Dresden shines again: Heiderand receives its first Michelin star!

Dresden shines again: Heiderand receives its first Michelin star!

There was reason to celebrate today in Germany's culinary landscape, as the new Michelin Germany Guide 2025 was presented in Frankfurt am Main. The highly renowned restaurant guide, which has been a benchmark for gastronomic excellence for over 60 years, has awarded new stars and also confirmed old ones. Among the rejoicing spirits in Dresden is the Heiderand restaurant, which was awarded a Michelin star for the first time. Chef Martin Walther, who took the reins in 2020, has not only taken over the restaurant but also revitalized it with a fresh culinary focus. Heiderand's history dates back to 1904, and now it has once again secured its place on the gastronomic map.

Dresden now has a total of three masterpieces of fine cuisine. In addition to the new star holder, there are the tried and tested restaurants Elements in der Zeitströmung, which has held its star since 2013, and Genuss-Atelier, which has been shining with a star since 2019. The Elements is characterized by modern high cuisine in an industrial atmosphere, while the Genuss-Atelier is run by siblings Marcus and Nicole Blonkowski. Each of these restaurants brings its own flavor to Dresden's gastronomy.

The stars and their meaning

But what does it mean to be awarded a Michelin star? The Michelin Guide awards these awards based on strict criteria: the quality of the products used, the originality of the food, the taste and the professional preparation are crucial. Aspects such as atmosphere or service hardly play a role. In Germany, a total of 341 restaurants were honored this year, with 282 receiving one star, 47 receiving two stars and 12 receiving the highest award – three stars. In addition, 80 restaurants were awarded a Green Star for their sustainable gastronomy practices.

The prices in the star restaurants are in the upper segment: main courses often cost from 50 euros, while 8-course menus can sometimes cost over 200 euros per person. Therefore, reservations are highly recommended – often even several weeks in advance. And even if the outfit can be kept casual, punctuality is a must and a certain standard of clothing is desired.

A culinary journey through Dresden

Dresden has established itself as a hotspot for gourmet lovers. If you have the star restaurants on your list, you can, among other things, in the Villa worry-free feast where classic French cuisine is offered with a modern twist. The Atelier Sanssouci pampers guests with a creative mix of classic and modern and was also awarded a Michelin star.

Overall, one thing can be said: the awarding of stars is not just a flash in the gastronomic landscape, but a sign of the quality of the culinary offerings. The Michelin Guide has not only helped shape the cultural identity of German gastronomy in recent decades, but also remains an indispensable guide for gourmets and connoisseurs today. Here, food is not just seen as food, but as an art form and experience that is very popular - especially in a city like Dresden, which never goes out of fashion.