Practical information : Eating out North Rhine-Westphalia
Timetable
In Germany and the North Rhine-Westphalia region, restaurants welcome you mainly around the clock. In the kitchen, the stoves are never turned off, and you can enjoy a late lunch or an early dinner, as is the local tradition. Germans have lunch at the same times as the French, but dine earlier. Despite this, with a few exceptions, restaurants serve late at night, far from the tourist centers. On weekends, breakfast and brunch are also served late. These are very popular, and depending on the establishment, reservations may be necessary. Generally speaking, restaurants are open 7 days a week in the three towns in the guide.
Budget & Tips
The price of a meal varies considerably depending on the establishment you visit to eat. There's something to suit every pocket: snacks (known as"Imbiss") are the most affordable. Of course, the Döner Kebab, Turkish in origin but fully integrated into the German culinary landscape, is the most common on-the-go snack at an affordable price. The same applies to the famous"Currywurst". The restaurants themselves are accessible to all budgets. In principle, the menu features a la carte dishes served generously, while "gourmet" restaurants may offer set menus. With a few rare exceptions, payment cards are accepted everywhere, as is cash, which is still widely used here.
What costs extra
At the end of a meal in a restaurant, it's customary to round up the total price of your meal and leave a tip for the staff. This happens almost automatically, and is very important culturally. Many foreign tourists don't always realize it, but the"Tipp" is much appreciated by the person who will be serving and cashing you. To give you an idea, it's recommended to leave 5-10% of the total as a tip. This can be done very easily by credit card, specifying the amount you wish to pay, including this"Tipp". When it comes to the bill, there are no surprises: everything is clearly stated on the menu, including taxes. The only thing you won't be offered is a carafe of water, as this is not the practice across the Rhine, as tap water is not drunk in restaurants. Drinks, including sparkling and still water, must always be ordered in addition to your meal.
Kids
If there's one country where children are welcome, Germany is certainly at the top of the list. Establishments are generally"Kinderfreundlich". Toddlers are given a warm welcome. On the practical side, changing tables and baby chairs are also not uncommon in restaurants. In any case, don't hesitate to ask. On the menu, the principle of a "children's menu" is not common, but child-size plates are generally available.
Smokers
Smoking is strictly prohibited in restaurants. The law is clear and uncompromising on this point: you must smoke outside the restaurant, come rain or shine.