Fressgass (Große Bockenheimer Straße)
Imagine strolling down a street that’s both a historical gem and a modern culinary hotspot. Fressgass, or Große Bockenheimer Straße, is Frankfurt’s renowned 'culinary mile', where the past meets the present in a delightful dance of flavors and sights. Whether you’re here for a business lunch, a casual after-work drink, or simply to soak in the vibrant atmosphere, this street offers a unique blend of history, gastronomy, and upscale shopping that’s hard to resist.
Fressgass, the local name for Große Bockenheimer Straße (and Kalbächer Gasse), is one of Frankfurt’s most famous pedestrian streets. Known as the city’s 'culinary mile', it’s lined with restaurants, cafés, wine bars, and gourmet shops. Located between Alte Oper (Opera House) and Börsenstraße / Frankfurt Stock Exchange area, it’s a central meeting point for locals, office workers, and visitors. It’s especially popular for lunch breaks, after-work drinks, and outdoor dining in summer.
History
Originally, this street was part of Frankfurt’s old urban structure dating back to the Middle Ages. The nickname “Fressgass” (“feeding street”) came from the large number of butcher shops, bakeries, and food stores that once dominated the area.
Over time, it evolved into a high-end dining and lifestyle street, especially popular with bankers working in the nearby financial district. Today it combines historic charm with modern gastronomy and boutique shopping.
Fun Facts
- Fressgass literally means 'feeding alley'
- Once known for butcher shops and food trade, not restaurants
- One of Frankfurt’s top spots for business lunch meetings
- Hosts the famous Rheingau Wine Festival every year
- The street becomes a big open-air dining zone in summer
Guide Tips
- Perfect stop for wine, Hessian food, or international cuisine
Opening Hours
Street: open 24/7 Restaurants & cafés: typically 11:00–23:00 (varies) Most active: lunch time & evenings