east

The story

east Hamburg – Michelin-Recommended Japanese Fusion Restaurant in St. Pauli

A former iron foundry, reimagined

In the heart of Hamburg’s St. Pauli district, the east restaurant occupies a building that once housed an iron foundry. Architect Jordan Mozer from Chicago transformed the industrial shell into a space that feels both historic and futuristic. Unplastered red brickwork, stained glass, and sweeping columns define the main hall, while contemporary art rotates through the rooms. The interplay of raw materials and Mozer’s organic forms – curved pillars, a freestanding bar shaped like a ship – makes the setting as memorable as the food.

The kitchen: Japanese fusion with live cooking

The east kitchen team, led by its sushi chefs, focuses on Japanese fusion cuisine. At the sushi counter, guests watch the chefs assemble rolls and sashimi with practiced precision. Beyond the raw bar, a Robata grill – a traditional Japanese charcoal grill from Hokkaido – sears seafood, vegetables, and meat at high heat, locking in natural juices and flavour. The menu also includes salads, fish and meat dishes, and desserts from the in-house pâtisserie. The cuisine is best described as Japanese fusion, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and technique.

Recognition and atmosphere

The restaurant has earned a Michelin Recommended distinction for 2026, reflecting consistent quality. Guests can choose between the large main room, quieter alcoves called Kasematten, or the lively sushi counter. The dress code is casual elegant – no sportswear or flip-flops after breakfast. Only card payments are accepted. The bar, named after the Indian goddess of sociability Yakshi, serves snacks and drinks in a futuristic lounge setting. For private events, the east Lounges offer private dining options.

Whether for a full dinner, a sushi lunch, or a drink at the bar, east remains a destination for both hotel guests and locals – a Hamburg address that has held its place since 2004.