The era of bland communist fare is now history. Today, Dresden draws its culinary inspiration from the region’s seasonal produce, fine wines and venerable Saxon traditions.

Kastenmeiers

Beyond the pristine white façade of the neoclassical Kurländer Palais is my favorite restaurant in Dresden, the seafood-focused Kastenmeiers. The interior of the palace burned during the bombing of the city, but it has only been minimally restored — colorful contemporary paintings hang on walls of exposed stone and brick, where just a few bits of the original plaster coating remain. In this supremely atmospheric space, we enjoyed light and flavorful dishes such as grilled black tiger prawns with arugula and Parmesan, and perfectly cooked sea bass with tomato confit and wild garlic couscous. The excellent wine list has a large by-the-glass selection and numerous options from Saxony.

Kastenmeiers
Tzschirnerplatz 3-5. Tel. (49) 351-4848-4801