Aal & Krabbe in Varel

Everything is great! Mega tasty, super friendly, great ambience and great view 👍 We'll definitely come back

Always delicious and friendly service.

It was extremely hot inside, it wasn't nice to sit anymore, you would have wanted to drink more and stay a little longer, but the heat was so strong that we sweated a lot, I was very sweaty, it just wasn't nice anymore, it was the last time I came to eat

We have been very satisfied customers of your restaurant at Varel Harbor for many years. For this reason, we also planned and reserved our Christmas dinner with you, originally with 4 adults and a baby. Full of joy, but unfortunately unable to attend due to illness, we made our way to you today (December 26th, 2024) from Bad Zwischenahn and Jever. We were allowed to take our seats - reserved for 11.30 a.m. - at 11.20 a.m. When we took our drink order, we were informed that we would receive information when the buffet opened. At 11:50 a.m. the time had come and we were able to help ourselves to the delicious, plentiful selection. First of all: Everything tasted excellent (as usual). Everything does not refer to what you announced on your notice, but to what was actually offered. The shrimp weren't available until about 12:20 p.m.; the steak only at 12.30 p.m. Unfortunately, the calamari and the pangasius fillet were not available at the buffet until you (involuntarily) left your restaurant. It's a shame, especially since my husband was really looking forward to the calamari. While my mother and I were eating dessert (this was at 1:05 p.m.), we were asked by a member of staff if she could clear away the other dishes and bring us the bill - the table would be needed soon. A few minutes later she brought us the bill. My mother asked if we could get another coffee. Her employee let us know that she hadn't booked it and that she didn't know exactly what time it would be, but in any case the table would be taken again from 1:30 p.m. - but she offered us that we could sit upstairs and have a coffee there drink. We politely declined the “offer” and drove home – still frustrated. Don't misunderstand us - we are aware that so-called "time slots" are used from time to time and that tables are only available for a limited time. However, we were not informed about the fact that we were only allowed to stay with you until 1.30 p.m. neither when booking nor in the confirmation email, so we were caught off guard when we "bang on the case" after a little over an hour had to leave your restaurant since the buffet opened and without the possibility of a second dessert, another drink and without any further nice conversation with our family. For the sake of completeness, I would like to point out that at least 10 tables in the restaurant were still unoccupied, which could have been given priority. We are very disappointed. In addition, it should be noted that we expressed our displeasure via email immediately (i.e. on December 26th, 2024), but have not received any response to this until today (February 2nd, 2025). We then contacted you again by email a week ago - asking for feedback - and again received no response. We would have liked to refrain from this review, but other guests should be warned about what they can expect (for a hefty price).

We had ordered a table for 12 p.m. via the website and actually wanted to eat at the fish buffet. Unfortunately we were then told that this would only be offered at 1 p.m. I was annoyed with myself for having overlooked that. But in retrospect, that's no surprise. The information is on the website under “Menu”. It would perhaps make more sense to place this under the “fish buffet” item. We then ordered according to the menu. Our dishes came to the table quickly. My fried eel was crispy on the outside and borderline cooked on the inside. A few more minutes in the pan would have done him some good. I love brataal, hadn't eaten it for a long time and was really happy to discover it on the menu. It didn't blow me away. According to my husband, the captain's plate was OK, but nothing more. Our two guests had ordered spare ribs. One plate came lukewarm, the other cold. We let him go back so the food could be warmed up again. The service was ok, not bad, but not particularly noteworthy either. I've heard a lot of negative things about this restaurant and I've always thought that some people always have something to complain about. But unfortunately people are right - quantity instead of quality.

Super tasty, super fresh, super friendly.

The food is highly recommended and the service is very friendly.

My husband and I spent the New Year in beautiful East Frisia and had reserved a New Year's Eve lunch at Eel and Krabbe. We were warmly welcomed and looked after. The food, Scholle Finkenwerder and Brauer Schnitzel, tasted excellent. The Tide beer, which comes from our own brewery, was also very tasty and highly recommended. The atmosphere is very homely and comfortable. That was a nice way to get in the mood for the turn of the year Thank you very much and greetings from the Eifel Andrea and Johannes Bömer

We chose the fish buffet. There was plenty of food, but the quality of the food was poor to our liking. We are of the opinion that the food came from the caterer and was reheated (partly from the day before?), because some dishes, including the shrimp, were dried out and could not be peeled.

One star is too many. At 6 p.m. the food, potatoes and fish were lukewarm. Fish had a rubbery shell. The entire meal was, in a word, inedible. Kitchen staff walked around the kitchen in bobble hats. Kitchen didn't look very inviting. Was able to take a look inside. We were there for the first and last time.

Very tasty food and a great children's play area.

A very nice restaurant, but the food, at least the buffet, is not recommended at all. There were 4 people there and everyone was dissatisfied. The fish and meat were all dry.

Went to the buffet in Varel again today after a long time. The food was excellent back then. Today I unfortunately have to say that things have slowed down a lot The freshly fried plaice was an imposition. Not a nice attractive buffet. Lots of convenience. The mustard in a bowl was completely dried on top. I told a service person. By the time we left, nothing had changed. Never go there again. Unfortunately.

Very disappointed last time. We were told that there was no hot food while everyone around us ate schnitzel, fries and fish, and instead of explaining it to us we were left alone and ignored.. Not so great.

The buffet in the Aal & Krabbe restaurant is an absolute highlight! The selection of dishes is great, even for those who don't like fish. Delicious sauces and side dishes.

Well, we took the buffet, which is very varied, but unfortunately a lot of fat and sauces like toppings directly on the dishes, e.g. Redfish fillet gratinated with cheese and 1 strip of pepper. The products looked a bit carelessly processed. Overall edible, but canteen-like. The young waitress was very attentive and good.

Very nice place to eat delicious fish. The buffet was very rich and tasty. The service was very friendly and always attentive. The view of the small, dreamy harbor is very beautiful. Certainly even more beautiful in the summer when the sun is shining.

It was fine and the buffet was great...just a lot more expensive than described on the website. Because of Christmas it was €38.90 per person instead of €23.90. Also for children. Drinks are extra, of course.

Unfortunately, the buffet didn't make any of us happy: the meat was cold, the venison goulash was tough, and all the fish creations were dry and lukewarm. The only things that were delicious were the pineapple, the ice cream and the hot cherries. ...and with so much New Year's Eve surcharge. Luckily the staff was very nice, but we won't be coming back anytime soon. Things had been much better in the past.

A very nice fish restaurant, with a great selection and an extensive buffet. The food was wonderful with a large selection at the buffet, the service was on point, we got a great seat at the window without a reservation and were warmly welcomed. Highly recommended.

Unfortunately very disappointing, none of the dishes even come close to meeting expectations.

The Christmas buffet was very disappointing. Everything was constantly empty. The price of €38 was also far too much for the few things that were there.

“The” local fish restaurant! It was our first time as guests in this restaurant and we liked it very much! If we come to Varel again, we will definitely stop by again!!

It wasn't so good today, some of the food wasn't quite warm anymore,

Very good price-performance ratio. The table - EVERYONE so far - was very tasty, seemed very fresh and was perfectly fried. You should definitely try the regional beer. The buffet is also great

We were here for a Christmas party with the company and it was incredibly tasty. I stuffed myself so full that I got a stomach ache 😂 The service did a fantastic job. When they realized we had a vegan with us, they prepared vegan options without us having to ask AND even brought something to our table even though we had buffet. It's actually rare to see something like that, so a big thank you!

We celebrated our wedding in the large hall in August and it was just PERFECT! We were allowed to decorate ourselves, we had enough space, the grill buffet was AMAZING. The salmon in particular was first class. I would have liked to eat more but then my wedding dress would have burst. Apart from that, the view at this location is simply unbeatable.

Very nice, maritime, breakfast buffet (at a reasonable price). I'd love to come back! P S possible at the end of November without waiting time or reservation!

A very successful dinner. Very nice atmosphere, very nice, courteous, cheerful staff. We were happy with everything. Food tasted excellent. We can only recommend it! We'll definitely be back.

Great buffet here was really great

Service was friendly, the buffet food was cold, which was a shame.

Excellent, delicious and worthwhile. Great location... nice view of the harbor

We were there for the first time today and I really have to make a clear recommendation, the buffet was an absolute pleasure. Versatile, tasty and really left nothing to be desired. Something was always being refilled and refilled. Compliments also go to the service staff, who had to rotate almost non-stop, but were still always friendly and helpful. We will definitely be visiting there more often. A very clear recommendation.

It used to be better... long walks to the buffet, the selection has decreased.

The buffet is offered until 3 p.m. and at 2:25 p.m. orders for the buffet will no longer be accepted because you cannot guarantee that more will be refilled. Just sad and ridiculous.

It was very annoying that we had booked a table for 5:30 p.m. and the buffet wasn't ready until 6:00 p.m.

Sunday breakfast good selection and delicious, especially the Matjes coffee was constantly being refilled

Unfortunately we were a little late for the fish buffet but it looked damn good. Great view of the small harbor 😊

A visit to the North Sea coast (Dangast) took us to the Varel harbor and the restaurant "Aal & Krabbe". In addition to a beautiful view of the harbor and courteous service, there was an excellent, rich lunch. We'll be back!

I spontaneously went to dinner alone on November 22nd, 2024. Parking situation is confusing, the signposted parking lot is closed with a barrier, you really have to look for public parking spaces and then walk. The majority of the tables are actually reserved. You either sit on the walkways or at standing tables. The selection is manageable, but okay, there is something for every taste. I chose plaice with fried potatoes, a classic at Aal & Krabbe. The young staff is completely overwhelmed by the task of running a traditional restaurant and cannot fulfill the role of a courteous host. The fried potatoes were cold, but the plaice was really very good. Unfortunately, no one comes by after the plate has been served and so you don't have a chance to notice the cold fried potatoes, which is a shame because this definitely doesn't live up to Aal & Kranbbe's standards. Drinks were okay, but there is no compensation for the cold fried potatoes. Basically, the price-performance ratio doesn't really match up here. Therefore, the risk of recurrence is rather low.

The buffet was, as always, very good.

Very friendly people, very good food. We'd love to come back :)

Wir sind unterwältigt! Ja, das Büffet ist sehr reichhaltig, aber Pfui. Gefühlt gibt es nichts, was nicht aus einem Eimer oder einer Tiefkühltruhe kommt, um dann in viel zu viel Fett aufgebacken zu werden und zum Trocknen auf diesem lieblosen Büffet zu landen. Mir ist schlecht, wenn ich an den Abend zurückdenke und jeder Euro war einer zu viel. Die Köche sind Hilfsarbeiter, die dann abwechselnd zum Rauchen vor dem Restaurant stehen. Dort kommt einem schon der erste Geruch von altem Fett entgegen. Das einzige Frische war der Eisbergsalat, der allerdings schon so braun war, dass er es nicht auf meinen Teller geschafft hat. Ein Büffet in der Form ist leider nicht mehr zeitgemäß.

Everything is great! Delicious food, delicious drinks, good service.

Es war ein super tolles Frühstück Brunch mit allem was man sich vorstellen kann. Tolles Ambiente und sehr nettes Personal, jeder Zeit wieder.

Super great breakfast buffet, everything your heart desires. Great ambience and super nice staff, every time again.

Wow, that was a real highlight! We drove a long distance to do this, but it was totally worth it. The selection is gigantic and the food is incredibly delicious. A visit is an absolute must!

We booked the fish buffet and have to say that the price is absolutely top. If you like fish, this is the place for you. Definitely coming back

Food was very good, b The buffet was constantly replenished.

Nice, tidy, fair prices. Nice environment to stretch your legs.

The buffet is delicious and consists of fish and meat and costs 23.00 euros per person.

You can eat well at the buffet. DISADVANTAGE: Most of it is quite greasy and over-baked, a lot of "hollandaise"

The service was friendly. The food from the buffet was only very poorly explained. A disaster for me with allergies. Actually you had to guess what to fill up with. In addition, the food wasn't warm. I expect the food on the buffet to be warm too! Even when I asked, I couldn't be told what was on the buffet. With the best will in the world, something like that doesn't work. On request you have to be told what is in the food. A clear no go for me! And therefore not worth the money.

The captain's plate was floating in fryer fat, the boiled potatoes were rubbery on the outside and a tasteless mush from the glass on the inside. Even the crabs were subterranean and tasteless. All the food was completely convenience food, it doesn't even require a chef in the kitchen. It was just expensive and bad. Never again.

Went there for dinner today. Very nice service (top) Food was plentiful and inexpensive and very tasty. We had the crab soup with plenty of crabs and the plaice, which were 3 pieces with fried potatoes and bacon. We'll be back

Very good food at reasonable prices

You still need to improve the service a bit.

My dears - if you think you're getting a great fish dish because you're in a nice location on the North Sea coast - you're far from it. All convenience food that doesn't require a trained chef. Expensive fast fish food. It's a real shame about the great art of preparing sensitive, great fish deliciously. There were three of us and none of the dishes came close to a good northern German meal on our beloved North Sea coast. A really expensive “never again”. Only the second star shines for the nice and courteous service, which unfortunately does not match the cuisine on offer. Since we come from “here”, a little warning to all the little “fish gourmets” among us: you are absolutely not in the right restaurant here. Sorry, eel and crab - it could be infinitely better. I/we can't understand all the 5 star reviews either. Humanity has forgotten that good fish doesn't come from the deep fryer or can or jar, but from the sea right in front of the house and requires the art of preparing it in a good pan or grill. Even the boiled potatoes came fully steamed out of the jar and the fried potatoes came out of the bag. Even the alleged North Sea crabs on the plate couldn't inspire anyone or anything. Sorry - I would like to give 0 stars for the food on offer, but unfortunately that's not possible. We like to eat out a lot and have a lot of understanding for the existing shortage of skilled workers or rising economic prices - but this experience is not possible at all. Point. End.

Delicious food, delicious Tide beer, great location and nice ambience

Went there for dinner on October 5th. Service and attention from the staff was great 👍. Food was very tasty and enough to choose from. There was something for every taste. We would love to come back!👍👌

Everything is great! We didn't know why we should deduct a star. There was enough fish in different variations and equally delicious side dishes. There were also meat dishes. From the starters to the dessert, everything was delicious. The atmosphere is modern and cozy. The employees are all friendly and accommodating. Price performance fits 👍🏻

Leider ein völlig gestresster Kellner,der sich bitter beklagte,dass er viele Tische zu bedienen habe.Die Kellner ,die die Getränke brachten,waren hingegen sehr nett und entspannt.Da ich in meiner Freizeit und in meinem Urlaub keine Lust auf gestresste und aufgesetzt freundlich,aber in Wahrheit nur genervte Leute habe,werden wir das Restaurant nicht mehr besuchen. Wenn ich nett sage,dass der Kellner sich ruhig Zeit lassen kann,erwarte ich keine Schimpftiraden,sondern eine angemessene professionelle Reaktion.Das Essen werde ich nicht mehr bewerten.

Sorry, aber das war nix! Das Essen lag wie ein Stein im Magen. Das Personal freundlich aber nicht richtig eingearbeitet. Wir haben uns für á la carte entschieden. Zur Bestellungsaufnahme kein Block, kein Stift o.ä. dabei. Erst auf unseren Hinweis, dass er sich die Bestellung vll. aufschreiben sollte, hat der junge Mann ein Tablet geholt. Vorspeise Calamari und Tagessuppe. Auf Nachfrage, was die Tagessuppe ist, musste erstmal nachgefragt werden. „Ich glaube Hühnersuppe“ . Die Suppe stellte sich als irgendeine Brühe mit Beilage heraus. Ob das Hühnchenfleisch war, konnte nicht wirklich festgestellt werden. Die Erbsen sahen aus wie Linsen. Der „Vorspeisenteller“ mit Calamari war komplett mit Calamari überfrachtet. Die schwammen schon in der Sauce und das beigelegte Brot war lieblos dazugepackt! Die Hauptspeisen: Rotbarsch mit Gouda überbacken mit Hollondaise und Pommes und für mich Rotbarsch mit pikanter Krabbensauce und Kartoffeln. Der überbackene Rotbarsch stellte sich als ein in Hollondaise ertrunkener mit einem Gummimantel überdeckter Fisch heraus. Der Gummimantel war wirklich nicht zu genießen. Und die Hollondaise war viel zu viel und viel zu mächtig. Vom Fisch war nicht mehr viel zu schmecken. Der Rotbarsch mit „pikanter Krabbensauce“ stellte sich im Prinzip als das gleiche Gericht heraus, nur ohne Gummimantel. Die Sauce war die gleiche Hollondaise wie bei meinem Mann. Nichts pikantes und die Krabben waren als Ganzes ohne weiteres auf dem Teller verteilt. Um Besteck mussten wir zusätzlich bitten. Den Tisch mussten wir erstmal von den Vorspeisentellern freiräumen, als die Hauptgerichte kamen, sonst hätte der junge Mann die Teller nicht abstellen können. Der Fisch lag so schwer im Magen, dass wir beide danach noch stundenlang damit zu kämpfen hatten. Sorry, aber das war nix! -

Unfortunately, we were seated near the buffet, but wanted to order ala carte; there were enough other seats available in the restaurant itself so we could be relocated. We waited about 20 minutes for the menu and were completely forgotten. After a good 45 minutes our food arrived, crabs with shells were delicious... Fish itself was very tasty and well prepared, but the staff was totally overwhelmed. If the glasses are empty, you can ask if you can add something else. A little tip: it also increases sales.

The fried potatoes with the schnitzel were unfortunately very greasy, the service and ambience with a view of the Varel harbor were very nice. The house-brewed beer tastes good.

For tourists, this location may promise something like maritime flair and appropriate cuisine based on the name alone. Unfortunately, the quality can be improved and you would have felt more comfortable if you hadn't had the feeling after just 30 minutes that you should now slowly clear the table for the next team... Not recommended

We had the best meal here in our 4 week vacation!!

Delicious food and an incredibly beautiful ambience!

Great restaurant, everything delicious, everything great. Prices more than okay

We were there when the buffet opened and were not disappointed. The fish was not too dry and there was also meat.

delicious food and friendly service

A chic restaurant where you can also go with small children (play corner available). Unfortunately we had to wait quite a while for service, but it was very friendly. We took the buffet and really enjoyed it. We will come again.

We were served very friendly and sat on the terrace. The food was very tasty and tastefully prepared. The portions were large. The gluten-free preparation also worked. The restaurant is highly recommended

Here you can have a daily buffet if you wish. There are different fish with different side dishes both warm and cold. If you prefer meat, you also have the option here. We enjoyed it very much and you can really fill yourself up. If you want, you can of course also eat a la carte. The restaurant is located directly on the small fishing harbor with a terrace right next to the boats, which also contributes to an idyllic atmosphere. The staff is friendly and attentive. Price-performance ratio is definitely right. Were completely satisfied. Definitely recommended.

I didn't think it was a big deal that the plaice fillet was a whole fish with bones, I can handle bones. But the crabs that were there - underground. A huge portion of crabs, which unfortunately didn't taste like crabs at all, but rather sour with lots of preservatives. I left them all behind. Then it's better to just use a quarter of it and fresh.

OK for tourists. Unfortunately unfriendly staff.

Kibbelinges really tasty, I'll be back

Went to the eel and crab buffet again today. Contrary to expectations, the quality has deteriorated. Drinks came incorrectly and when we asked, the right ones were no longer in stock. Alster ordered and brought pure beer. The quality of the food has also deteriorated significantly, the salad bar just tasted bad, the fish was partly dry and the vegetables were still almost raw. There were no boiled potatoes at all (despite roast pork). Fries were only offered about 30 minutes after the buffet started. All in all, a little more loveless than usual. It's a shame, but that was probably the last visit after very good experiences.

It's all ok. Some of the fish sandwiches had wrong and strange toppings! Tastes are different!

Nice large restaurant at the port of Varel. Lots of choice in food and its own brewery. We had a delicious meal here and drank their own brewed WeiB beer. We were amazed at the price we had to pay. Nice atmosphere and service, definitely worth a visit, we will definitely go again

Beautiful on the outside, loud on the inside...

We always enjoy coming here to enjoy fish when we are traveling in the region on business. The view of the harbor is fantastic. The buffet today wasn't quite as generous as we remembered, but everything was very tasty. The Tide beer is a wonderful local specialty, fully recommended.

Everything neat. good food. friendly service.

We had a very nice breakfast here

My salmon burger and my husband's captain's plate as well as my white wine spritzer were super tasty😋

A beautiful restaurant at Varel harbor. We ate there every day because we were very happy with the quality, especially of the fish dishes. The terrace is directly at the harbor basin. The service was quick and courteous. Price performance very good. Highly recommended, great ambience, delicious fish!

Nice ambience on the outdoor terrace right by the small harbor. Food tasted wonderful. Nice staff

The location is clean, modern and appears upscale. You are seated and can't just sit at a table and this is immediately pointed out. The service is nice. I think it is an advantage to reserve in advance. In the evening the restaurant seems to be popular and was quite busy. The food is very good and there was a large selection of delicious dishes.

The AK food was good and that's why we decided to go to the buffet there one day. In addition to fish, there were also meat dishes, which were also good. Since none of the dishes were described, it was a godsend to pick something you liked. Unfortunately, everything wasn't as great as expected, except for one or two meat dishes. For me, I won't go to the buffet there a second time. However, I would do all karts again.

Great food, quick, attentive service and a beautiful view. It doesn't get any better. THANK YOUeeee🫶❣️

A nice place to stay. Good food and delicious beer. Friendly, fast, attentive service. It was a lovely few hours.

Super delicious food from the buffet. You can sit outside by the water and eat as much as you want.

Super tasty food, the price-performance ratio is great! The staff was friendly, the atmosphere is very nice and the wait for the food didn't take that long. Highly recommended!

We were here in the late afternoon. Cappuccino and the home-brewed beer were fine. However, the red fruit ice cream was a disaster. Vanilla ice cream was tasteless, not creamy. The red fruit jelly was a red, tasteless gelatin mush with 1 cherry and the whole thing was placed on crumbled cream. The service was friendly and reserved. That means...unmotivated. Not recommended!!!!

It was ok, but I would have expected a little more from the fish buffet than the typical run-of-the-mill coastal fish

It's just a miracle, it's right on the Varel harbor. And the buffet, if no one can find anything there, then I don't know anymore.

The outdoor area is of course very beautiful, right next to the port of Varrel. Unfortunately, the interior is now very old and has not really been maintained. Everything seemed a bit dingy. Unfortunately, the buffet was no longer convincing. Of course you can't always invest, but cleanliness doesn't cost a lot of money. Toilet with super dirty trash cans, no soap and generally not clean. We were there for the buffet at lunchtime, so right when it opened. Unfortunately, you can't say that there was already so much going on. I hope the restaurant finds its way back to its former self.

We had a great fish buffet with lots of delicious side dishes at a very fair price. The drink prices are also moderate.

Never eaten fish as delicious as here. Always happy.

Nice location right at the harbor. Friendly and attentive service. The food was very good 👍🏻