A traditional Westphalian restaurant in the old town, Weinhaus Johannishof is the kind of place that takes regional food seriously without making a performance of it. The menu centres on the local staples: Osnabrücker Schinken — the dry-cured ham that is the region's most distinctive product — served with dark rye bread, hearty stews built around pork and root vegetables, and seasonal dishes that follow what is available from local farms. The wine list is longer than you might expect from a place this traditionally minded.
The atmosphere is comfortable and unhurried, with the slightly formal quality of a restaurant that has been in the same family for a long time. It draws a mix of locals celebrating occasions and visitors who have done their research. Booking ahead is advisable on weekends and during the Christmas market period, when the old town fills up considerably.