
Zwanzig23 by Lukas Jakobi
RESTAURANT SUMMARY

Where sustainability meets culinary innovation, Zwanzig23 by Lukas Jakobi transforms Düsseldorf's Bilk neighborhood into a stage for Germany's most progressive fine dining experience. Since October 2023, this Michelin-starred destination has redefined luxury dining through its bold commitment to zero-waste gastronomy and intimate counter-style service.
Lukas Jakobi's remarkable journey reached its pinnacle in March 2024 when Zwanzig23 earned both a Michelin Red Star for culinary excellence and the coveted Green Star for sustainability—a rare dual recognition that speaks to the restaurant's revolutionary approach. Jakobi's philosophy centers on transforming perceived waste into sophisticated culinary art, exemplified by his signature "Taste the Waste – Some sexy stuff" dish, which elevates discarded ingredients into extraordinary flavor experiences. This commitment extends beyond the plate, with 80% of ingredients sourced regionally and all fermented foods, soy sauces, garums, and kombuchas crafted in-house.
The cuisine at this Düsseldorf fine dining destination revolves around two meticulously crafted tasting menus: "Vegan" and "Nicht Vegan," each offering six to nine courses that showcase Jakobi's mastery of flavor balance. The "Taste Explosion Nicht Vegan" features innovative preparations of scallops, prawns, venison, and salmon, while the plant-based menu demonstrates equal creativity and sophistication. Each dish harmoniously blends sweet, sour, umami, spicy, and salty elements, creating what guests describe as explosive flavor journeys that challenge traditional fine dining expectations.
The restaurant's open kitchen concept places diners at high-top counter seats directly adjacent to the culinary theater, offering unprecedented access to Jakobi's creative process. This intimate setting, accommodating just a select number of guests, fosters genuine connections between chef and diner—a refreshing departure from formal fine dining protocols. Standard table seating provides an alternative for those preferring traditional arrangements, while the "Liquid Kitchen" cocktail program and curated wine selection complement each course perfectly.
Zwanzig23's atmosphere deliberately breaks from stuffy fine dining conventions, embracing what Jakobi calls a "relaxed, authentic, cheeky" environment. The modern, trendy interior design creates warmth without sacrificing sophistication, while the service philosophy emphasizes genuine hospitality over rigid formality. This approach has established Zwanzig23 as one of the best restaurants Düsseldorf offers for discerning diners seeking both culinary excellence and environmental consciousness.
Reservations at Zwanzig23 by Lukas Jakobi require advance planning, as this intimate venue's limited seating and growing reputation make tables increasingly coveted. For gourmands seeking Germany's most innovative sustainable dining experience, Zwanzig23 represents the future of fine dining—where exceptional cuisine and environmental responsibility create unforgettable culinary memories.
CHEF
Nicolas La Rocca
ACCOLADES

(2025) Michelin 1 Star
