Two rooms, one wood-fired oven
Our restaurant is located at Marlesgrube 14, just a few minutes' walk from the Holstentor. At lunchtime, guests come from the offices in the old town; in the evening, families and larger groups sit at the long tables.
An old house on the Marlesgrube
Our restaurant sits on the ground floor of an old-town building at Marlesgrube 14: thick walls, dark beams, two small rooms instead of one large hall.
The front room
Facing the street are small tables for two to four people, plus a bench under the window. This is where lunch guests with little time to spare sit: short distances to the kitchen, a view of the lane. Those coming alone will almost always find a seat, even without a reservation.
The back room by the oven
At the back stands the wood-fired oven, with the long tables in front of it. The room is warmer, louder and made for groups who stay a while: birthdays, family dinners, colleagues after work. Two tables can be put together if you mention this when requesting.
Room for every occasion
From lunch for two to a family celebration in the evening: we arrange the tables to suit your group — just tell us how many you are when you make your request.
Lunch on a break
The front room is set up for guests in a hurry at lunchtime: pasta and pizza come quickly, and you pay at the table. Arrive at noon, and you'll be back out by half past.
Families with children
High chairs, smaller portions and a spot where nobody minds if things get lively at the table. From the back room, children can watch the pizza go into the oven.
Larger groups
The long tables by the oven accommodate birthdays, christenings and work dinners. We discuss the menu with you beforehand, so the kitchen isn't left guessing in the evening.
Walking distance from the old town
Marlesgrube 14 lies on the western side of the old town island, just a few minutes from the Holstentor and the Obertrave. Those working in the city centre can walk here.
The oven in view
The wood-fired oven stands open in the back room, not hidden behind a swing door. You can see the wood, the embers and the pizza coming back out again after a short time.
A relaxed evening
After 17:30, things get quieter. Antipasti, a pasta course, a dolce — the kitchen takes orders until the end of the evening.
The fire burns in the dining room
The wood-fired oven isn't hidden away in a closed kitchen — it stands in the back room, where the guests sit. This shapes the evening: warmth, the smell of wood, and a sound no music can replace.
Learn about our wood-fired ovenSeating in the house
Which table suits your occasion
Our house has grown over the years and so offers very different kinds of seating: quick two-person tables near the door, quiet nooks along the wall, long tables we put together from several smaller ones.
If you tell us the occasion when booking, we'll seat you where it fits best — quick and efficient at lunch, relaxed in the evening, and with room for conversation across the table at celebrations.
Seats in the front room
Tuesday to Friday from 12:00 to 14:30, the front room keeps the smaller tables free. The paths to the kitchen are short, starters and main courses arrive promptly — those coming during their lunch break won't be sitting for long.
Possible without a reservation
At lunchtime we keep part of the tables free for guests without advance notice. From four people onwards, a short call is still helpful so we can put tables together.
Just before 14:30
The kitchen takes orders until about 14:15. After that, you're welcome to stay seated as long as you like — we won't clear the table until you're finished.
Nooks along the wall
Along the long walls stand tables with a bench on one side. It's quieter there, since no service route passes by. If you'd like this area, we'll note it with your reservation.
Two seatings per evening
Between 17:30 and 22:30 we assign popular tables twice. Book early at 17:30 or later from around 20:00, and you'll have the table without a time limit.
A view of the wood-fired oven
The tables near the open kitchen offer a view of the oven at work. It's a bit livelier and warmer there — just right for some, but less so for a quiet conversation.
A long table in the back room
The back room can be arranged into one continuous table. It's set apart from the entrance, so conversations and toasts don't carry to the front.
Menu agreed in advance
From eight people onwards, we discuss the courses beforehand. This significantly shortens the wait, since the kitchen can prepare in parallel instead of working through twenty individual orders.
Children at the table
High chairs are available, and we can arrange smaller portions at the table. We're happy to seat families at the edges, where there's more room to move.
How a visit unfolds
An evening with us, step by step
Those visiting for the first time often wonder how much time a meal with us takes. So here is the usual course of an evening — you can shorten or linger at any point, no one rushes you to the next course.
Arrival and coats
Right behind the entrance are hooks and an umbrella stand. We'll show you to your table and tell you what the kitchen has on offer today besides the menu — usually two to three dishes based on what the market provides.
Antipasti and aperitivo
The starters are ready cold and arrive quickly. If you're unsure, order a mixed platter for the table — that way everyone gets to try some, and the kitchen gains time for the main courses.
Pizza or pasta
The wood-fired pizza needs only 60 to 90 seconds in the hot oven, while pasta is cooked to order in salted water and finished in the pan with the sauce. That's why pizza and pasta arrive at a table almost simultaneously.
Dolci and espresso
The dolci are displayed in the case, and the espresso is freshly ground. Only afterwards do we bring the bill — we won't place it on your table unasked.
Before your visit
Getting there, access and practical information
Fancy an evening in Marlesgrube?
Tell us the date, time and occasion, and we'll reserve the right table for you.