What Food To Try in Mainz and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Mainz for 2024.
National currency: Euro, symbol — € (international currency code EUR).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Mainz cafes and restaurants
$9.8
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $7.64
$49.1
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $38.21
$9.5
Combo Meal
Starting from $7.64
What to Try in Mainz
Must-try Dishes
Weck - Mainz Brötchen (buttery bread roll) - A soft, crusty bread roll often filled with meats or cheeses and paired with mustard. Locals typically grab this hearty breakfast bite at bakeries while on the go.Häckerle - Mainz Street Food (spicy meat salad) - Chopped pieces of pork and beef are mixed with a zesty dressing, creating a tangy, cold dish. Popular at street food stalls and fast-casual eateries, it’s a perfect snack on warm days.
Frankfurter - Bratwurst (grilled sausage) - This well-seasoned sausage, typically made from pork, is grilled to a smoky perfection. You’ll find locals enjoying this dish at barbecues or city fairs, served with a side of sauerkraut.
Rindswurst - Beef Sausage (local specialty) - A hearty beef sausage seasoned with herbs and spices, grilled to enhance its flavors. Often enjoyed during local festivals, it's usually served with potato salad, especially on sunny afternoons.
Rinderroulade - Beef Roll (comforting dish) - Thin slices of beef rolled up and filled with bacon, pickles, and onions, then slowly braised until tender. It’s a common family meal, especially during colder months, paired with spaetzle.
Grüne Soße - Green Sauce (herb-based dip) - A delightful mix of fresh herbs blended with sour cream and yogurt, traditionally served with boiled eggs and potatoes. It’s particularly popular during spring, when the herbs are at their freshest; a must-have for locals on Easter.
Pfifferlinge - Chanterelles (seasonal delicacy) - These wild mushrooms are sautéed in butter and served with a creamy sauce or as a topping for meats. Best enjoyed in the late summer and early fall, they’re a local favorite for their earthy flavor—don't miss them at farmers' markets.
Desserts & Drinks
Rüdesheimer Kaffee - Rüdesheimer Kaffee (coffee with rum) - A delightful mix of strong coffee, rum, and fresh whipped cream. It's traditionally served hot in a special glass and boasts a flambéed sugar cube on top, creating a warm and cozy experience, especially in winter.Äppelwoi - Apple Wine (fermented apple juice) - This local cider-like beverage is crafted from tart apples for a refreshing pick-me-up. Often consumed in rustic taverns in Mainz, especially during the apple harvest season, it's served chilled in a special ceramic jug or glass.
Schnecken - Schnecken (cinnamon roll-like pastry) - These sticky buns, filled with sweet cinnamon and nuts, are a local favorite. Best enjoyed fresh from a bakery, they’re usually paired with a cup of coffee during afternoon coffee breaks, though you might see locals munching on them during festivals too!
Rote Grütze - Rote Grütze (red fruit pudding) - This chilled dessert features a mix of berries (like cherries and raspberries) thickened with starch. Served with a splash of cream or vanilla sauce, it’s especially popular in summer months, providing a refreshing end to a warm day.
Stollen - Weihnachtsstollen (Christmas bread) - A rich, dense bread filled with nuts, spices, and dried fruits, Stollen is enjoyed during the festive season. Traditionally, it's dusted with powdered sugar and often shared among family and friends during Christmas gatherings, making it a joyous sweet experience. By the way, it’s a common mistake to think it’s just a fruity bread; the marzipan filling is especially prized!
Food and Groceries in Mainz
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $2.55 |
| Oranges | $2.57 |
| Potatoes | $1.83 |
| Apples | $3.07 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.7 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $0.62 |
| Imported Beer | $1.8 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $8.73 |
Various Groceries
| Chicken | $8.97 |
| Rice | $2.15 |
| Local Cheese | $14.02 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
During my latest visit to the Markt in Mainz, it struck me how the locals seem to embrace the rhythm of their daily meals. It’s common to see folks enjoying their Mittagessen (lunch) around noon, often sticking to their traditional meal times. You’ll find bustling restaurants filled with people from 11:30 AM to 2 PM—definitely the peak for a hearty lunch break.
In terms of pricing, you can grab a decent meal at a casual eatery for about €10-€15, while nicer sit-down places usually range from €20 to €35 for a main dish (though I’ve splurged on special meals that reached €50). The local dining scene thrives in areas like Altstadt (the Old Town), where you'll stumble upon a mix of traditional German cuisine and a few modern bistros, all thriving alongside picturesque cobblestone streets.
Another interesting detail is payment customs. Cash still rules here, although many places accept cards. However, I've found smaller tupf-worthy eateries might prefer cash, especially if you’re trying to sneak in a quick snack from a street vendor.
Oh, and before I forget, tipping is more relaxed here—it's common to round up the bill or leave about 5-10% if you're happy with the service. Locals often have this playful ritual of leaving small amounts of change behind when they’re really pleased with their meal.
You might want to watch out for so-called "tourist traps." One common mistake visitors make is to stick to major streets for dining; the real treasures are often tucked away in quieter alleys or side streets, where you’ll find authentic experiences. Peak hours can be a hassle, too, especially during lunch; it’s wise to plan your meals early or a little after those prime times.
As for reservations, if you plan to dine at a more popular spot, calling ahead is a good idea, especially on weekends. Locals are particularly eager to celebrate over brunch from around 10 AM to 1 PM—a fantastic time to soak in the atmosphere but expect a crowded scene.
Moving forward, Mainz is slowly embracing faster casual dining options, particularly with younger locals opting for quick street food over traditional sit-down meals. This shift is shaping the dining landscape, entwining traditional habits with modern convenience. The evolving food scene mirrors how vibrant and adaptable Mainz's culinary culture can be, keeping it exciting for both long-time residents and newcomers alike.
In terms of pricing, you can grab a decent meal at a casual eatery for about €10-€15, while nicer sit-down places usually range from €20 to €35 for a main dish (though I’ve splurged on special meals that reached €50). The local dining scene thrives in areas like Altstadt (the Old Town), where you'll stumble upon a mix of traditional German cuisine and a few modern bistros, all thriving alongside picturesque cobblestone streets.
Another interesting detail is payment customs. Cash still rules here, although many places accept cards. However, I've found smaller tupf-worthy eateries might prefer cash, especially if you’re trying to sneak in a quick snack from a street vendor.
Oh, and before I forget, tipping is more relaxed here—it's common to round up the bill or leave about 5-10% if you're happy with the service. Locals often have this playful ritual of leaving small amounts of change behind when they’re really pleased with their meal.
You might want to watch out for so-called "tourist traps." One common mistake visitors make is to stick to major streets for dining; the real treasures are often tucked away in quieter alleys or side streets, where you’ll find authentic experiences. Peak hours can be a hassle, too, especially during lunch; it’s wise to plan your meals early or a little after those prime times.
As for reservations, if you plan to dine at a more popular spot, calling ahead is a good idea, especially on weekends. Locals are particularly eager to celebrate over brunch from around 10 AM to 1 PM—a fantastic time to soak in the atmosphere but expect a crowded scene.
Moving forward, Mainz is slowly embracing faster casual dining options, particularly with younger locals opting for quick street food over traditional sit-down meals. This shift is shaping the dining landscape, entwining traditional habits with modern convenience. The evolving food scene mirrors how vibrant and adaptable Mainz's culinary culture can be, keeping it exciting for both long-time residents and newcomers alike.