Top 15
Restaurants by the water in Kiel

Right, let’s kick things off with a restaurant that’s not just by the water, but actually on it: the Seebar! Here you’ll find colourful cocktails, bowls, burgers and more – and if you fancy it, you can pop next door to the Düsternbrook lido for a dip in the cool water.

Why you’ve got to go: Dining above the waves | A dip in the Baltic Sea

📍 Kiellinie 130, Kiel

Fancy a cosy cup of coffee at Tiessenkai? Of course! At the Schiffercafe, you can treat yourself to a cuppa whilst enjoying the view of the fjord. There’s also breakfast, classic fish rolls and perhaps the odd ship or two sailing past.

Why you’ve got to go: breakfast with harbour charm, classic fish rolls, watching the boats

📍 Tiessenkai 9–10, Holtenau

Off to Kitzeberger Strand! At Kiek Ut, you can enjoy stunning sunsets over the fjord – whether relaxing at the beach kiosk, having a drink on the terrace, or in the dining room with its special atmosphere. It’s also ideal for parties, weddings or small events.

Why you’ve got to go: Spectacular sunsets | Beach terrace | Event venue with views of the fjord

📍 Where exactly? Schönkamp 1, Kitzeberg

At the Bootshaus 1862 restaurant, you can look forward to regional, seafood-based cuisine accompanied by a view that’s second to none: you can see the fjord, the shipyard opposite, sailing ships and the large ferries right in front of the restaurant.

Why you should go: Regional dishes | Ferries and sailing ships up close

📍 Düsternbrooker Weg 16, Kiel

Whether it’s fried fish, prawns, fish cakes or simply burgers and chips – the Kombüse Blücherbrücke serves up classic dishes made with organic ingredients. You can enjoy your meal whilst relaxing on the bridge, with a superb view across the fjord.

Why you should go: organic food | seaside snacks | seating right on the bridge

📍 Blücherbrücke 11, Kiel

The perfect place to take a break whilst strolling along the Kiellinie: here, for example, there are waffles with ice cream and fruit for those with a sweet tooth – and for everyone else, delicious fish dishes or hearty meals without fish.

Why you should go: A varied menu | ideal for a stop along the Kiellinie

📍 Kiellinie 61, Kiel

Lagom brings the Scandinavian way of life to Kiel. With views of the fjord, you can enjoy Nordic and regional cuisine here – perfect for romantic evenings or get-togethers with family and friends.

Why you should go: Scandinavian charm | cosy & stylish | a view of the fjord to savour

📍 Düsternbrooker Weg 38, Kiel

The Deichperle, once a lighthouse keeper’s cottage, is now a bistro, café and sun terrace all in one. Right on Falckensteiner Beach, you can enjoy fine dining here with plenty of holiday flair – sea views included.

Why you should visit: Historic building | Holiday vibes | Beach café with panoramic views

📍 Deichweg 24, Kiel

Situated right on the fjord, with boats right on your doorstep and an urban harbour vibe behind you: at Ahoi Kiel, you’ll find classics like burgers, currywurst, pan-fried fish or fish and chips – simple, hearty and delicious!

Why you’ve got to go: Steffen Henssler’s iconic cuisine | a relaxed harbour atmosphere | the ‘as long as it’s tasty’ motto

📍 Kiellinie 70, Kiel

El Möwenschiss’s cuisine combines North German classics with modern influences from around the world – always inspired by the sea and the warm south. To top it all off, there’s a magnificent view of Schilksee Marina.

Why you should go: Nordic cuisine meets culinary delights from around the world | harbour charm | followed by a stroll along the beach

📍 Soling 36, Schilksee

Right at the far end of the Kiel Fjord, GOSCH is situated by the Hörn Bridge, with a sunny terrace overlooking the harbour and the city centre. Inside, too, the atmosphere is cosy and maritime. The menu features Sylt fish specialities and fresh fish rolls.

Why you should go: Iconic Sylt cuisine | right in the heart of harbour life

📍 Kaistraße 51, Kiel

Alpine cuisine by the Baltic Sea: At the Kaiser, Austrian classics such as Wiener schnitzel, Kasnudeln, Germknödel and Kaiserschmarrn await you. And for those who prefer North German fare, there’s fish straight from the boat.

Why you must go: Austria meets the Baltic Sea | hearty classics | freshly caught fish

📍 Strandstraße 30, Strande

Naples in a minute: At 60 Seconds to Napoli on the Kiellinie, the pizza takes just 60 seconds in the oven – and suddenly you feel like you’re in the south. It tastes like Italy, yet you’re still by the Baltic Sea… it’s a great combination!

Why you’ve got to go: Neapolitan pizza | a real taste of Italy | quick service by the fjord

📍 Reventlouallee 2, Kiel

Ute im Bikini epitomises that pure beach vibe: down-to-earth cuisine without any fuss – fresh, high-quality and made with love. Perfect for enjoying the sea right on your doorstep in a relaxed atmosphere.

Why you should go: A laid-back beach vibe | down-to-earth cuisine | ideal for sundowners

📍 Falckensteiner Strand 71, Kiel

Der Alte Mann is right next to the Maritime Museum and serves everything from coffee and cake to lunch and evening drinks. Bonus: the lively hustle and bustle of the harbour right on your doorstep.

Why you should go: Great for coffee and drinks | perfect to combine with a visit to the Maritime Museum

📍 Wall 65, Kiel

At the Fährhuus in Heikendorf, it’s all about Andalusia: tapas made to traditional recipes, freshly prepared and served with a view of the fjord and the harbour at Möltenort. From the terrace, you’ll have a superb view of passing cruise ships and romantic sunsets.

Why you should go: Authentic Spanish tapas | Harbour views | Cruise ship spotting

📍 Where exactly? Am Strandweg 8a, Heikendorf