The story
Novalis serves classic cuisine at Hinterhaus 11a in Nörten-Hardenberg, just outside Göttingen, and earned three Kochlöffel in the 2026 Schlemmer Atlas. The restaurant sits inside the Hardenberg BurgHotel, below the castle ruins, and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Chef Florian Rabbethge and his team build the menu around regional ingredients. Game from the restaurant's own hunt appears on the carte, and a fully vegetarian menu is available. A small lunch menu runs alongside the evening service. Fish comes from the Leinetal smokehouse, and the salt is deep salt from a local brine spring.
Der Feinschmecker gave the restaurant 2.5 in 2026 and described its plates in some detail. Trout from Edesheim arrives with Moringer carrot, red cabbage and yogurt. North Sea cod comes with potato ragout, creamed greens and trout caviar. The pink-seared venison loin is served with lingonberry jus, savoy cabbage and parsley root.
The dining room occupies a historic stone building with its original parquet floors, now with a relaxed, casual feel. Dogs are welcome in the restaurant and on the terrace. The wine list includes specialties from the house distillery, and the team will suggest a whisky from the Hardenberg Distillery to close the meal.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
History
Concept In the historic castle hotel (Relais & Château), the seasons set the tone in the restaurant with various seasonal specials. Tasting menus and à la carte options are available, including vegetarian dishes. Culinary Style Malte Gunzert places the ingredients at the forefront of his menu, whether serving a trout from Edesheim with Moringer carrot, red cabbage, and yogurt, or North Sea cod accompanied by potato ragout, creamed greens, and trout caviar. The pink-seared venison loin is presented in classic fashion with lingonberry jus, savoy cabbage, and parsley root. In the vegetable version, young spinach accompanies beetroot dumplings, Belper Knolle cheese adds savory notes, and verjus provides delicate acidic accents. Wine An extensive selection featuring specialties from the house distillery. Atmosphere The historic stone structure with its original parquet flooring has been refreshed with a relaxed, casual touch. Conclusion Savor regional cuisine in a historic setting.
At the foot of the historic castle ruin, Count Hardenberg's Country Estate awaits its guests—for overnight stays, golf, conferences, celebrations, and formal dining. Chef Florian Rabbethge ensures this.
Location
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