The story
In the quiet heart of Lübeck’s old town, Johanna Berger’s eponymous restaurant has been serving refined, seasonal cuisine since 2015. The chef herself, a trained cook who worked in Southern France, London, and along the North Sea coast, describes her approach as a “colourful culinary bouquet” – one that offers something for every guest seeking elevated dining.
The kitchen team, led since May 2024 by head chef Jamel Jerome Poerschke (who brings experience from Michelin-starred restaurants), focuses on a regularly changing menu that draws from both Mediterranean and international influences. Guests can compose their own meal from a select list of starters, fish, meat, and vegetarian dishes, or opt for a surprise menu ranging from three to seven courses. Every dish is prepared fresh, and the kitchen gladly adapts to allergies or intolerances.
Current offerings include a saffron risotto with fennel and roasted paprika, a catch-of-the-day, and a tender beef filet with cauliflower and Ras el Hanout. For dessert, a nod to local tradition arrives in the form of Plettenpudding, a Lübeck classic. The wine list is thoughtfully paired, with optional wine journeys accompanying each surprise menu.
The restaurant occupies a stylishly designed historic building, where guests can dine either indoors or in a peaceful courtyard during warmer months – making outdoor seating one of its noted features. The tone is relaxed and welcoming, with service described as excellent.
Johanna Berger has earned a Michelin recommendation, a recognition woven naturally into the restaurant’s reputation for quality cooking and warm hospitality. It remains a steady address in Lübeck for those who value honest, well-executed international cuisine in a setting that feels both special and approachable.
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