Phone: +49205486512
Address: Zur Alten Faehre 45, Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, Mülheim
City: Mülheim
Menu Dishes: 6
Reviews: 3259
"What do semi-informed outsiders think of Essen, Germany? Immediately certain images pop to mind: Krupp, Thyssen, steel works and coal mines, old smokestacks dominating a grimy neglected industrial town. Some Germans still refer to the place as “Alter Ruhrpott” (freely translated: Old Mine Pit) – not very complimentary and without much nostalgia. The spitting image of worn-out mining, steel towns like Pittsburg, or Youngstown in the States). Well, no longer so for Essen… Okay, the traces of this industrial legacy are still remembered in Essen, possibly occasionally celebrated too. But there’s also a new Essen, and surprisingly fashionable, definitely friendlier, and much greener too. On a short trip there, my hosts were kind enough to make the visit more informative, give a quick city-tour, point out the contrasts with days gone by, and toward the late afternoon, early evening took me to a rustic contrast of my industrial image of Essen. It was the “Alte Fähre” Restaurant, with a view on the river Ruhr… Well, river in parentheses, rather a gentle well-mannered brook, a stream perhaps heading, hoping to meet a river somewhere. The “Alte Fähre” is a bit on the outskirts of Essen. It’s a pleasant old, colorful farm structure. It’s more like what Germans call a “Biergarten Gasthof”, a former farm dressed-up into a cozy restaurant, and fronted by a large outdoors terrace garden. Of course, because of the balmy evening that day, I didn't get to see much of the inside, just briefly in passing, on my way to the impeccably clean bathrooms. The outside arrangements were simple - long wooden tables lined up in a row in close proximity for the Ruhr River view… Of course, my hosts being German, reservations had been made and including a table strictly for our own party. At other tables around us, clearly, some space sharing was going on, on a busy laid-back evening. Be aware, this sometimes happens in Europe... But have no fear - excellent way to make new friends, break the ice. The “Alte Fähre” is billed as “internationale Küche” ("Küche", meaning kitchen, meaning dishes from everywhere), but in fact, thankfully, many of the choices on the menu were very German. Service at this restaurant was professional, pleasant and prompt. The drinks came around quickly. I think I had a Warsteiner brew - excellent. The food did even better: I only know for a fact what I had: "Leberkäse" (a fine ground German or Austrian meatloaf), browned in the pan, loaded with pan-fried onions and potatoes, and in my foody fantasies, sometimes plainly irresistible. My hosts had settled for local classics such as mixed endive with sautéed black pudding (pan-fried blood sausages), and a creamy chanterelle mushroom dish on homemade bread dumplings. It was all plate service, huge portions, and fresh salads served separately. As anyone who has spent time in Germany knows, the German "Küche" is excellent, generous, and generally not too indecent in terms of pricing either."
Full menu - 6 options
All prices are estimates on menu.
Salads
Gnocchi
Gnocchi
Soft potato dumplings served with a creamy pesto sauce and topped with Parmesan cheese.
Schnitzel
Dessert
Pizza
Special Pizza menu
A uniquely crafted pizza topped with a variety of fresh ingredients, offering a burst of flavors in every bite.
Vegetarian
Parmesan Asparagus
Grilled asparagus spears topped with savory melted Parmesan cheese.
Cornelia
Enjoyed the outside terrace along the Ruhr. Had nice fish and asparagus. Don't recommend the deserts - homemade, but seemingly not by a good cook.
Address
Reviews
Irena
Åt en fantastisk schnitzel med ost till lunch. Underbar miljö och familjär atmosfär. Had an amazing schnitzel with cheese for lunch. Wonderful environment and family atmosphere.
Agathe
while walking around Kettwig we discover this nice Gasthaus. the bier garden overlooks the river. we had a nice fish "matjesfilet" which is Herring served with delicous potatoes. Very friendly staff. just a little note, they do not accept credit card
Arndt
After a long drive, we were hungry and asked for a recommendation from the local guide. They suggested this reataurant and the menu special was absolutely amazing! We were able to sit outside and see the football match too! Very nice end to a long day. View menu
Cornelia
Really nice local restaurant with really tasty dishes, good beers and wines, and very friendly service. Location is good, right on the Ruhr River just before the dam that creates the Kettwig Lake (Kettwiger See) on the other side. Nice to sit outside on a sunny day.
Lilly
We had a small birthday meal and went to this place with the kids. The service was very friendly and fast and the view on the old town kettwig very nice. The food is oke but not special. The payment system didn't work and they proposed to send the bill by mail. Very good solution !!
Lucia
We like this spot because the grandchildren can play on the playgound and we love drinking the beer by the river. We all love the schnitzel here. Zeguner(peppers and red sauce) sauce is fabulous. Service can be scarce, but last visit in April proved to be the best service ever.Salad is superb that comes with this choice. View menu
Margareta
On the road we diverted to get a decent lunch and certainly did not regret that decision. Essen is a nice, rustique little town. The restaurant is situated at the river in a wonderful setting. The staff was lovely and the food was great. We can certainly recommend this place. The surroundings looked wonderful for another visit as well.
Elena
Lovely location overlooking River with a good standard for restaurant and bar food. Service was okay too. The big negative is they do not accept credit cards only cash and german debit cards for payment and this sadly was put extremely rudly by the waitress almost verging on contempt in her poor attitude and making it feel like foreign tourist were not welcome to eat here. Something to bear in mind as there are other venues nearby as well to avoid such treatment
Arndt
What do semi-informed outsiders think of Essen, Germany? Immediately certain images pop to mind: Krupp, Thyssen, steel works and coal mines, old smokestacks dominating a grimy neglected industrial town. Some Germans still refer to the place as “Alter Ruhrpott” (freely translated: Old Mine Pit) – not very complimentary and without much nostalgia. The spitting image of worn-out mining, steel towns like Pittsburg, or Youngstown in the States). Well, no longer so for Essen… Okay, the traces of this industrial legacy are still remembered in Essen, possibly occasionally celebrated too. But there’s also a new Essen, and surprisingly fashionable, definitely friendlier, and much greener too. On a sho... View menu
Categories
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Fisch Delight in our exquisite fish dishes, crafted from the freshest catch of the day. From grilled favorites to savory stews, our menu celebrates the ocean's bounty with flavors to satisfy every palate.
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Deutsch Savor the rich flavors of traditional German cuisine, featuring hearty meats, tangy sauerkraut, and sumptuous sauces. Delight in authentic dishes that bring a taste of Germany to your table. View menu
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Fleisch Explore our mouth-watering meat selection, featuring expertly grilled steaks, tender chicken, and flavorful lamb dishes, each seasoned to perfection for an unforgettable dining experience.
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Europäisch
Amenities
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Kellner
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Sitzplätze
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Reservierungen
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Serviert Alkohol
