Celebrating Three Decades: A Culinary Affair with Italian and French Dishes (In Honor of Gandl)
In the heart of Düsseldorf's Lehel district, nestled on St. Anna Square, lies the enchanting Gandl - a restaurant that has become a beacon for food lovers seeking a unique dining experience.
Originally a classic corner store run by Maria Gandl since the 1930s, the establishment was transformed 30 years ago by Alexander Lutz, a renowned German chef. Lutz, who had an idea that would change his life, leased the store and turned it into a cozy restaurant inspired by Italian and French cuisine. Today, Gandl is celebrated for its modern German cuisine, with creative and seasonal dishes that blend traditional recipes with contemporary techniques.
The restaurant is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 11 a.m. to midnight, offering an array of dining options to suit every taste. A special menu, created by chef Simone Palermo, is offered to celebrate Gandl's birthday. The menu features four courses, including an aperitif, all for 49 euros. For those seeking a lighter lunch, a changing menu with two courses is available for 23 euros.
Gandl's house classics, such as the "Gandl Spaghetti" and Caesar Salad, are now listed on a fixed menu. For seasonal delights, dishes like Gazpacho are offered. Afternoon tea lovers can indulge in a "High Tea" with tarts, sandwiches, and Mariage Frères tea.
The old signs of the corner store still hang, adhering to the motto: preserve the good old things and update them in a timely manner. The Gandl family had their store up front and their apartment in the back, a tradition that continues today, as the restaurant also offers wine, fine foods for purchase, along with fine dining and drinks.
Alexander Lutz, who grew up in Lehel where his mother ran the Hotel Opera, often sent him to shop at Frau Gandl's. Today, he carries on the legacy of the Gandl family, offering a unique dining experience that combines tradition with innovation.
The St. Anna Square was less lively in the past, with only a few establishments, including the Gandl, Wienerwald, and Café Wünsche. Today, it is a vibrant hub, thanks in part to Alexander Lutz's transformation of the Gandl. For those seeking a culinary journey in Düsseldorf, Gandl is a must-visit destination.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on Gandl's menu, special events, and more, we recommend visiting their official website or contacting the restaurant directly.
- Alexander Lutz, who grew up in the Lehel district, converted the old corner store run by Maria Gandl into a cozy restaurant, blending Italian and French cuisine with modern German cooking, creating a unique food-and-drink lifestyle establishment.
- For a delightful afternoon, one can indulge in Gandl's High Tea - an assortment of tarts, sandwiches, and Mariage Frères tea, accompanied by the warm embrace of home-and-garden comfort.