The story
In Hamburg’s St. Pauli neighborhood, XO Seafoodbar is where Chef Fabio Haebel’s long-held dream meets the sea. This Michelin Recommended spot brings a fresh, flavourful, and fun dining experience to Paul-Roosen-Straße, rooted in sustainability and a deep respect for nature.
The kitchen works with local fisheries that prioritize ocean-friendly catches, sourcing seafood directly from regional waters. Vegetables and herbs come from the restaurant’s own garden, and dairy is locally sourced. The menu, built on seasonal ingredients, offers more than the usual choices—think hand-shucked wild oysters, crudo of the day with sweet corn and chili, razor clams in ponzu, or roasted scallops with salicorn gremolata. The signature Pasta Krabbe, a pasta a la chitarra with North Sea crab and bisque, is a standout. For those who prefer to trust the kitchen, the Chef’s Choice (Omakase) option lets the crew decide across four or six courses.
The atmosphere is relaxed and lively, spread across two floors with terrace seating that takes in the vibrant St. Pauli energy. A small bar serves house-crafted cocktails and a curated selection of global wines. Sundays are for families, with little ones under ten enjoying complimentary fish fingers and a soft drink while parents linger.
XO Seafoodbar is a French bistro at heart, following the rhythm of the sea: warm mussels and rich sauces in winter, oysters on ice and crisp wines in summer. Always simple, always fresh, always with a touch of French soul.
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