Erbprinz

Rating: 16
Author: Gault&Millau

Rastatter Straße 2, 76275 Ettlingen, Germany

16/20
Remarkable Restaurant

1 PHOTOS

Chef: Ralph Knebel
Cooking: Gastronomic | International | Local | Vegetarian
Services: Private Parking | Terrace
Style: Casual | Elegant | Romantic | With family

Gault&Millau's review 2025

With his exquisite cuisine, the Erbprinz is and remains an indispensable part of Baden's top gastronomy. Ralph Knebel and his team allow gourmets to immerse themselves deeply in a multifaceted world of flavours with their creative elaboration of the dishes, while the omnipresent patron Bernhard Zepf gives every guest a warm and cheerful feeling of home far from home. Also on the basis of a wine list, which Serge Schwentzel knowledgeably curates and which particularly reflects a proximity to southern Baden and Alsace. The cooking is classic, with international, Japanese influences and an unconditional reference to the season. By the way, it's nice that the menu courses can also be ordered individually. A highlight is the lobster crab tartare, served on straw made from delicate beetroot elements. In addition, an iced soup of beetroot with sweet apple notes - a harmonious play of aromas that impresses. But also: the ray. Like an angel's wing, it lies delicately on the plate and tastes simply heavenly. Surrounded by chanterelles and complemented by a fine mustard ice cream, this course is also a moment of happiness. Then the Huchen, a raw marinated Danube salmon with a cocktail of almond milk and green celery - a rather tart, but very flattering pleasure that will be remembered. Finally, the main course: udon noodle, edamame, ramen. The red mullet with a Thai pork skewer combines intense yet restrained aromas. A balanced creaminess with a creamy texture, which is excellently complemented by a harmonious but not intrusive spice. Equally impressive is the pork with its subtle spiciness and refined balance between exotic and local influences. A little tip: If you discover Wagyu beef in the A5 quality level rarely served in this country on the constantly changing menu - grab it! On our last visit, Knebel supplemented the wafer-thin slices with pickled paprika, pepper and oil - simply and simply famous! Finally, there is the perfect (cream) roll of rhubarb, vanilla and edelweiss chocolate: creamy, intense and yet light. Ralph Knebel's wife Jasmina, who takes care of the fine desserts as head patissière, is responsible for this. The Erbprinz in Ettlingen is a traditional house that manages to combine elegance and upscale cuisine. The service may be a little more relaxed at times, but the audience seems to enjoy the slightly distanced professionalism as in the old days. We would love to come back!