The story
Votum in Hannover cooks a modern European menu at Hannah-Arendt-Platz 1, 30159, inside the Leineschloss, the Lower Saxony State Parliament. Michelin awarded the restaurant two stars in 2026 for excellent cooking.
Chef Benjamin Gallein builds his dishes on clear flavours and excellent produce. Modern technique and classical craft sit side by side on the plate. The Feinschmecker guide describes his concepts as creative and technically demanding, with bold contrasts that work. One example is veal cheek sauerbraten served with tomato water or lemon peel purée, which brings a bright lift to a rich braise. He also uses lamb, truffle and caviar when a dish calls for them.
Guests choose a six- or seven-course menu, and the Schlemmer Atlas gave the restaurant 4 Kochlöffel in 2026. The 3-course menus, priced at 99 euros in the Feinschmecker review, are also popular. Wine pairing is optional. Sommelier Jonas Gohlke balances well-known labels with smaller discoveries, and his pairings are reliably good.
The dining room sits under the parliament building and is largely stone and glass. Clever lighting and drapes soften the space and add an elegant warmth. From 9 PM, the V-andy Bar serves a small dessert menu.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
History
Excellent cooking
The Leineschloss is the place where politics and good food come together. Exceptional chef Benjamin Gallein offers six or seven intensely flavored fine dining courses, plus optional wine pairing.
Concept Lower Saxony is hardly considered a gourmet paradise. All the more amusing, then, that one of Hannover’s finest restaurants is located beneath the Lower Saxony State Parliament. Here, guests select a 6- or 7-course menu. The 3-course menus priced at 99 euros (available from 5:45 PM and 8:15 PM) are also popular, as is the “V-andy Bar” (from 9 PM), which features a small dessert menu. Culinary Style Benjamin Gallein increasingly masterfully incorporates his highly creative, sometimes complex, and technically demanding flavor concepts into his dishes. For example, he breathes an intense summer freshness into veal cheek sauerbraten paired with tomato water or lemon peel purée. He also occasionally plays with bold contrasts and daring combinations, often elevated by premium ingredients such as lamb, truffles, or caviar. Wine Sommelier Jonas Gohlke likes to bridge the gap between well-known names and new discoveries in his recommendations. When it comes to pairing, he delivers consistently reliable results. Classically excellent. Ambiance The large space beneath the parliament building (characterized by abundant stone and glass) is imbued with the necessary elegance through clever lighting and drapes. Verdict A meal at Benjamin Gallein’s is an experience. Grade: delicious.
Location
Facebook
Instagram