climate impact, you can watch the video on ZML on Climate Story).
Haus Stemberg, Velbert
Since 1864, Haus Stemberg is a place where ‘modern creativity meets tradition’ in the ‘Bergisches Land’, just 30 minutes drive away from Düsseldorf. This is the kind of place which you want to visit again and again. It is more than a restaurant. Haus Stemberg is where you’ll find history, tradition, and good food – in a cozy, warm, and elegant ambiance. Carrying on the family baton is renowned Chef Sascha Stemberg, who gives an international interpretation to traditional recipes.
Consistent taste and top quality are at the forefront of Stemberg’s culinary philosophy. Combine that with local and regional sourcing, and you have a winning combination! In spring and early summertime, you can indulge in fresh asparagus served at the restaurant from a farm directly across the street. If you want to try sashimi of an unforgettable quality, try the Balfego (sustainable) tuna sashimi with Stemberg’s signature soya sauce made from local, organic wheat.
What I love about this restaurant is that there is something for everyone.
It may have a Michelin Star to its credit for many years now, but what is unique is the very relaxed and ‘pub-like’ atmosphere with a fine touch of elegance. You can go and have a Schnitzel with Pommes, or try out their 6-course Chef’s Menu, depending on what your budget is. But one thing is guaranteed – you get the best quality of food you can imagine in this area! It’s not just the food though, it is the hospitality of Stemberg Seniors (Mom and Pop) and Stemberg Juniors (Sascha and his wife) that are hard to find in this day and age of fast eating…
- Price: €€€
- Address: Kuhlendahler Str. 295, 42553 Velbert
- Hours of Operation: Monday to Wednesday: Dinner (from 5:30 pm) ; Saturday and Sunday: Lunch and Dinner
Anthony’s Kitchen, Meerbusch
Ghanaian-born Anthony Sarpong, chef, and owner of Anthony’s Kitchen in Meerbusch, loves to surprise his guests with out-of-the-box dishes, perfectly executed and make them feel very special in a relaxed chic atmosphere.
Their local and regionally fresh produce is sourced from well-known and small-scale suppliers, and conscious efforts are made to keep plastic use to an absolute minimum. What struck me most about this place though is the concept of ‘human sustainability‘. The staff are given complete creativity and ensured a good work-life balance. What is even more commendable is Anthony Sarpong’s active efforts in ensuring a non-discriminating and equitable work-life for immigrant workers in Germany. The German constitution of upholding human values is carved onto a special knife on display in a glass case. This is a good reminder that each person, staff member, and guest, regardless of their beliefs and physical appearance, need to be equally valued and respected!
- Price: €€€
- Address: Moerser Str. 81, 40667 Meerbusch
- Hours of Operation: Thursday to Sunday: Dinner Only (from 5:30 pm)
Eating, spending time, and hearing the stories of restaurant owners and their staff have all had a positive and profound effect on me. The sustainable story has begun and is continuing to grow for many places in and around Düsseldorf. I do hope more and more restaurants start taking steps, even if only very small ones, to reduce their carbon footprint by paying attention to how they source their ingredients. As consumers, we too have the power to contribute to the change we wish to see. We can start in our own kitchens.
As Chef Edwin Soumang of Restaurant ONE said, “I hope people start cooking with fresh ingredients.”
