Wonka
Nuremberg, Germany
⭐1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
Christian Wonka has been running this charming restaurant for over 20 years, serving up ambitious, flavoursome cuisine made using regional produce, eschewing all unnecessary frills. The clear and unfussy composition of the dishes, each of which is made up of just a few components (such as cod, Chinese cabbage, orange) make for a winning formula. Asian influences (eg wan tan, tempeh, miso) result in beautiful, well-balanced contrasts. In the evening, a creative set menu comprising five or six courses is proposed – a vegan version is also available. A pared-down iteration of the set menu, featuring some dishes from the evening selection, is served at lunchtime. In addition to various tastefully decorated dining areas, there is a delightful courtyard terrace. The restaurant is easily accessible by tram.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
1. Culinary Workshop Concept
Wonka is not just a restaurant but also a culinary workshop ("Kochwerkstatt"), where creativity meets tradition. This concept allows guests to experience a vibrant, interactive culinary environment where chefs experiment with new flavors and techniques, making the dining experience dynamic and educational beyond just eating.
2. Fusion of Asian Nuances with Franconian Regionality
The restaurant uniquely blends Asian-inspired flavors with Franconian regional ingredients, creating a distinctive haute cuisine that stands out in Nuremberg’s oldest neighborhoods. This fusion is reflected in their seasonal menus and dishes such as white asparagus with sake pairing and trout with papaya and green tea, showcasing an unconventional mix of local and global tastes.
3. Equal Vegan and Non-Vegan Tasting Menus
Wonka offers two expertly curated tasting menus—one vegan and one non-vegan—both priced equally and designed to highlight seasonal and Asian-inspired flavors. The vegan menu features innovative ingredients like lotus seeds and elderberry accents, while the non-vegan menu includes creative pairings such as deer with banana and cardamom, reflecting a progressive approach to fine dining inclusivity and creativity.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred Wonka restaurant in Nuremberg include:
Trout: Featured in a signature dish paired with papaya and green tea, trout exemplifies the restaurant's fusion of fresh local fish with Asian-inspired flavors, creating a delicate balance of taste and texture.
Cod: Used in a main dish accompanied by pumpkin and umeboshi (a Japanese pickled plum), cod highlights the blend of Franconian regionality with subtle Asian nuances, showcasing seasonal and creative pairings.
Deer (game meat): Presented with banana, Brussels sprouts, and cardamom, this ingredient reflects the restaurant's innovative approach to combining rich, local game with exotic spices and fruits, resulting in a complex flavor profile.
Celery, Romanesco, Chickpea, Lotus seeds, Edamame: These plant-based ingredients are key components of Wonka's vegan tasting menu, often enhanced with miso and elderberry accents, demonstrating the kitchen's commitment to seasonal, Asian-influenced vegan cuisine.
Asparagus with Thai basil and lime: Used in starters, this ingredient pairing introduces aromatic zest and freshness, setting the tone for the restaurant's adventurous and creative culinary style.
These ingredients are significant as they represent Wonka's signature style: a seamless fusion of Franconian regional produce with Asian flavors, emphasizing seasonality, freshness, and inventive combinations that earned the restaurant its Michelin star and critical acclaim.
Menu & Pricing
Current Offerings & Prices
Tasting Menus
- Wonka's Journey: 7 courses with wine pairing: €250 (€195 without wine)
Signature Dishes
- Blue Lobster: €95
- Golden Opulence: €120
Additional Options
- Wine Pairing: €60 per person