Shiraz

The story

Shiraz Wuppertal – Michelin-Starred International & Middle Eastern Cuisine

In Wuppertal, host Serkan Akgün and head chef Reyad Danah run a kitchen that earned its Michelin star through quiet precision and personal warmth. Since moving to a new location at Einern 120 in January 2025, the restaurant has settled into a space where every detail is intentional.

Akgün, who describes himself as a “Genussbotschafter” (ambassador of pleasure), brings over thirty years of hospitality experience to the table. His philosophy is straightforward: take guests seriously, respect the product, and let the food speak. “My knowledge I love to share about the subtleties of gastronomy,” he writes, “and to inspire you to discover new taste experiences.”

Danah’s cooking is the heart of the menu. “Every dish tells a story,” he explains. “It is my language, my expression of home. My Syrian roots are always present. They give my dishes soul.” That soul is evident in the tasting menu, which the kitchen calls a “Genussreise” — a journey for the senses. The meal begins with small aperitifs and a greeting from the kitchen, accompanied by Sylter white bread and exclusive butter throughout the evening.

Standout courses include a risotto with mushrooms and dates (the restaurant’s signature dish), and Shish Barak — Syrian dumplings filled with G.O.P. short ribs, served with yogurt, saffron, and aubergine. The menu also features North Sea shrimp with bouillabaisse, green asparagus with Brillat Savarin cheese from affineur Antony, and a sweet finale of strawberry with Billecart-Salmon champagne. Guests may add optional upgrades such as Miyazaki Wagyu roast beef or Nia caviar.

The wine pairing is carefully matched to the menu, and Akgün’s personal passion for wine and cheese is evident — he now offers “Feine Reben by Shiraz” to take home, as well as cheese from Antony and Japanese Wagyu prepared and vacuum-packed for home cooking.

The restaurant’s Michelin star, awarded again for the current year, is a recognition of this consistent, heartfelt approach. It is a place where International and Middle Eastern cuisines meet not as a gimmick, but as a natural expression of the team behind the stove. The atmosphere is one of focused hospitality — warm, but never fussy.