Tradition & Mastery
History, Passion& Swabian Hospitality
Between the sun-drenched steep vineyards of the Enz and the historic lanes of Besigheim, we have kept a promise for generations: honest craftsmanship, a deep connection to our home and culinary experiences of the highest standard.
A place to meet
Where history meets a lively dining culture
Beneath the curved hanging sign of the Klingler family, the Ratsstüble has been welcoming locals and travellers from afar for decades. What began as a small inn in the heart of Germany's most beautiful wine town is today a firm institution for refined Swabian cuisine.
The listed walls tell of celebrations, familiar conversations and hearty laughter. Yet we never see tradition as standing still: every recipe is refined with a modern touch, craftsmanship and deep respect for the original.
Family-run for more than 40 years
Swabian restaurant
since
1981
01
Family-run
This family-run restaurant has been run with passion for three generations. Guests enjoy authentic Swabian cuisine, prepared with fresh, regional ingredients.
02
Rooted in the region
Our ingredients come preferably from the Felsengärten and from farmers in the region we know well. Short distances guarantee freshness and flavour – and strengthen our Swabian home.
03
Authentic & from the heart
With us you are not an anonymous guest but a valued visitor to our house. Our service combines personal attention with a relaxed Swabian joie de vivre.
Traditional Swabian cuisine
Ratsstüble
BESIGHEIM
Our cuisine stands for honest dishes with character. We cook with fresh, high-quality ingredients and place great value on traditional craftsmanship.
Alongside classics that have had a firm place at the Ratsstüble for years, our menu also features seasonal dishes and changing recommendations.
From 1591 to today
The history of the Ratsstüble
1591
The Old Wine Press
The neighbouring Alte Kelter (old wine press) is built and still shapes the historic surroundings of the house today.
1660
First mention
On the site of today's Ratsstüble, a “Hofstatt und Keller darund” (a homestead with a cellar beneath) below the market square is mentioned for the first time.
1715–1878
Many owners, many stories
A total of 18 different owners of the house are documented during this period.
1798 & 1819
The house changes
Conversions and renovations develop the historic building further over the centuries.
1980
Another conversion
Shortly before the Ratsstüble opens, the building is converted and modernised once again.
1981
The Ratsstüble is born
Hannelore and Heinz Klingler, the grandparents of today's generation, open the Ratsstüble.
1997
The next generation takes over
Jeanette and Michael Klingler take over the house and run the Ratsstüble with family hospitality for almost three decades.
2021
The Gästehaus Klingler
In the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, the Gästehaus Klingler is created – planned and built with a great deal of personal effort.
March 2026
The next generation
Tobias and Timo Klingler take over the management of this house so rich in tradition.
Today
Tradition meets the future
Under the name Ratsstüble-Besigheim GmbH, Tobias and Timo combine the tried and tested with new ideas and continue the story of the house.
Our team
Three generations · one house
Modern Swabian cuisine
Our concept
Since 1981, people have cooked, served and celebrated here. Over several generations the house has been run with great dedication, responsibility and heart. Each generation has played its part in making the Ratsstüble what it is today.
Today we are continuing the house in the third generation – with respect for its history and a clear commitment to quality and atmosphere. In the kitchen, honest produce and craftsmanship are at the heart of everything. In service, attentiveness, reliability and an open word are what count.
The Ratsstüble should remain a place where you feel welcome. For good food, for conversations at the table, for evenings to remember. What has mattered over all these years is togetherness.
“A house lives through the people who run it and those who take a seat in it.”
And that is exactly what we want to preserve and carry on.