Nagelschmiede by Christian Meierding-Schmidt in Ilsenburg (Harz)

Excellent quality and preparation, friendly, competent team

Thank you so much for the wonderful evening and the absolutely delicious food. You truly understand how to present excellent cuisine. The quality was very high and it was unique for the region.

A lovely place to linger, the staff is very friendly, the food is excellent, and the menu changes regularly. We also really appreciate that they have days off, showing that the staff's well-being is taken care of. Therefore, it's a good idea to check the opening hours or call ahead.

Beautifully decorated and great, super-friendly service.

The staff, the food, everything prepared with love – all at a very high level.

Excellent food. Very good service. We always enjoy coming back :)

Excellent service and delicious food! You couldn't ask for a nicer or better place to eat or sit during the pre-Christmas season. Highly recommended!

We arrived without an appointment. The staff was very friendly and competent. You can tell they've learned their trade. The food was excellent. Everything was perfect. We'd love to come back.

We spontaneously reserved a table for two at 6:30 pm the day before and, upon request, were even able to arrive half an hour earlier than originally planned. The restaurant is beautifully decorated – modern yet very cozy, especially during the Christmas season. We would gladly return, perhaps even in the summer. The entire service staff is exceptionally kind, friendly, attentive, and truly excellent at their job. You feel seen and welcome. The food was fantastic. I had a set menu that I could customize from the various menu suggestions, which I thought was brilliant. My boyfriend had the potato soup and the schnitzel. Both were superb. I had the vitello tonnato, the duck, and the panna cotta with pistachio ice cream. Dessert was a real highlight; the vitello tonnato was delicious, as was the duck, and the sauce was an absolute highlight. The price-performance ratio is excellent, considering the quality, taste, and portion size. The only downside was that I asked during the meal if I could have another spoonful of gravy, as it was not only delicious but also felt a bit sparse for the dumplings and duck. The waitress immediately said "Of course" and quickly brought a small extra portion. However, later on the bill, this was apparently listed as "various meats" or something similar, with an extra charge of €4.50. If they had mentioned this when I asked, it wouldn't have been a problem at all. As it was, I found it a bit difficult to understand without any prior notice—even though the gravy was truly a highlight and certainly worth it. Unfortunately, the duck wasn't crispy on the skin, which is what I expect from "baked" duck. However, the taste was still very good, and the skin was perfectly edible, not too soft, which is why it still gets a solid 5 stars. We had a wonderful evening and would love to come back again. The food, service, and ambiance were all top-notch, and the tip was more than appropriate.

We finally managed to celebrate our anniversary at this restaurant, and we weren't disappointed. We made a last-minute reservation, and the warm welcome we received both on the phone and in the restaurant raised our expectations. The decor is tasteful and cozy, with a real feel-good factor. The waiter was excellent and even offered some helpful recommendations. He gave us plenty of time to settle in, and the intervals between courses were well-timed and perfectly coordinated. Our food was delicious and beautifully presented. We had a very pleasant evening in this wonderful atmosphere and will definitely be back.

For our company Christmas dinner, we discovered a truly special restaurant, characterized by its cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and exceptional culinary delights. We will all definitely be back. Many thanks to the entire team at Altena Pet Cremation.

Always great service and the food is sooooo delicious. We love this place. Always worth a visit.

Very nice, very friendly, and very delicious. The price is absolutely reasonable for the quality.

The food and service were excellent again yesterday.

At the end of our tour, curiosity led us to this restaurant. Even from the outside, it looked very nice. Inside, it was even better. The team there is exceptionally well-informed. Thoughtful little touches, thoughtfully included, make the restaurant a real highlight. (Please don't hang your jackets over the back of the chairs; we have coat racks. Wonderful, where else do you hear that kind of thing?!) The food is 5-star deluxe... We had spinach dumplings and pike-perch... fantastic. We'll be back. To finish, an affedado that was second to none. Thank you, and keep up the great work!!!

Something special for a special occasion. Highly recommended.

Everything was perfect. Friendly service, after a short wait we were given a table for two without a reservation, and the food and drinks were excellent. We'd gladly come again.

To put it briefly: During our visits, both for lunch and at our best coffee time, we experienced everything exactly as it says in your flyer: "For us, food means joy, taste, and zest for life!" There's nothing to add to that; we wish you continued excellence.

A truly beautiful place. The food was excellent and the service very professional.

Very nice restaurant, exceptionally good service, very tasty food

It was fantastic again! The food, service, and ambiance were all wonderful! We'd love to come back.

Dinner was delicious, with interesting, unusual dishes. I had a hard time deciding, especially when it came to desserts... The warning about not hanging your jacket over the back of a chair seems a bit odd (the reason: chairs might fall over) and, logically, is introduced during the first encounter with the waiter. We didn't let it spoil our experience, and that was a good thing. In my opinion, the ambiance was pleasant and not as dusty as is often the case in the Harz Mountains.

Very good service, a great atmosphere, and excellent food. I'd go back anytime. Highly recommended.

A very nice restaurant in Ilsenburg. Super friendly service. The food is excellent—especially the pulled beef burger. Fast service.

A very good and beautiful restaurant that offers a truly cozy atmosphere. The staff is very friendly, and the food is excellent. If you're in Ilsenburg, you should definitely stop by. Please make a reservation in advance.

Everything was just perfect: a wonderful atmosphere, and the food was delicious. The service was excellent! We'll definitely be back!

Fantastic Michelin-starred cuisine. Excellent service, friendly and attentive.

Beautiful restaurant, great ambiance, and really friendly service. It was absolutely delicious 😋 and such a lovely atmosphere. We could have stayed there forever.

Everything was great. All the food was delicious. The service was exceptionally friendly and attentive. I paid €16.80 for a medium plate of pasta with mushroom cream sauce, which I found too expensive, even though it was delicious. However, the prices are in keeping with the elegant ambiance and the wonderful touristy surroundings. I would have liked to have had a drink and dessert, but given the prices, I decided against it. Otherwise, everything was perfect ;-)

The Nagelschmiede is a wonderful restaurant with excellent food and cakes at a premium price. When the weather's nice, you can also enjoy your meal and relax in the beautiful gardens. The whole area can become a favorite spot. If our journey takes us back to Ilsenburg, we'll be sure to stop there again!

We had a very good lunch here and would love to come back.

A wonderful evening. Outstandingly delicious food and unobtrusive, pleasant service in a family atmosphere with incredible attention to detail.

Simply delicious! We were able to enjoy the restaurant's amenities for two days in a row. I'd love to come back.

We regularly drive 40 miles to have a delicious meal at Nagelschmiede. The varied, small but fine menu offers a great selection of drinks and dishes for every taste. In addition to some spiced-up classics (e.g. currywurst), starters and desserts, there is always something with meat, something with fish and something vegetarian on offer. The variations have a twist and the ingredients are fresh - you can see, smell and taste it. We always receive courteous service and enjoy every second in this great restaurant, both in the cozy, chic interior and on the beautiful terrace. Keep it up! We are really looking forward to our next visit!

THANK YOU for the truly delicious food. The lady who served us was very nice and competent. I highly recommend it. THANK YOU

High prices create high expectations, which the nail smith unfortunately didn't live up to during our visit. The ambiance is very nice: a rustic interior, artificial birdsong in the restroom, a fountain in front of the entrance, etc. Whether you find signs on the wall asking you to keep your elbows off the table funny or intrusive is up to you. The service, however, could have been improved. Despite our half-full glasses, we were asked so often whether our drinks were alright that it became a bit annoying. We weren't asked, however, whether we wanted some bread to start with, which, of course, should be brought free of charge and without being asked in a restaurant like this. Instead, we had to ask for it and pay for it while the waitress was already clearing the plates and cutlery. The food was particularly disappointing. Even the greeting from the kitchen was unimaginative. The vitello tonnato was dry, and the duck breast (price: 39 euros), although a good portion, was very tough and also dry. We were happy to forgo dessert. Conclusion: In terms of price and self-image, the Nagelschmiede is a gourmet restaurant, but the cuisine unfortunately doesn't live up to this claim.

Can you recommend this place? Ask Google. Hmm, yes. I can, but I've done it before. Did Google forget that? Anyway, the staff are attentive and always ask, and the food is really, really good! I would give it 5 stars, too, I'm just afraid it could get any better. So, you did a great job, staff and kitchen, thumbs up!

A beautifully decorated restaurant with friendly and, above all, competent staff. The food was excellent and very attractively presented. Absolutely recommended.

Excellent food. Very friendly, attentive service. A very nice ambiance. The higher prices are therefore quite acceptable in comparison, even if we're still a bit accustomed to these price ranges.

Very friendly, competent, and efficient service Great atmosphere both inside and out Very, very tasty food

When we reserved a table for 6 people, we were informed that a private party was being hosted. Our concerns about potential problems with the service or the kitchen turned out to be unfounded. The service was perfect, the food was excellent, everything served at the same time and at the perfect temperature.

We were able to enjoy this wonderful restaurant in perfect weather. The restaurant is very cozy inside and beautifully decorated outside as well. The service is impeccable, and we were served very friendly and attentively. The selection of dishes is plentiful, with something for every taste. A very large selection of drinks, including excellent wines, is available. The food was freshly prepared and very tasty. The ambiance is peaceful and idyllic, despite the large number of guests. Advance reservations are recommended. All in all, highly recommended.

Great, thank you very much, we will be back.

A particularly beautiful and welcoming place with wonderful service and excellent food. The fish was perfect despite the restaurant being full. Absolutely fantastic!!!

Anyone who writes a critical review of the nail smith shop here will immediately have a revenge review from the owner posted on their own Google profile, from one of their many fake accounts. So don't be surprised why there are only positive reviews of the nail smith shop here. He aggressively pursues critics, and also, incidentally, his competitors in Ilsenburg. We have now hired a lawyer because he won't delete his revenge reviews.

Beautiful outdoor area, nicely decorated inside, competent service staff, delicious food—not cheap, but worth the price!

The food and drinks here are excellent! Everyone loved it! Very quiet location, right on the Ilse River! It's a great place to go hiking!

We were in Ilsenburg yesterday. We had a lovely evening at the Nagelschmiede. Such a high-quality restaurant with such delicious food makes it worth the hour-long trip.

We visited the restaurant several times and were always impressed: wonderful food, great staff, and a beautiful location... We were incredibly impressed by the young people employed by the two owners who serve there. It's rare to experience such thoughtful, attentive, and casually friendly service... A huge compliment to the entire team!

Great ambiance, very friendly and attentive staff, and a good menu with daily specials. The currywurst (beef) and the cheese platter are highly recommended.

We went to the Nagelschmiede for lunch today with four adults and one child. In short, it was truly outstanding. The service was very attentive; you can immediately tell the staff is professional. The food was very fresh and wonderfully tasty, and the portion sizes were just right. The atmosphere is truly comfortable; we'll definitely be back.

Delicious food. Great service. Fantastic atmosphere.

We came here for lunch on a recommendation. Great location. We sat on the terrace by the pond. It's a wonderful ambiance and very well-maintained. There's nothing withered in the flowerbed... Sunbeams winked through the tall trees, and goldfish basked beneath the water's surface. We had redfish and potato gnocchi with a truffle filling for the fish of the day. The plates were very decoratively arranged, and the food was truly delicious. The portions were just the right size to fill you up. We also had panna cotta and espresso for dessert. It's worth mentioning that the plates and espresso cups were preheated. We find this especially important when dining outside on the terrace. The topic of napkins is always a different story. But here, too, I was impressed because these were made of good paper and large enough. Not that cheap stuff, like sometimes, where the napkin falls apart into its entirety when you wipe your mouth. The staff was very friendly, accommodating, and fulfilled all our wishes. The "Nagelwasser" (nail water) was very delicious. A spirit with a very interesting flavor. Of course, a look into the restaurant was also a must. Everything is very lovingly decorated, not overly elaborate. Decent tables and chairs where guests can sit and dine properly. Not just any small, fussy stuff. Here, someone understands aesthetics and the meaning of good gastronomy. Two comfortable wingback chairs and a small table are grouped around the fireplace in the center. We'll definitely have to try this ensemble again sometime :-) I won't comment on the price. We've worked in the restaurant industry ourselves and therefore know the effort required to create such an experience. Everyone can decide for themselves what good food, friendly and attentive service, and a great ambiance are worth to them.

Actually, it's a lovely restaurant with a great outdoor terrace. But with a currywurst for €22, I expect a culinary highlight. Unfortunately, in my opinion, it was just average craftsmanship without inspiration. The "Happas" appetizer platter, on the other hand, was nice – I'd happily give it another star. Unfortunately, my children felt extremely uncomfortable. I also had the feeling that we, as a family, weren't welcome. The owner should simply decline family requests (we had spoken on the phone beforehand) and openly communicate that young children are not welcome. Then we would save ourselves an evening at the Nagelschmiede, and the owner this review. We really, really go out to eat with our children quite often. Very regularly at much more upscale restaurants. We haven't had that experience with our children yet. In my opinion, the place takes itself far too seriously for the rather average quality of the food. It's a shame, since the ambiance is really good. A little more relaxed would really do the Nagelschmiede a lot of good – this is Ilsenburg, not Hollywood.

Beautiful location right on the water! The food, the service, and the ambiance—both inside and out—are simply recommended! We'll definitely be back.

Great food, service and atmosphere 👌🏻

Freshly cooked food, excellent quality and taste, very good service and a great location.

A nice restaurant in the upscale price range. However, the food and service are reasonable.

We enjoyed our lunch here today. The Königsberger Klopse (meatballs) and corn-fed chicken breast were excellent and tasted very good.

I have nothing but good things to say about this restaurant. Very delicious food. Excellent service and cozy surroundings. Definitely recommended.

A beautiful place, very attentive service, and excellent quality products. We'll be back!

Truly great café! The cherry cake was delicious, along with equally good coffee and a refreshing shandy. The service was friendly and attentive. The atmosphere was very pleasant, especially in the lovely beer garden. I'd love to come back – highly recommended!

Not only is the ambiance great, but so is the exceptionally friendly staff. The food is a delight. I would give it 10 stars 🌟 if they existed. 👌

Great restaurant with excellent service and a very pleasant ambiance. Plus, good value for money.

A wonderful place 2024 - After receiving a very unfriendly welcome at a nearby hotel, we stumbled upon this café by chance. What a difference. A wonderful ambiance with a lovely terrace right on the water, a delicious menu, and impeccable, very friendly service saved the day. We had apple pie with cream and a blueberry tart. Both were truly wonderful. We would love to come back. Many thanks to the entire team, especially to the young waiter who served us. Addendum: We were there again in 2025. Everything was as great as last year. Many thanks to the wonderful team; you are especially wonderful.

We're regular guests at Nagelschmiede, whether as a couple or in a larger group, and we always have a great time. The (daily) menu ranges from sophisticated to down-to-earth, but the taste is always impressive. All this is always accompanied by extremely attentive and friendly service and a fantastic ambiance. We wish the team all the best, keep up the good work!

Highly recommended. Incredibly good service and very high-quality, delicious food. We've been here two years in a row now and would love to come back!

A work of art: service, quality of food, ambience.

What a location! And the service doesn't rest on its laurels: incredibly attentive and courteous. And the food is delicious, too.

Very tasty restaurant a bit expensive but the taste saves this price

On June 21, 2025, six of us went to Nagelschmiede for dinner. It's a bit on the higher end, but the food is of high quality. The service was super friendly and answered every question. We'd be happy to come back.

Yesterday, after a hike up the Brocken, a table was reserved here. Due to the weather, seating and dining were only possible outside. The reason was explained to us later in the evening. Five of us opted for the pasta of the day. It was pasta with a ham and cream sauce. It sounds very banal, but the taste was different than one would have expected. High-quality ingredients, nicely decorated, and truly delicious. At €16 for that amount, it was certainly not cheap. Nevertheless, we all agreed. It was worth the price. Not the cooked ham from the Norma around the corner. Cress was for decoration. Service was very friendly. For dessert, we had some ice cream. It's from Mövenpick and tastes good too. They had stracciatella, strawberry, vanilla, and walnut flavors. A scoop costs €1.90, but surprisingly, they are quite large. The restrooms were very clean. We also bought a small bottle of Schmiedewasser to take home with us afterward. We were satisfied. Card payments accepted!

Too expensive, corn-fed chicken breast and salad 30 €, portion medium large...an hour waiting time

A very nice restaurant with delicious food. The service is phenomenal! We'd love to come back.

Highly recommended! Excellent cuisine, a lovely ambiance, and very attentive, extremely friendly staff. We're from Halle, but we'll definitely be back!

Great cake eaten, too few staff available

We felt completely at home, the service was excellent, and the food was of a high standard. Advance reservations are definitely recommended.

We highly recommend it. The atmosphere is lovely, and the service and staff are all very warm, friendly, helpful, and courteous, and always up for a laugh. We haven't felt this comfortable in a long time; we'll definitely be back. Best wishes to everyone!

Wow! What a great restaurant! What a pleasant, cozy, and cool atmosphere. The look was absolutely our style. The food was of high quality, and our companion particularly enjoyed the selection of vegetarian dishes! The service was incredibly friendly and extremely competent; finally, some staff who know their stuff.

Super nice restaurant. Great food and a super professional team. 🤌

This won't be the last time we've visited this upscale restaurant. We were looked after throughout the evening by an attentive and friendly young man. The food is lovingly prepared and of excellent quality. Unfortunately, the wines are only available by the glass in 0.1-liter glasses; however, you can take the bottles home with you for a 50% discount. The ambience is very inviting, with beautiful decor and attention to detail everywhere. We look forward to our next visit. Many thanks to the entire team for the wonderful evening.

Excellent food in a wonderful atmosphere and a fantastic location. A special stamp from the HWN (Hungarian Winery) is available at the entrance. We felt extremely well looked after throughout! Reservations are definitely necessary during the hiking season.

I've rarely experienced such a great restaurant with such reasonable prices. Great service, a lovely atmosphere, and excellent food and liqueurs. We'll be back!

A gem in Ilsenburg! We visited this beautiful restaurant for the first time yesterday and, in addition to excellent service, were treated to incredibly creative and high-quality cuisine. Combined with a wonderful ambiance, there's nothing a guest could wish for more. I rarely write such extremely positive reviews, but the Nagelschmiede truly deserves it! A return visit in a few days is already planned. Many thanks to the competent team at the Nagelschmiede!

Very friendly service. The food came very quickly. My noodles were a bit too mild for me, but that's a matter of taste. The fish soup was very good, and the large lemonade is truly perfect after a hike. I'd definitely go back!

A must-eat when you're in Ilsenburg.

We were very satisfied; the food was delicious, and the service was extremely attentive. The atmosphere outside in the beer garden in spring was also absolutely lovely.

Such a great restaurant/café, with extremely friendly staff. The cakes tasted truly amazing, and the decor was decorated with attention to detail. Such a pretty place! Highly recommended!

Absolutely recommended. First-class service, first-class food, first-class ambiance. Unfortunately, it's not for the average budget, but every bite and sip is worth the price. Fresh ingredients, a balanced drinks menu, and expert service. Perfect. I rarely give this rating, unfortunately, but this time it absolutely fits.

It's unbelievable that you have to drive all the way to this small village to find this shop. The interior is beautifully decorated, and everything is clean. The waitresses are all incredibly friendly but not overly pretentious, and so discreet that they're there but not annoying. And they also have incredibly delicious cakes, coffee you rarely find, delicious beer, and all at reasonable prices.

Everything is very nicely done, and you immediately feel very comfortable. The service was very friendly and prompt. Definitely worth a visit.

We got a table spontaneously (Friday), and our service was very friendly and attentive. The asparagus was delicious! Here, you are definitely treated as a guest and pampered. Many restaurants could learn a thing or two from their experience. I'll be back! Thank you for the consistently positive experience.

Fantastic place. Can be highly recommended. Both the food and the service. 5 stars out of 5. We will definitely come again.

Like every year, we come here for dinner on our special day. The service is top. The food was fantastic, I would give it 10 stars. See you next year 👍

Despite a failed online reservation, we got two nice seats in the guest room, which was decorated with a good eye. Service and food were very, very good! Thank you for the great time!

Very nice location, service excellent and food very tasty. One can only recommend

Highly recommended! The food was delicious and the service was attentive. We'd love to come back😍

A really great restaurant! With special service. Pascal in particular gave us a great evening! The food is also excellent and the atmosphere is great.

We were guests at Nagelschmiede in Ilsenburg for the Easter menu. From the very friendly welcome to the ambience, the top staff, the drinks to the choice of food, it was a perfect evening..!! We'd love to come back...

Best place to eat at Ilsetal, but reservation recommended. Nice wine, nice food on the fancier side.