Jean

In addition to its hotel and café, the Frankenbach family also runs Jean in this former wine bar. After working in renowned establishments such as Ikarus in Salzburg, Johannes Frankenbach (the third generation of the family) has been at the helm here since 2012. Even the name Jean (a French equivalent of Johannes) is a nod to his love of France, which is as much a part of his ingredient-led, Mediterranean-influenced cuisine as is his knack for creating fine aromas and flavour contrasts. This is accompanied by judicious and fairly priced wine pairings. The setting is also charming: half-height wooden panelling, elegant table settings, old photos... while outside is the pretty plane tree courtyard. The lady of the house waits on diners in a pleasingly friendly and down-to-earth fashion.

• The name ‘Jean’ is the French form of Johannes, used as the chef’s nickname in the family.
• The room is in a former wine bar, with old photos, wood panelling, and a plane tree courtyard outside.
• Johannes Frankenbach trained in high profile kitchens, including Ikarus in Salzburg.

Ingredient stars

• Seasonal, regional ingredients from the Rheingau, treated with French technique
• Mediterranean aromatics and contrasts, used to lift the core produce
• Wine pairings that balance local bottles with France led classics

Jean is the Michelin starred restaurant at Hotel Frankenbach in Eltville am Rhein, led by Johannes Frankenbach. The cooking reads as German cuisine with a French, Mediterranean accent, driven by seasonal and regional ingredients. Wine is a serious part of the experience, with regional Rheingau bottles alongside an international list that leans Bordeaux and Burgundy, and service can move into the plane tree courtyard in summer.