The topic of sustainability has also reached the restaurant industry. Acting in this way not only protects our climate, but can also help to conserve resources, for example. However, this does not mean that we can only eat vegetarian or vegan food when dining out, because sustainable gastronomy takes many forms.

Seals and labels help us keep track of many aspects of environmental protection. In 2015, a nationwide platform was founded to recognize sustainable restaurants. It is called Greentable. Greentable's criteria provide a good insight into what a sustainable restaurant can pay attention to:

• There is a selection of vegetarian/vegan dishes; for example, three vegetarian main courses should be offered.
• Regional and seasonal products are offered; a clearly defined percentage of the food should meet these criteria.
• Tap water is offered as an alternative to mineral water; this should be noted on the menu and could be subject to a flat-rate charge.
• Organically produced food is used; a clearly defined percentage of the food should come from certified farms.
• Fresh or minimally processed foods are used; this is to avoid heavily processed or convenience ingredients.
• Fair trade products are used; here, too, a defined number of products should be labeled accordingly.
• Measures are taken against food waste; for example, there are different portion sizes or the option of a take-away box for leftovers.
• Information is provided about sustainable activities; in addition to guests, employees should also know what the business is doing to promote sustainability.
• The menu provides information about the origin of the products; this information may be limited to the main ingredients.
• Green electricity is used, because the food used is not the only aspect of sustainability.
• Employees are treated fairly; this includes fair pay and opportunities for further training.
• Environmentally and climate-friendly processes are introduced in the restaurant/delivery service; this could include switching to LED lighting, for example.

It is difficult to fulfill all aspects, and sometimes it is not financially feasible. A transparent approach to the various aspects of sustainable gastronomy can enhance the image of the company and ultimately increase sales. Restaurants with a Greentable seal can be found in the list of links below.

In addition to the Greentable seal, there are numerous other awards for sustainable gastronomy. For example, the German Hotel and Restaurant Association (DHV) has developed its own environmental check, which can help catering businesses to become more environmentally friendly with precisely defined criteria. Since 2020, even the renowned Michelin Guide has been awarding a green star to companies that are committed to sustainable practices. The establishments are expected to combine a culinary experience of the highest standard with environmental awareness and to be characterized by particularly exemplary gastronomy models. A list of restaurants with a green Michelin star can be found in the list of links.

Sustainability certification is often expensive and time-consuming for a business. Not all owners are able or willing to go down this route. However, this does not mean that a restaurant does not value sustainability. The best way to find out where your favorite restaurant stands on sustainability is to check their website or ask directly at the restaurant itself. Many restaurants now offer vegetarian and vegan main courses or fair trade products in a variety of forms. A list of restaurants that use fair trade products can be found on the Fair Trade City Mainz website at the link below. 

Specifically, there are currently two restaurants in Mainz that have received the Greentable seal. The Green Chefs website also lists another address for sustainable gastronomy in Mainz. You can find these and other sustainable restaurants in the Rhine-Main area in the list of links.

Many other restaurateurs consider sustainability to be important, but they are not necessarily certified or labeled. When you next visit a restaurant, simply ask what measures your favorite restaurant has taken to become more sustainable.