Restaurant
The Table Kevin Fehling
Kevin Fehling's three-Michelin-star restaurant in HafenCity, serving a single six-course menu built around fish, shellfish and meat at two evening seatings.
Oberhafen-Kantine
A tiny, visibly leaning brick canteen on the Oberhafen quay, open since 1925, serving Frikadellen, Labskaus and other homemade Hamburg dishes.
At a glance
- Type
- Traditional Hamburg canteen
- Area
- HafenCity (Oberhafen), Hamburg, Germany
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Opening
- Open daily
- Official site
- oberhafenkantine-hamburg.de
Good to know
- Historic building
- Homemade regional food
- Events up to 80 guests
Why we recommend it
The Oberhafen-Kantine is a small brick building on the quay wall of the Oberhafen, and it leans so noticeably that a reporter once called it Hamburg's most crooked place. It opened in 1925, and for 72 years it was run by Anita, who started working there at the age of 12 and stayed until her death in 1997. The kantine marked its 100th anniversary in 2025 with an exhibition in the gallery next door, and it remains one of the most characterful places to eat in the city. Its story has been told by French television, Arte's Küchen der Welt series and a Hamburg harbour podcast, which says something about how much character is packed into one small building. A visit here is as much about the history as the food.
The kitchen focuses on homemade, seasonal and regional food, and the menu reads like a list of Hamburg classics. Frikadellen, the city's meat patties, are a signature, alongside Labskaus, Hamburger Weißwürste, a warm Hamburger Rundstück and, in season, Grünkohl, braised kale. There is also an Abendbrot, a traditional evening spread. Portions are hearty and the style is simple, so come hungry.
The building is small, which is part of the charm. It suits anyone who wants honest local food in a setting with history, and it is popular with locals as well as visitors, so booking is wise. Reservations can be made by phone or through the form on its website, and the kantine can host events for up to 80 guests.
The kitchen is open from Tuesday to Sunday: from 17:00 to 21:30 on Tuesdays, from 12:00 to 21:30 from Wednesday to Saturday, and from 12:00 to 17:30 on Sundays. On Mondays it opens on request. The bar often stays open longer than the kitchen. Prices are moderate for the quality and the setting, and the menu is short enough that ordering is quick. The anniversary exhibition, HALTUNG! 100 Jahre Oberhafen-Kantine, was shown in the Oberhafen-Galerie next door, which is worth a look if it is open when you visit.
The kantine stands in the Oberhafen quarter of HafenCity, next to the Oberhafen-Galerie, and makes a characterful lunch stop on a day exploring HafenCity.
Oberhafen-Kantine FAQs
When did the Oberhafen-Kantine open?
In 1925; it celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2025.
Why does the building lean?
The small brick building sits on the old quay wall of the Oberhafen and has tilted noticeably over the years.
What should you order?
Frikadellen are a signature; Labskaus, Hamburger Rundstück and seasonal Grünkohl are also served.
When is the kitchen open?
Tuesday 17:00 to 21:30, Wednesday to Saturday 12:00 to 21:30, Sunday 12:00 to 17:30, and Mondays on request.
Do you need to book?
Booking is wise because the dining room is small; reserve by phone or through the website.
Who ran the kantine for most of its history?
Anita, who worked there from the age of 12 and ran it for 72 years until 1997.
Can it host events?
Yes, for up to 80 guests.
Where is it?
At Stockmeyerstraße 39 in the Oberhafen quarter of HafenCity.