Ruhrpott specialities are calorie-rich and proud of it. Try the Bergmannspfanne (pork knuckles drenched in beer sauce), Schweineschnitzel mit Rahmchampignons (pork schnitzel in mushroom cream sauce), or Currywurst mit Pommes (curried sausage and chips). Pretty much everything comes with a large dollop of sauerkraut and potato salad. Numerous international restaurants offer an alternative to the local favourites.

Trendy Tastes Kronski
This trendy bar-cum-restaurant in Gelsenkirchen's market hall (Springemarkt 2) serves great food at fair prices and has a party vibe. If your stomach is up to it, you can dance till late to funky house and Latino grooves.

Fine Flavours: zum Bürgerplatz
This smart bistro (Trinenkamp 22) is among Gelsenkirchen's best-kept secrets, with reasonable prices and a creative menu. Eat from the barbecue in the beer garden, or feast on specialities like French onion soup and succulent Wiener Schnitzel.

Taste of Tuscany: La Vecchia Osteria
Near the stadium, this cave-like Italian taverna (Horster Strasse 10) is all wood beams and exposed brickwork. The friendly staff serve delicious pasta and seafood. In summer you can eat on the terrace beneath the olive trees.