Stuttgart prides itself on hearty Swabian dishes - most of which are regional takes on pasta. Tuck into savoury Kässpätzle (cheese noodles), filling Maultaschen (ravioli) or Schupfnudeln (potato noodles) wiith sauerkraut. If you fancy something spicy, international restaurants all over town serve up everything from sushi to red-hot curries.

Hot Mexican Bites: Cantina
Tasty tacos and late-night salsa are on the menu at Cantina (Schellingstrasse 7). This upbeat restaurant draws a young crowd with its fiery Mexican specialities, washed back with tequila or potent Coco Loco cocktails.

Swabian Style: Tauberquelle
This smart bistro (Torstrasse 19) near the Rathaus (town hall) serves Swabian staples like Flädlesuppe (pancake soup). It has a large beer garden, fair prices and a no-nonsense menu (available in English).

Local Favourite: Stuttgarter Ratskellar

In a great location overlooking the market square, the Stuttgarter Ratskellar (Marktplatz 1) is popular but not overpriced. The menu is Swabian with a Mediterranean twist, while the chic, minimalist bar serves 160 different varieties of wine.