Within this beautiful 200-year-old half-timbered house you can enjoy very good traditional German specialties. Try one of the game dishes, or the sliced pork with mushrooms in apple-wine sauce. In summer you can eat outside while chefs grill in the huge garden. AE, DC, MC, V. Closed Mon. No lunch.

Arche Nova
Kasselerstr. 1a, Frankfurt, Germany
Phone: 069/707-5859
EUR26 to EUR38
Outer Frankfurt
Vegetarian

This sunny establishment is a feature of Frankfurt's Ökohaus, which was built according to environmental-conservation principles (with solar panels, rainwater catching, etc.) In keeping with the character of the place, it's more or less vegetarian, with such dishes as a vegetable platter with feta cheese or a curry soup with grated coconut and banana. Much of what's served, even some of the beers, is organic. No credit cards.

Bistrot 77
Ziegelhüttenweg 1-3, Frankfurt, Germany
Phone: 069/614-040
EUR38 to EUR51
Sachsenhausen
French

Proprietor-chef Dominique, who learned his trade in the French Alsace region, serves a three-course regional meal daily in this spare bistro with plain walls and a tile floor. The emphasis is on fresh vegetables and fine cuts of meat, such as rosettes of lamb with young runner beans. AE, MC, V. Closed Sun. No lunch Sat.

Café Karin
Grosser Hirschgraben 28, Frankfurt, Germany
Phone: 069/295-217
Under EUR26
City Center
Cafes

An understated café that attracts an interesting cross section of patrons, this is a great place to breakfast (only a few marks), to recover from a shopping spree, or to eat something healthy in preparation for a night out. Sample the goat cheese salad or whole-grain ratatouille crepes. Cakes and baked goods come from the whole-grain bakery next door. There is a no-smoking section. No credit cards.

Café Laumer
Bockenheimer Landstr. 67, Frankfurt, Germany
Phone: 069/727-912
Under EUR26
Westend
Cafes

The ambience of an old-time Viennese café, with a subdued decor, ballustraded terrace, and rear garden, is well preserved here. Come for the variety of coffees and mouthwatering cake buffet. In a compromise with the café tradition, meals are also served until closing time, but there's no lingering over dinner. It's open for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon coffee but closes at 7 PM. No credit cards.

Dr. Flotte
Gräfstr. 87, Frankfurt, Germany
Phone: 069/704-595
Under EUR26
Outer Frankfurt
German

This smoky place is right out of another era, with high ceilings, arched windows, and a collection of ancient appliances, including radios and sewing machines. It's in the middle of the university district, and the students mingle with 80-year-old ladies in quaffing beer. The varied, largely German cuisine is quite affordable. No credit cards.

Edelweiss
Schweizer Str. 96, Frankfurt, Germany
Phone: 069/619-696
EUR26 to EUR38
Sachsenhausen
Austrian

This place, "where the Alps melt in your mouth," is full of homesick Austrians enjoying their native cuisine, including the genuine Wiener schnitzel, and Kaiser Franz Josef's favorite, Tafelspitze, made of boiled beef with a chive sauce. Then there is the roast chicken with a salad made of "earth apples" (potatoes) and the beloved Kaiserschmarrn: egg pancakes with raisins, apples, cinnamon, and jam. The decor is rustically wooden within, and there is a pleasant terrace. AE, DC, MC, V.

Erno's Bistro
Liebigstr. 15, Frankfurt, Germany
Phone: 069/721-997
Over EUR51
Westend
French

Erno's is something of a Frankfurt institution. It's small and chic - very popular with visiting power brokers - and offers classic French cuisine. Fish dishes predominate - all the fish is flown in daily, most of it from France - and specials vary according to what's available in the markets that day. This is one of those rare restaurants where you can sit back and let the staff choose your meal for you. All the waiters speak English. Reservations essential. Jacket and tie. AE, DC, MC, V. Closed weekends, 1 wk at Easter, and July-Aug.

Fichtekränzi
Wallstr. 5, Frankfurt, Germany
Phone: 069/612-778
Under EUR26
Sachsenhausen
German

This is the real thing - a traditional apple-cider tavern in the heart of Sachsenhausen. In summer the courtyard is the place to be; in winter you sit in the noisy tavern proper at long tables with benches. It's often crowded, so if there isn't room when you arrive, order a glass of apple cider and hang around until someone leaves. Traditional cider-tavern dishes include Rippchen (smoked pork). No credit cards.

Gargantua
Liebigstr. 47, Frankfurt, Germany
Phone: 069/720-718
EUR38 to EUR51
Westend
Contemporary

One of Frankfurt's most creative chefs, Klaus Trebes serves up new versions of German classics and French-accented dishes in a Westend dining room decorated with contemporary art. His menu features dishes like artichoke risotto with goose liver, lentil salad with stewed beef, and grilled dorado served on puréed white beans and pesto. One corner of the restaurant is reserved for those who only want to sample the outstanding wine list. AE, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun. No lunch Sat.

Gerbermühle
Deutschherrnufer 105, Frankfurt, Germany
Phone: 069/965-2290
EUR38 to EUR51
Outer Frankfurt
German

Many think this is the finest garden restaurant in the city. It's right on the banks of the Main and is just a pleasant riverside hike from downtown. The city's favorite son, Goethe, liked to patronize it. The menu is typically Frankfurt and German. AE.

Historix
Saalg. 19, Frankfurt, Germany
Phone: 069/294400
Under EUR26
City Center
German

It goes without saying that Apfelwein is an important part of Frankfurt, so what could be more logical for the Historisches Museum than to have a permanent exhibition on apple wine? Inside the museum, the Historix serves the beverage in Bembel pitchers and with all the typical foods and other accoutrements of hard-cider consumption. There is a display of historic bembels, and every inch of wall space is covered with schmaltzy old pictures of the apple-wine scene. The place is overshadowed by a fake apple tree with huge fruit. No credit cards. Closed Mon. No dinner weekends.

Jewel of India
Wilhelm-Hauff-Str. 5, Frankfurt, Germany
Phone: 069/752-375
EUR26 to EUR38
Westend
Indian

The elegant decor, gracious service, and delicious Indian-Pakistani food make the Jewel a good choice for lunch (it's just a couple of blocks from the trade-fair grounds). It's a lot calmer and quieter than the neighborhood's popular Italian restaurants. The chicken tandoori in saffron-yogurt marinade and lamb dishes such as rogan josh harmoniously blend spices and flavors without being overpowering. AE, MC, V. No lunch Sat.

Kangaroo's
Grosse Eschersheimer Str., Frankfurt, Germany
Phone: 069/131-0339
EUR26 to EUR38
City Center
Australian

The man-size ceramic kangaroo that greets you at the door sets the tone for this Australia-themed restaurant. The adventurous will try the meat of such Down Under critters as emu or barramundi (but Aussies, too, eat beef, chicken, and salads.) Most people patronize this incredibly popular downtown establishment for the food, but it's also a friendly place to gather for a Foster's beer, to play pool, or to watch events on the large-screen TV. AE, DC, MC, V.

Maingau Stuben
Schifferstr. 38-40, Frankfurt, Germany
Phone: 069/610-752
Over EUR51
Sachsenhausen
Contemporary

Chef Werner Döpfner himself greets you and lights your candle at this very "in" restaurant. Well-heeled patrons are drawn by the linen tablecloths, subdued lighting, and such nearly forgotten practices as carving the meat at the table. Chef Döpfner is one of Frankfurt's best, serving contemporary dishes like seafood salad with scallops and lobster mousse, and rack of venison in a walnut crust. He also has a cellar full of rare German wines. AE, MC. Closed Mon. No lunch Sat.

Mikuni
Fahrg. 91-95, Frankfurt, Germany
Phone: 069/283-627
EUR38 to EUR51
City Center
Japanese

A few paper lanterns and wall posters don't do much to offset the German furnishings, but the many Japanese patrons here vouch for the authentic Japanese fare. The menu is in Japanese as well as German, each arriving guest gets a hot towel, soup is drunk from the bowl, and diners seldom ask for a knife and fork to replace their chopsticks. Prices are more reasonable here than at other sushi bars. AE, MC.

Omonia
Vogtstr. 43, Frankfurt, Germany
Phone: 069/593314
EUR26 to EUR38
Westend
Greek

This cozy cellar locale offers the best Greek cuisine in town. Those with a good appetite should try the Omonia Platter, with lamb in several forms, plus Greek-style pasta and vegetables. The place is popular and the tables few, so make a reservation. AE, DC MC, V.

Papillon
Hugo-Eckener-Ring 15/Terminal 1, Frankfurt Airport, Frankfurt, Germany
Phone: 069/6977-1238
Over EUR51
Outer Frankfurt
Contemporary

Although it's part of the Sheraton Hotel at the airport, the Papillon has won over the country's most respected food critics. No whisper of a jet engine can be heard, and there's no rush or bustle in the velvety, luxurious dining room. It concentrates on a small but imaginative changing contemporary menu, on which you'll find such delicacies as rolled pike-perch coated in wild rice or lamb fillet served with eggplant baked in a sour-cream dough. Even though this is an airport restaurant, there is a strict jacket-and-tie rule. Jacket and tie. AE, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun. No lunch Sat.

Pizzeria Romanella
Wolfsgangstr. 84, Frankfurt, Germany
Phone: 069/596-1117
EUR26 to EUR38
Westend
Italian

Don't let the name and unpretentious exterior fool you. This is a true ristorante with a very extensive menu of Italian fare. All the tables are full at supper time, when diners enjoy pastas and veal dishes. The pizzas are good, but no better than elsewhere. No credit cards. Closed Sat.

Restaurant Français
Bethmannstr. 33, Frankfurt, Germany
Phone: 069/215-138
Over EUR51
City Center
French

Frankfurt's oldest hotel-restaurant, in the Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof, offers sophisticated international fare with a French accent. The ornate green-and-gold dining room with Louis XVI furnishings and well-spaced tables is a perfect place for a business meal or to enjoy the seven-course tasting menu, including breast of quail in lentil soup, followed by duck supreme or baked turbot fillets in a mango-and-ginger sauce. Reservations essential. Jacket and tie. AE, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun., Mon., and 4 wks in July or Aug. (depending on summer vacation). No lunch Sat.

Sand
Kaiserstr. 25, Frankfurt, Germany
Phone: 069/2424-9440
Over EUR51
City Center
Middle Eastern

As is usual with Middle Eastern restaurants, the emphasis is on lamb, and there is a big selection of hors d'oeuvres, with spiced vegetables, lamb sausages, sheep cheese, and yogurt. Many make a meal of two or three of them. It also, unaccountably, has a bar where you can get skillfully made American cocktails, a rarity in Frankfurt. Most of the tables are in a pleasant courtyard to the rear, which is covered in inclement weather with a sliding translucent roof. A pianist helps with the mood. AE, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun.

Steinernes Haus
Braubachstr. 35, Frankfurt, Germany
Phone: 069/283-491
Under EUR26
City Center
German

Diners share long wooden tables, and the walls are mounted with articles of traditional clothing and prints of old Frankfurt. The house specialty is a rump steak brought to the table uncooked, with a heated rock tablet on which it is prepared. The beef broth is the perfect antidote to cold weather. The menu has other old German standards along with daily specials. If you don't specify a Kleines, or small glass of beer, you'll automatically get a liter mug. Traditional fare popular with locals includes Frankfurter Rippchen (smoked pork) and Zigeunerhackbraten (spicy meat loaf). Reservations essential. MC, V.

Tandure
Wallstr. 10, Frankfurt, Germany
Phone: 069/612-543
Under EUR26
Sachsenhausen
Middle Eastern, Turkish

The aroma of the clay oven - called a tandure - wafts through the dining room in this small Turkish restaurant decorated with Turkish carpeting and Anatolian handicrafts. As an appetizer try the sigara böregi (phyllo pastry stuffed with sheep's cheese) or imam bayildi (stewed eggplant). Lamb, marinated and cooked in the tandoori, is the house specialty. Tandure is open until midnight. AE, V.

Wäldches
Am Ginnheimer Wäldchen 8, Frankfurt, Germany
Phone: 069/520-522
Under EUR26
Outer Frankfurt
German

This is Frankfurt's busiest brew-pub, in a countrified location that's a favorite stop for bikers and hikers and nevertheless handy to a rapid transit station. By noon on a pleasant summer Sunday, the big beer garden can be standing room only. The home-brewed light and dark beer goes nicely with the largely German cuisine, which is substantial but not stodgy. If you like the beer, you can take some of it with you in an old-fashioned bottle with a wired porcelain stopper. No credit cards.

Zum Rad
Leonhardsg. 2 , Seckbach, Frankfurt, Germany
Phone: 069/479-128
EUR26 to EUR38
Outer Frankfurt
German

Named for the huge Rad (wagon wheel) that decorates it, this Apfelwein tavern is one of the few not in Sachsenhausen. It's off the northeastern edge of the city in a little district called Seckbach, which retains its village character. Outside tables are under the spreading chestnut trees of an extensive courtyard. The typically Hessian cuisine includes dishes like Ochsenbrust (brisket of beef) and Handkäs. No credit cards. Closed Mon. and Tues.

Zum Wagner
Schweizer Str. 71, Frankfurt, Germany
Phone: 069/612-565
Under EUR26
Sachsenhausen
German

This is a Sachsenhausen classic that succeeds in being touristy and traditional all at once. The kitchen produces the same hearty German dishes as those of other apple-wine taverns - only better. Try the Tafelspitz mit Frankfurter Grüner Sosse (stewed beef with a sauce of green herbs), or come on Friday for fresh fish. Beer and wine are served, as well as cider. Reservations not accepted. No credit cards.