Grill Royal Hamburg

Opened in 2023 as the Hamburg sibling to Berlin's Grill Royal, this occupies a historic Kontorhaus building right on the Binnenalster, with Murano glass chandeliers and a seven-metre bar backed by illuminated aquariums. The food is good rather than essential — reliably well-executed steaks and seafood, seasonal specials, the classic whole grilled lettuce — at prices that reflect the room and the location as much as the plate.

The wine list is the real draw: over 700 labels assembled with winemaker Fritz Keller, leaning heavily into Burgundy, Bordeaux and Germany. Come for that rather than a bargain — the wine room seats up to twelve for a private dinner, if the occasion calls for it.

• steakhouse
• wine list
• date night
• business dinner
• waterfront view