Situated centrally in the harbor of Hamburg, Germany is a classic and cozy restaurant called Heimathafen. From the exterior the restaurant appears unassuming yet inviting, plenty of patrons sat enjoying their food and drink. Despite traveling with a larger group–6 to be exact– we were seated almost immediately. A bright and cheery woman led us to our table and introduced herself as Heike. Absent was any sense of annoyance or irritation for our lack of knowledge in the German language. She quickly provided us with menus in both English and German, as the english version did not include the drink and dessert menu, nor any prices. Dim lighting and painted red walls offered a warm and comfortable atmosphere, especially paired with the cushioned booth that hugged the corner where we were seated. “Wonderful choice”, Heike remarked with an approving nod and smile upon my request for an Aperol Spritz. The value of the drink was only beaten by its flavor, proving to be an amazing start to the meal. I don’t know of anywhere else, in Europe or the United State, where one could find a drink so delicious for less than $7 USD. The rosy drink allowed me to punctuate my meal with small sips, swapping to try each other's drinks, and great conversation.

The menu itself had plenty of choices for vegetarians and carnivores alike, while not overwhelming you with options. I settled quickly on a classic German dish I have never tried before– saftiges schweineschnitzel– which translates to “juicy pork schnitzel”. And juicy it was. The thin pounded pork held reams of flavor encased in a delicately crisp breaded crust. A lemon wedge provided the perfect amount of acidity when juiced over the fillet. While this delectable piece of meat could stand perfectly well on its own, a nicely sized dish of creamy mushroom sauce ushered in another world of flavor and texture. The slivers of potato accompanying the schnitzel were seasoned to perfection and exactly the right amount of crisp on the exterior with a smooth, buttery inside. The food was delicious, and after a long day of exploring the city hit just the right spot. It was almost too easy to join the clean plate club. All the dishes came out quickly and were obviously crafted with care and skill.

Between the welcoming and comfortable atmosphere, fantastic service, and tasty eats, it's difficult to find a flaw in this classic restaurant. If you ever find yourself in the heart of Hamburg, I cannot recommend Heimathafen enough.