Werder, Germany
From Michelin Guide
This place boasts a delightful setting on the waterside promenade of a small island in the Havel and the restaurant itself is equally attractive with its upscale, modern and elegant interior and almost intimate atmosphere, beautiful terrace by the lake. Then there is the creative cuisine made of regional and seasonal products. It is best to order a vegetarian menu when making your reservation. The dishes are characterised by their precise technical skill, clear structure and beautiful sense of balance – it is plain to see that head chef Thomas Hübner has already plied his trade in some of Germany and Italy's top restaurants. Owner Patrick Schwatke – himself a Michelin-starred chef – runs the show front of house, adding a personal touch to proceedings.
From Visitor Experiences
Here are three unique and unconventional aspects of the Michelin-starred restaurant Alte Überfahrt in Werder:
1. Predominantly Vegetarian and Micro-Seasonal Cuisine Inspired by a Nearby Castle Garden
Alte Überfahrt's cuisine is mainly vegetarian, with fish and meat served only alongside the vegetable dishes. The menu is closely tied to the micro-seasonal rhythm of the nearby Petzow Schlossgarten, from which the kitchen sources its fruit and vegetables exclusively and fresh daily. This close connection to a local garden microcosm inspires the creative and precisely prepared dishes, emphasizing freshness and seasonality.
2. Strong Commitment to Sustainability and Zero Waste Philosophy
The restaurant places a strong emphasis on sustainability, using only organic products and practicing "nose to tail" cooking. They aim for zero waste and support local fishermen and farmers in the immediate vicinity, reflecting a deep commitment to environmentally responsible gastronomy.
3. Unique Waterside Location on a Small Island in the Havel with an Elegant, Intimate Atmosphere
Alte Überfahrt is situated on the waterside promenade of a small island in the Havel River, offering a beautiful terrace by the lake and an upscale, modern interior with an intimate ambiance. This exceptional setting enhances the dining experience, combining natural beauty with refined elegance.
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant Alte Überfahrt in Werder are:
Vegetables from Petzow Schlossgarten: The kitchen's star ingredient is vegetables, sourced exclusively and freshly daily from the nearby Petzow Schlossgarten. These vegetables are prepared with precision to highlight their fine flavors without relying on carbohydrates, forming the core of the restaurant's creative and clear vegetable cuisine.
Fish from local lakes and the Baltic Sea: Fish is a main protagonist in their dishes, sourced seasonally from surrounding lakes in summer and the Baltic Sea in winter. The fish is prepared using the Ike-Jime method, which preserves the clear flavor of the fish, emphasizing freshness and regional quality.
Meat from the immediate surroundings: Meat is also locally sourced and treated as a supporting but important element in the dishes, prepared with precision to complement the vegetable and fish components without overpowering them.
These ingredients reflect the restaurant's focus on regional, fresh, and micro-seasonal produce, with a culinary style that carefully balances vegetable, fish, and meat components to create refined dishes with a confident signature by head chef Thomas Hübner.