At the Puschkinhaus where you can sit inside or outside in the beautiful garden. This a wonderful place to bring children to with its large playground, stream and waterwheels. The food is excellent and the service informal and friendly. Not expensive either.
At the Mälzer Hof on the Untermarkt opposite the fine Divi Blasii Church. Dimly lit and cosy. Beer garden at the back.
At the Restaurant Zum Nachbarn somewhat outside the centre but possibly the one with the highest reputation for its cooking.
At the Postkeller on the Steinweg right in the centre. Don't be put off by the notice about a jazz club. Go right on in down a passage, through a pretty courtyard and into what must be the finest panelled interior outside of the Houses of Parliament.
At the newly restored Mühlhäuser Hof hotel on the Lower Steinweg, also very central.
At Seipels Restaurant on the Bastmarkt just outside the walls. This is an insider tip, not known to many but with its own faithful regular guests. The owners, a friendly young couple, make an art form out of their cooking, inventing and experimenting so that the menu always contains some interesting new dishes. Herr Seipel will come and discuss your meal with you first and make you feel at home. Behind the restaurant is a lovely walled garden, full of azalias in the summer.
Not at the Brauhaus Zum Löwen unless you enjoy crowds of tourists and offhand staff.
