I’m a Fortuna Düsseldorf fan and live in the city. I’ve provided a guide to the best places to drink before watching a game at the Merkus Spiel Arena and in this guide I’ll give you my restaurant tips.
Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with family, finding the perfect restaurant near the stadium can enhance your trip. This guide will tell you about the best restaurants near Merkur Spiel-Arena and in Düsseldorf, catering to various tastes and budgets.
Restaurants Near The Merkur Spiel-Arena
The Merkur Spiel Arena is around 6km from the city centre, which means there aren’t many places nearby. Here are some of the best restaurants near the Merkur Spiel-Arena.
Restaurant Kastanie
Kaiserswerther Str. 408.
This restaurant is the closest to the stadium and can get busy with fans on matchday. From here it’s about a 20 minute walk to the stadium, or you can jump on the U78 train from the station just next to the restaurant and reach the ground in 10 minutes.
Taverna Toxotis
Kaiserswerther Str. 402
This restaurant serves modern Greek dishes, especially the fish and seafood dishes are highly recommended. Booking a table is advisable on matchday. The restaurant serves quality good and the prices can be quite expensive. Taverna Toxotis is next to the Messe Ost station and from here you can take the U78 to the Merkur Spiel Arena.
Finest Lezzet Restaurant
Felix-Klein-Straße 1
Enjoy authentic Turkish cuisine at this cosy restaurant, praised for its exceptional service and delightful ambience. Friends of mine have been here and recommended the well-seasoned grilled meats, fish, and delectable desserts like Baklava and Künefe. Conveniently located near Reeserplatz station, it’s perfect for traveling to the Merkur Spiel Arena. While some dishes may be a bit pricey, the overall experience is highly recommended.
Casita Mexicana Golzheim
Uerdinger Str. 25
Experience the vibrant flavours of Mexico at Casita Mexicana in Golzheim, conveniently located by the Theodor-Heuss-Brücke station. From here you can jump on the U78 train and reach the Merkur Spiel Arena in around 15 minutes.
The menu includes Mexican classics like quesadillas, tacos and savoury bowls. You can enjoy a change to drinking Altbier in Dusseldorf with a classic cocktail! I recommend making a reservation in advance to ensure you get a table.
Budget-friendly restaurants near Merkur Spiel-Arena
Traveling for sports can be expensive, but dining out doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some budget-friendly restaurants near Merkur Spiel-Arena:
Stockumer Grill
Address: Stockumer Kirchstraße 3
For sports travellers on a budget seeking good food near the Merkur Spiel Arena, this place is a good choice. I occasionally stop here and grab a Döner or Dürüm and a beer on my way to watch Fortuna Düsseldorf. The place is quite small and gets busy on a matchday with fans grabbing something to eat.
Restaurants in Düsseldorf City Centre
You’ll find loads of fantastic restaurants, cafes and breweries serving great food throughout Düsseldorf and not just in the Altstadt. Here are my recommendations:
Brauerei im Füchschen
Address: Ratinger Str. 28
This is my favourite of the breweries in the Altstadt.It’s thought that beer has been brewed on the site of Füchschen since 1640.
The traditional local dishes served here are very meat heavy. I recommend trying a classic Düsseldorf dish like Himmel und Ahd (mashed potatoes, apple sauce, fried black pudding and onions) or a Schweinehaxe (pork knuckle) and wash it down with a few glasses of local Altbier.
Heimwerk
Address: Hafenstraße 9
This modern bar serves traditional German food using regionally sourced ingredients and with large portion sizes. I’m a big fan of this restaurant, partly for its excellent beer options, as outlined in this guide to Pubs in Düsseldorf near Merkur Spiel Arena.
Located in the heart of Altstadt, just minutes from the Rhine, Heimwerk serves 19 different types of schnitzel including veal, pork, chicken and even vegetarian options like zucchini and vegan corn schnitzel.
The ingredients used are locally sourced and you can eat in the spacious restaurant or on the large outdoor terrace.
Schweine Janes
Address: Bolkerstraße 13
Schweine Janes is a must-visit for sports travelers looking for authentic and delicious German food. Since 1970, this famous rotisserie grill restaurant in the middle of the Düsseldorf Altstadt has been serving up hearty pork sandwiches and more. Known for its outstanding quality and straightforward cuisine, Schweine Janes is a Düsseldorf institution and meeting spot for all ages. If you’re on a budget I recommend the Schweinebrötchen (pork sandwich) as these are cheap and really filling.
Mangal Kebab
Address: Konrad-Adenauer-Platz 9
Address: Mertensgasse 27
This Kebab restaurant is owned by former Germany, Arsenal, FC Cologne and Bayern Munich football legend, Lukas Podolski. The idea to start a kebab restaurant chain was inspired by his time playing for Galatasaray in Turkey and there are now around 30 Mangal Doner restaurants across Germany, including three in Düsseldorf. The bread is always baked fresh in the chain’s own bakery and I’ve heard good reports about the quality of the meat and sauces. Grabbing a kebab is always a good option for the sports traveler on a budget.
Here’s some of my other favourite places in Düsseldorf to eat:
Takumi 1st
Address: Immermannstraße 28
For something a bit different I recommend a trip to the city’s Japanese quarter and trying some of the best sushi and ramen this side of Tokyo. Takumi is a chain of raman restaurants that, as the name suggests, began in Düsseldorf. The restaurant remains really popular and there’s always a queue to get in!
YoGi
Address: Grupellostraße 5
Düsseldorf has many great Korean and Japanese restaurants and this is my favourite. Yogi is a Korean bar and restaurant that opens in the evening and has a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere. The food is excellent and great value for money, with prices ranging from €10 to €18 for a main dish.
The concept of sharing dishes is really common in Korea and that adds to the authentic experience. I recommend the flavorful Sogogi-Sukju (beef) and Yamyem Padack (fried chicken) and, of course, kimchi washed down with glasses of Soju.
FUYU
Address: Immermannstraße 46
This small restaurant offers generous portions of delicious authentic Taiwanese dishes, like noodle soups, grilled meats and some delicious vegetarian options. This places is highly recommended for a good, quick and cheap meal
La Grilladine
Address: Dreieckstraße 26
This is a Moroccan restaurant tucked away behind the Düsseldorf train station and it is probably my favourite place to eat in Düsseldorf – and I like to eat! Everyone I’ve ever taken to this small restaurant has loved the menu of delicious meat dishes, fresh fish, delicious sandwiches and tagines. The owner is super friendly and speaks about five different languages, so ordering shouldn’t be a problem!
Die Kurve
Address: Goebenstraße 18
This restaurant is in the trendy Pemplefort district and serves mezze and dishes inspired by Tel Aviv. I really like the vegetarian options here like hummus and roasted cauliflower. The restaurant has a classy atmosphere and is a little bit more expensive but sometimes it’s really worth paying for a good meal when traveling for sports.
Saat Grün
Address: Hoffeldstr. 18
Address: Brückenstr. 12
This restaurant has two locations in Düsseldorf. One in Pemplefort and the other in the Harbour district. They both offer amazing all-you-can eat vegan buffets. All the food and drinks are vegan but with the full, natural flavour of selected vegetables, fresh herbs and meat alternatives.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a looking for a high quality meal or a budget friendly meal while traveling for sport, these restaurant recommendations will ensure you have something good to eat when visiting Fortuna Düsseldorf.
I also recommend checking out this guide to hotels in Düsseldorf and seeing what other restaurants are near your hotel.
By following these tips and recommendations, you can make the most of your trip, savouring both the excitement of football and the diverse culinary delights Düsseldorf has to offer.
