Restaurant Review: "Porterhouse im Gnomenkeller" – A Hidden Gem for Steak Lovers
Tucked away in a charming, labyrinthine cellar in the heart of the old town, "Porterhouse im Gnomenkeller" offers more than just a meal – it delivers a memorable dining experience steeped in character and flavor.
The moment you step inside, you're transported into a cozy, almost magical world: vaulted stone ceilings, warm ambient lighting, dark wood furnishings, and whimsical details that live up to the "Gnome Cellar" name. It’s rustic and atmospheric without ever feeling overdone – a unique and inviting setting.
The service is friendly, witty, and clearly passionate about what they do. The staff took time to walk us through the different cuts and cooking styles, even presenting the raw meat tableside for those who wanted a closer look – a nice touch that shows their dedication to quality.
We went with the signature Porterhouse steak, ordered medium rare – and it was spot on. Beautifully seared on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside, with a deep, rich flavor that speaks of excellent sourcing and expert grilling. The ribeye was equally impressive: well-marbled, flavorful, and perfectly cooked.
The sides didn’t disappoint either. The truffle fries were crisp and aromatic, and the creamed spinach was silky and well-seasoned – clearly made with care. Their wine list leans towards bold reds, perfectly suited to a hearty steak, and the staff gave thoughtful pairing suggestions.
For dessert, we finished with a warm chocolate lava cake and vanilla ice cream – a classic done right, with a gooey center and just the right sweetness.
Verdict: "Porterhouse im Gnomenkeller" is a true find. With top-quality meat, excellent service, and an unforgettable setting, it’s a must-visit for steak enthusiasts and anyone looking to enjoy a special night out.
Pro tip: Reservations are highly recommended – this hidden gem is no longer a...
Read morePorterhouse im Gnomenkeller is a nice restaurant with a vaulted ceiling painted to give the impression that it is made of bricks. The walls and ceilings feature paintings and attractive designs. There's a date, 1586, painted on the wall. According to the waiter, the building dates back to that year. The quality of the food is good, and the service is quite satisfactory. I had Scholle, a type of flatfish, for 27.50 EUR, and a small beer (0.31 L) for 5.00 EUR, bringing the total to 32.50 EUR. At the bottom of the receipt, it states, “Tip is not included.” I paid with a card, and the waiter brought to my attention four large squares on the screen of the card reader where I could choose a tip in addition to 32.50 EUR. If I chose the first square, a 5% tip would be included. If I chose the subsequent squares, the tip would increase by 10%, 15%, etc. At the bottom, in small text, was “No tip.” When I chose “no tip,” the waiter continued to be kind, friendly, and professional. However, I’m quite sure many people would find being asked to consider giving a tip to be highly intimidating. It is not my responsibility to subsidize the restaurant employees' salaries. People working in restaurants in Germany are...
Read morePorterhouse im Gnomenkeller is a nice restaurant with a vaulted ceiling painted to give the impression that it is made of bricks. The walls and ceilings feature paintings and attractive designs. There's a date, 1586, painted on the wall. According to the waiter, the building dates back to that year. The quality of the food is good, and the service is quite satisfactory. I had Scholle, a type of flatfish, for 27.50 EUR, and a small beer (0.31 L) for 5.00 EUR, bringing the total to 32.50 EUR. At the bottom of the receipt, it states, “Tip is not included.” I paid with a card, and the waiter brought to my attention four large squares on the screen of the card reader where I could choose a tip in addition to 32.50 EUR. If I chose the first square, a 5% tip would be included. If I chose the subsequent squares, the tip would increase by 10%, 15%, etc. At the bottom, in small text, was “No tip.” When I chose “no tip,” the waiter continued to be kind, friendly, and professional. However, I’m quite sure many people would find being asked to consider giving a tip to be highly intimidating. It is not my responsibility to subsidize the restaurant employees' salaries. People working in restaurants in Germany are...
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