Benders

The story

Benders Pforzheim: Modern Mediterranean Restaurant in Birkenfeld

Benders is a modern Mediterranean restaurant on the outskirts of Pforzheim, at Silcherstraße 1 in Birkenfeld. Michelin has recommended it for 2026, and the kitchen works in a seasonal style that draws on French, Mediterranean and regional cooking, with the occasional Asian accent.

The kitchen

The menu is built on seasonal produce, with regional ingredients alongside products sourced from further afield. The Schlemmer Atlas 2026 awards the restaurant 2.5 Kochlöffel and describes sharing plates and à la carte dishes served in a casual setting. Current starters include tempura prawns with papaya and lime, and steinpilz ravioli with a dashi and mushroom beurre blanc.

Mains and classics

Lamb loin "John Stone" comes with Madeira, polenta and black garlic, while strozzapreti arrive in an Asian bolognese with gochujang and parmesan. Some dishes return on set days. The Wiener schnitzel is served on Thursdays, and the burger appears on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The terrace is planted with greenery, and the restaurant shares its building with the Birkenfelder Hof hotel.