LAVA – SOUL KITCHEN WEIMAR in Weimar

We were there with a group. Top food, top service

It was really good! Very nice owner. Our dog was also welcome

Very good food, very good ambience and accommodating Service.

Rating for the Lava restaurant in Weimar Visit on October 3, 2025 Space: The rooms at Lava are disappointing across the board. The ambience seems dated and is far from inviting or comfortable. The placement of the counter, where guests are billed in the middle of the guest room, is particularly problematic. During our visit on October 3, 2025, we experienced paying guests standing directly at our table while they paid their bills. This resulted in their jackets and bags being smeared across our table, which was extremely unpleasant and unhygienic. The constant hustle and bustle at the counter prevented any opportunity to eat in peace. There was obviously no consideration given to the guests' comfort. Service: The service at Lava is unprofessional and leaves a lot to be desired. Although the staff seem to be trying hard, they are clearly under the negative influence of the owner, who makes dealing with guests difficult through his inappropriate interventions. During our visit, we simply made a harmless comment about how annoying it was that guests were standing so close to our table while paying. But instead of welcoming this legitimate feedback, the situation immediately escalated. The owner who responded to the comment lost his temper and reprimanded us loudly and in a condescending tone that everyone else in the restaurant heard. It was an absolutely uncomfortable and embarrassing situation. Such behavior is neither professional nor hospitable. Eat: The food was as disappointing as the rest of the experience. On a scale of 1 to 10, we would rate the food a 3 at best. The dishes are simply boring, without creativity or special taste. Everything seemed as if it had been prepared quickly and without dedication. Given the prices, we would have expected a lot more - but instead we received nothing more than mediocre, bland food that you could have had in almost any restaurant, but at significantly lower prices. Owner: The owner of Lava is the main reason why this restaurant has such a negative reputation. On October 3, 2025, he showed once again why his behavior is an impertinence for every guest. Even at the slightest criticism or comment, he reacts extremely defensively and loses control. Instead of dealing with our concerns in a polite manner, he immediately became choleric and treated us with a level of disrespect that was unparalleled. He seems to be unable to handle any form of feedback, which manifests itself in inappropriate, loud outbursts. He even arrogantly stated that he didn't care what was written about him or the restaurant. Such a lack of professionalism and customer focus is simply unacceptable in a restaurant. It is hard to imagine how Lava was able to survive for nine years under such choleric and disrespectful leadership. Conclusion: The Lava restaurant in Weimar is not recommended in any respect. The visit on October 3, 2025 was characterized by uncomfortable rooms, average food and catastrophic treatment of the guests, especially by the incompetent and choleric owner. Criticism is not accepted here, but is met with loud outbursts and condescending behavior. Anyone looking for a respectful and pleasant dining experience should strongly avoid Lava. Such disrespectful treatment by the owner and lack of professionalism are intolerable.

We were there for the first time and were really excited. Of course it's an upscale location in terms of price, but we're happy to pay for such service and quality. Food was absolutely world class. And the lady in service was very nice and always looked at the table. Thank you for the lovely evening. Definitely coming back.

The food was super tasty and the service was good. The prices are relatively high but match the quality of the food. We would have been happy with a vegetable side dish, but that wasn't offered. But we'd love to come back.

Super friendly and good cuisine. Unreservedly recommended.

The service was very friendly and the food was really, really good! So we can recommend Lava and we would love to come back! Thank you for the lovely evening!

We went to a company party at Schmidti's. Great, entertaining boss, lovely team and excellent food. But if you're open until 10 p.m. and from 8:30 p.m. onwards you're constantly being asked and pushed because you want to close, that puts a bit of a damper on the mood. It's a shame, we would have liked to drink the wine in peace!! But we'll be back because of the great food.

Great restaurant with a family atmosphere. The food was sensational. The steaks are on point and the meat is of high quality. The service left nothing to be desired. Schmidti is unique in his own way, very entertaining and a great host with love for his job. Our thanks go to the whole team. THANK YOU for the unforgettable evening... P.s And of course Pauli will be at the top next year 😜 good luck

Fine steaks. Pleasant, calm. We'd love to come back next time!

It is a steak house as you would expect it to be. Casual, sophisticated, clean and simply delicious! You get something for your money. The staff is personal but not intrusive. Truly the best steakhouse in Weimar. Probably my new favorite place!

Overrated place. Olives felt really cheap like Ja! brand. Nothing interesting to taste.

Very good steaks and burgers. Four of us had dinner and we all enjoyed it very much. We were very satisfied. The red wine (Merlot) still needs to be optimized!

The “meat eaters” meet at Lava because the meat there is of good quality. But anyone who wants a salad beforehand or a side dish other than the only “potato wedges” on offer will be disappointed. And anyone who expects a suitable wine selection will be disappointed, because there are only wines from the Palatinate. Unfortunately, the fact that the region already offers excellent wines is not reflected in the menu.

Thank you for the great evening. We were there with a group of 40 people. Everything was great right from the start! Best roast beef ever! Definitely go.

Everything is right here... small but nice location not far from the Weimarhalle & Atrium. Super nice service & top quality on the plate. I had lamb with truffle wedges...it was an absolute delight...tender, perfectly seasoned meat, super crispy delicious wedges and a sauce to sink your teeth into! Thank you for your hospitality! My 2 companions had burgers and they were also very happy!

We are on a short trip to Weimar and decided on Schmidti's Lava based on the reviews and the homepage. All the positive things we sensed from afar simply exceeded our expectations of an excellent meal!! The ambience was great and the food was an absolute delight. The staff and the boss were extremely friendly and super personable! We can definitely recommend this restaurant 100% and wish the team all the best!!

Thank you for the great steak. We'll definitely be back, cool boss, hospitality is very important here. Jürgen and Daniela from Andernach

Absolutely delicious and highly recommended. Our recommendation is the “Dry Age Cowboy Beef Steak 1.5kg” super tender and simply unique in taste :-) But it has to be pre-ordered! All the employees are also really friendly and always have a funny saying. We'd love to come back :-)

Great restaurant, great service and delicious food. Always happy.

Again super tasty! I would particularly like to recommend the Crostni at this point. We'll definitely come back.

Lava specializes in very good steaks. The meat was really grilled to perfection and very tasty. Everything was very attractively presented. The food also arrived hot as it should be. The atmosphere is cozy, the service is very friendly and attentive. The prices are high, but the food is of very good quality.

Very good food, great hosts, nice atmosphere. A visit is always worthwhile!

I was just there. If you want to spend a nice evening, with good food, a wonderful ambience and great company, then go to Lava. It's just class.

The food was very good, the service was friendly and attentive and the atmosphere was cozy. The only downer for us was the long wait of over 40 minutes. Nevertheless, all in all a very nice restaurant and also recommended.

My wonderful partner and I were looking forward to a lovely evening. However, it was not to be expected that this would be crowned by such an indescribably heavenly feast. EVERYTHING was prepared and prepared with a lot of love. We were more than satisfied - a repeat performance is guaranteed. 😋🤗❤️

Sensationally delicious as always

We are happy to recommend the restaurant "LAVA". The food was beautifully prepared on the plates and the dessert was in the glass. Every dish tasted excellent, the steak was just medium medium. We were served attentively. We had one with Sven Schmidt humorous small talk. Thank you very much, we'll be happy to come back.

Wirklich sehr, sehr gutes Essen. Sehr netter Service und schönes Ambiente. Allerdings hat diese Qualität ihren Preis und der ist ordentlich.

Das Essen war sehr lecker, Lachs und Ochsenbäckchen sind sehr zu empfehlen.

Super Restaurant, super Essen, Angestellten sind super höflich und zuvorkommen , kein Restaurant für jeden Tag aber jeden Cent wert .

Sehr leckere Ochsenbäckchen und auf Wunsch gab es dazu mal eine ganz andere aber sensationelle Beilage....Trüffelrisotto...hmmmm

Es war einfach unbeschreiblich gut! Es war das beste Rinderfilet was ich je gegessen habe und ich werde definitiv nie wieder wo anders ein Rinderfilet essen können! Der Nachtisch war genauso hervorragend!

Ich weiß gar nicht was ich sagen soll. Ich war selten oder eigentlich noch nie nach einem Essen so sprachlos. Das Essen war der absolute Wahnsinn. Die Qualität vom Fleisch ist wirklich ausgezeichnet. Das Personal war sehr freundlich. Wir kommen auf jeden Fall wieder. Macht weiter so!!! 😊

Eine übersichtlich gestaltete Karte. Das Essen phänomenal lecker und reichlich auf schönem Geschirr serviert von einem umsichtigen, aufmerksamen und freundlichem Service. Immer wieder gerne!

Sehr nettes Restaurant mit normalem Ambiente und gutem Essen. Wir wollten das Restaurant an Bekannte weiterempfehlen und einen Gutschein mitnehmen. Leider ist das in diesem Restaurant nicht möglich. Sehr schade … das erweckt den Eindruck, dass man es nicht mehr nötig hat, zumal es zu einem guten Service dazugehört.

Wir haben sehr gut gegessen und uns sehr wohl gefühlt! Vielen Dank für den schönen Abend aus dem Bienenstock Café!

Absolut super leckeres Essen. Cooles Ambiente und nette Leute. Kann ich nur weiterempfehlen.

Ein tolles Essen, noch nie so ein gutes Tomahawk Steak gegessen. Gemütliche Ambiente und sehr nettes Personal, der Chefkoch ist mega. Empfehlenswert 100%

Es war ein sehr schöner Aufenthalt. Reservieren einfach, unkompliziert und freundlich. Der Chef macht hier das Essen noch selber, was sich natürlich auch in der Qualität bemerkbar macht. Sehr freundliches Personal, perfekt angerichtetes und hervorragend schmeckende Fleischgerichte. Sehr gute Stimmung im Laden. Für jeden Fleischliebhaber zu empfehlen!

Nettes Lokal, ein total lieber und hilfsbereiter Service und ein Essen zum Dahinschmelzen. Wir gehen ja oft und gerne zum Essen, aber das war sicherlich eines der besten Essen, die wir je bekommen haben. Vielen Dank für den schönen Abend.

Wunderbar kann ich nur sagen 👍👍👍 Am Anfang war ich sehr skeptisch und dachte wirklich oh hier finde ich nichts zum Essen oder das ist ja nicht meins und ich hatte wirklich großen Hunger. Nachdem ich mir die Gerichte erklären lassen hatte bestellte ich mir die speare Rips und die waren wirklich prima, perfekt, super 👍 Der Chef kam persönlich an den Tisch und fragte uns ob alles gut ist, das fand ich echt cool. Sehr, sehr netter Mensch.

Super Lokalität...außergewöhnliches Essen

Das Essen wird wirklich sehr lecker. Bin in Weimar nicht groß rumgekommen, aber an so ein tolles Steak kommt vermutlich nicht so schnell jemand ran ;) Der Service war sehr zuvorkommend. Das Ambiente war nicht ganz so meins, ein bisschen zu hell :D Aber definitiv ein Besuch wert!

Wir sind durch positive Erfahrungen gezielt im Lava essen gewesen.Das Ambiente,der Service waren sehr angenehm. Das Essen war mega lecker. Das Fleisch super und die Beilagen sehr schmackhaft. Sehr zu empfehlen,auch wenn etwas hoch preisig.Qualität hat halt seinen Preis. Wir waren begeistert.

Amazing stuff, good food, reasonable prices, fast service.

Toll, toller, Schmidti ❤🥩❤ es war großartig, Danke an Schmidti und sein Team, wir kommen sicher wieder. Ein Tipp @all: unbedingt reservieren!!!

Wir haben hier nur einen Absacker getrunken. Werden aber unbedingt wieder kommen und das Essen probieren. Wir kamen kurz vor Ende der Öffnungszeit und wurden aber noch herzlich bedient.

Sehr gemütliches Restaurant mit einem super Team und genialem Essen. Freuen uns schon auf den nächsten Besuch.

Wir haben seht gut gegessen. Das Personal war aufmerksam und freundlich. Wir kommen gerne wieder.

Die Hauptspeise war sehr lecker. Wir hatten das Neuseeländische Rinderfilet. Zu bemängeln ist allerdings die Auswahl der Vorspeisen. Es gibt nur 3! Und wer keine Sülze und keine Oliven mag, für den wirds eng! Wir hatten den Vorspeisenteller für 2 Personen…., der Preis von 19,90€ ist nicht gerechtfertigt. Das schafft man auch allein!

Ein schöner Abende mit 2 Freundinnen. Wir haben uns 120 % willkommen gefühlt.

Sehr gutes Fleisch, Beilagen könnten etwas mehr sein, relativ hohe Preise, freundlicher Service

Leckere Steaks. Beilagen sind klein. Service ist aufmerksam. Das Ambiente in Ordnung. Preislich leider etwas zu hoch. Die WC Räumlichkeiten sollten zudem modernisiert werden.

Ein bisschen mehr hätte es schon sein können. Spareribs nicht nach meinem Geschmack (schmeckt nach Nelken?)

Vermutlich die beste Gastro in Weimar, hier trifft man noch ehrliche Gastro und Bewirtung, keine Touri-Station.

Absolut empfehlenswert. Tolles Lokal, gemütliches Ambiente, leckeres Essen und ein sehr fürsorglicher Service.

Nachdem ich diese super guten Bewertungen gelesen habe, war ich voller Erwartung. Leider kann ich nicht so toll berichten. Wir hatten eine Vorspeisenplatte für zwei Personen, viele der Speisen waren gefühlt aus der REWE-Salattheke wie gefüllte Paprika, Quäse und eine Schinken-Frischkäse-Rolle. Das Surf and Turf war dafür sehr lecker. Mein Steak war sehr sehnig und zäh, die Kartoffelecken waren aber gut. Der Service war sehr freundlich und kompetent.

Einfach super!!! Die Vorspeisen, das Steak, das Ambiente und auch der Nachtisch. Ganz große Klasse. Das Personal super kompetent und freundlich. Wir haben uns richtig wohl gefühlt. … „besser als bei Großmutter“. Eine Küchenführung gab es auch noch. Genial & Danke!

We hadden gereserveerd (3 personen). We werden snel naar een tafeltje gebracht en de eigenaar kwam aan de tafel om ons welkom te heten. Hij ging alle nieuwe gasten langs ter begroeting. Erg leuk. De eerste drankjes kwamen binnen 5 minuten. Na het voorgerecht en het hoofdgerecht zaten wij echt vol. Het eten was allemaal even lekker. De bediening was vlot, ondanks dat er eigenlijk een personeelstekort was en er die avond een medewerker nieuw begonnen was. Iets duurder dan gemiddeld, maar het was het meer dan waard.

Sehr leckeres Essen und tolles Personal. Wir haben uns rundum wohlgefühlt

Ausgefallene Vorspeisenplatte, die uns positiv überrascht hat. Das Fleisch ist qualitativ hochwertig. Vegetarische Alternativen vorhanden. Aufmerksamer Service, ohne aufdringlich zu sein. Klare Empfehlung :)