The story
Merkles Restaurant at Hauptstraße 2 in Endingen am Kaiserstuhl holds one Michelin star (2026) for modern cuisine built on regional produce. Thomas Merkle cooks in a historic building on the town's main street.
Dinner is a seven or eight course tasting menu, or a four-course surprise menu. A vegetarian version is available on request. Rhine zander ceviche arrives with avocado and sweet potato curry, and Kaiserstuhl beetroot is paired with scallops, chicory and hazelnuts. Veal comes with corn, enoki mushrooms and an Asian jus. The kitchen's guiding line is "reduced to maximum enjoyment," and the seasons decide what reaches the plate.
Sommelier Simone Merkle-Dinger pours from 350 wines, 30 of them by the glass. The cheese course comes from Maître Bernard Antony. The rooms are bright with muted tones, and the service is lively and friendly. Next door, the Pfarrwirtschaft offers a more casual stop.
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High quality cooking
good quality, good value cooking
Braised beef cheeks, dry-aged steaks, and authentic Wiener Schnitzel dominate the hearty, home-style menu. Additionally, Kaiserstuhl wines and cocktails are served at the bar.
Located on the main street in the town center, this upscale dining spot by Thomas Merkle is housed in a historic building. The parish restaurant next door is also ideal for a stop on the way to the Kaiserstuhl.
Concept Fine dining across seven or eight courses, plus a four-course surprise menu. Culinary Style "Reduced to maximum enjoyment" – this is the guiding principle of Thomas Merkle and his kitchen team. The result is a profound passion for ingredients and a focus on regional produce. Nevertheless, the kitchen embraces global influences. For example, Rhine zander ceviche is paired with avocado and sweet potato curry, and beetroot from the Kaiserstuhl region is served with scallops, chicory, and hazelnuts. An Asian jus accompanies the veal with corn and enoki mushrooms, and the cheese comes from the "Cheese Pope," Maître Bernard Antony. Upon request, the menu is also available in a vegetarian version. Wine Sommelier Simone Merkle-Dinger draws from a selection of 350 wines, with 30 available by the glass. Ambiance Bright rooms and muted tones create a welcoming atmosphere. The service is lively and friendly. Verdict A journey where enjoyment unfolds in ever-new facets, accompanied by experienced and dedicated hosts.
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