Dortmund à la Carte

41 Years of Dortmund à la Carte — Tradition Since 1986

When summer begins, the Hansaplatz in Dortmund's city center transforms into a gourmet garden: At Dortmund à la Carte, the city's most important restaurants present their dishes in mini-portions for tasting. From June 24 to 28, 2026, the 41st edition will take place — making it one of Germany's most traditional gastronomic festivals.

Twelve Restaurants — The Diversity of Dortmund Cuisine

For the 2026 edition, twelve restaurants are participating. The highlight is Schwarzgold, Dortmund's only restaurant with a Michelin star. In addition, Italian, Asian, upscale German, and vegetarian establishments will be featured — from established classics like Vivaldi, Kabarett-Theater Lyrik, and Strobels to young newcomers. Each restaurant offers a small menu with three to four dishes in mini-portions (appetizer, main course, dessert) at relatively moderate prices.

Opening with Fireworks — And Dortmund Day

The festival opens on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, with fireworks over Hansaplatz. Thursday (June 25) is "Dortmund Day" — historically the busiest day, when Dortmund residents meet on Hansaplatz after work. On Saturday evening (June 27), a saxophonist traditionally plays live on the central stage — a festival classic.

Hansaplatz — Dortmund's Gastronomic Heart

The Hansaplatz, with its gastronomic establishments, is considered the culinary heart of Dortmund's city center. With seating under fairy lights, live music, and a constant flow of visitors between the restaurant pavilions, an atmosphere is created over five days that Dortmund citizens have loved for over four decades.

Dortmund as a Gastronomic Destination

With the Michelin-starred restaurant Schwarzgold, a growing scene of young chefs, and an active gastronomic tradition, Dortmund (an independent city in North Rhine-Westphalia) has established itself as a serious gastronomic destination in the western Ruhr area. The festival is its annual public showcase — and the kick-off for the city center's summer gastronomic season.

Concept: Taste Instead of Booking

Unlike a restaurant visit, the focus is not on a full three-course meal, but on curated tasting: one evening, an appetizer at one restaurant pavilion, a main course at the next, a dessert at the third. The festival also serves as a marketing platform for the restaurants — many visitors discover their new favorite table here.