Sansibar on Sylt – a place full of character and history

"You don't need much when everything just feels right."

If you're spending time on Sylt, there's no way around Sansibar. And honestly – there shouldn't be. Tucked away in the dunes between Rantum and Hörnum, this restaurant has long been known far beyond the island’s borders – yet it has remained wonderfully authentic and down-to-earth.

Sansibar is run by Herbert Seckler, who built it up with incredible instinct, passion, and a strong team by his side. Today, his son Niklas is also on board – the future couldn’t be in better hands.

Thanks to a mutual friend, we had the chance to meet both of them personally many years ago – a moment I still look back on fondly. Every time I return, I’m genuinely happy to see everyone again – familiar faces, a warm welcome, and that wonderful feeling of coming back to a place that simply feels right.

My First Visit to Sansibar – and a Tradition Ever Since

I still remember my very first visit like it was yesterday. It was my first time on Sylt, and I had no idea what to expect. But the moment we arrived at Sansibar, I felt completely at ease. The relaxed, welcoming atmosphere just clicked. Since then, we’ve come back year after year – and to be honest, when we’re on Sylt, we spend nearly all our time at Sansibar. It’s our place. This past Pentecost was no different – familiar, easy, and just the way we like it. The moment you sit down, everyday life drifts away. That’s exactly why we keep coming back.

Where You Feel at Home – and Buddy Keeps Watch

What impresses me time and again is the well-coordinated, attentive team, always working with genuine joy and true hospitality. There’s nothing forced about the service. You can feel right away that everyone here is fully committed – many of them have been part of it for years.

Even before you step inside, you’re greeted with a smile by Mike or Patrick. And once you're in, Simmi – who's been in charge of table coordination for over two decades – ensures everything runs smoothly with calm precision and a great sense of overview.

I would love to mention each individual by name - because I really appreciate the work of the whole team. Each and every one of them contributes in their own way to making you feel at home in the Sansibar.

One figure you certainly shouldn’t forget is Buddy – Niklas’ sweet dog. He’s almost always around, calmly making his way through the restaurant, keeping an eye on everything in his own quiet way. Without saying a word, he brings a charm that fits Sansibar perfectly.

Sansibar to Take Home – Store, Beach Shop & Rantum Finds

Something else I really love: There’s so much you can take home from Sansibar – not just culinary treats, but also fashion, accessories, and carefully curated lifestyle pieces.

The Sansibar Store offers high-quality clothing and stylish pieces that perfectly reflect the Sansibar lifestyle.

Right on the beach, you’ll find the Sansibar Beach Shop, co-managed by Anna, the family’s daughter – always friendly, attentive, and with a delightful, infectious energy that instantly puts you in a good mood. Whether it’s a breezy beach dress, a bikini, or a cap – I almost always find something I just have to take home.

Niklas has also helped me more than once – like with the look in the next few photos: that lovely beach dress paired with the green cap is just perfect for a relaxed day at Sansibar. He regularly takes the time to walk through the store with a thoughtful eye – always with such a kind and calming presence that puts you instantly at ease.

Visiting the Depot Rantum, the wine hall, and the outlet has always been a true highlight for me – we even had the chance to walk through it once with Niklas himself. The selection is impressive: wines, glassware, spices, premium clothing, and elegant textiles like towels, bathrobes, and cozy blankets – and so much more. You can truly feel the attention to detail in every corner.

There’s one thing I never leave without: Sansibar’s signature spices – and of course, the legendary curry sauce, which you can take home in a jar or order online. It’s a true taste of Sansibar at home – both in flavor and feeling.

There’s also a Sansibar Store in Westerland – I just haven’t made it there yet. That’s probably because our hotel is in Rantum, just a stone’s throw from Sansibar itself. When you’re staying that close, it’s hard to tear yourself away. But the Westerland store is definitely still on my list. A dedicated post about our hotel, the Watthof in Rantum, is coming soon.

Cozy Indoors, Vibrant Outdoors

Inside, Sansibar welcomes you with a warm, rustic atmosphere that makes you feel at home right away – especially on cooler days, when the wind is blowing outside and it’s wonderfully cozy indoors.

In summer, I’m just as happy to sit outside – with a view of the dunes, a drink in hand, and the lively buzz all around.

One thing I notice again and again: I keep seeing the same faces – day after day. People don’t just come once; many return several times a week, some even daily. That says a lot. You can feel how much people enjoy being here, how comfortable they are – and why they keep coming back.

Pure Beach Feeling – From the Terrace to the Dunes

On sunny days, Sansibar reveals its very own kind of charm. The spacious outdoor area is lined with classic beach chairs inviting you to relax – not just along the path to the beach, but stretching all the way to the beach shop. If you feel like it, you can soak up the sun, sip a drink, gaze out at the sea – and simply take in how good it feels to be here.

The terrace right in front of the beach shop is also a lovely spot. It offers a beautiful view of the beach and the sea – the perfect place to take a break, enjoy a bite to eat, and soak up the relaxed Sansibar atmosphere.

For those who prefer it even quieter, you can rent one of the beach chairs right by the water and enjoy a full day of seaside bliss – with a view of the ocean and that unmistakable Sansibar ease.

During the day, everything feels light and effortless – and in the evening, as the sun begins to set, the atmosphere turns quietly magical. Those sunsets over the dunes stay with you – in your mind, and especially in your heart.

A Warm Welcome for the Little Ones, Too

Something I really appreciate: the little ones haven’t been forgotten. Right at the entrance to Sansibar, there’s a lovingly designed playground. It’s the perfect spot for kids to burn off some energy while the adults settle in and take a quiet moment for themselves.

Four-legged companions are just as welcome here – they rest calmly beside the table or watch the scene unfold with the same relaxed attitude.

It’s exactly this mix of style, ease, and attentiveness that makes Sansibar so unique. Whether you're on your own, as a couple, or with the whole family – everyone feels seen and genuinely welcome here.

Culinary Consistency at the Highest Level

What comes out of the kitchen is a highlight for me every single time. No matter how busy it gets, the quality remains impressively consistent. Everything is perfectly prepared, with noticeable care and a great sense for flavor.

What impresses me most is the variety on the menu: from classic comfort food to Asian-inspired dishes and Italian favorites – everything is thoughtfully composed, well-balanced, and executed to perfection. Maintaining this kind of range at such a consistently high level is, in my view, an outstanding achievement by the entire kitchen team under the leadership of head chef Sebastian.

Some of the most memorable moments are those evenings when a personal fondue was lovingly prepared for us. Experiences like that stay with you.

My personal favorite? Without a doubt: the Zwiebelrostbraten – a classic beef dish served with wonderfully soft, caramelized onions and a rich onion gravy. An absolute standout, and one that never fails to impress.

The Wine Cellar – A Paradise for Wine Lovers

For anyone who loves wine, Sansibar’s wine cellar is a true experience. Behind its well-known façade lies a treasure trove that’s far more than just storage – rows upon rows of international top wines, rare finds, and exquisite vintages await discovery.

I love walking through the cellar, taking a closer look at individual bottles and finding inspiration along the way. As a wine lover, your heart beats a little faster here – and if you have an eye for the exceptional, you’re sure to find something special. The selection is outstanding, the presentation elegant, and the advice always knowledgeable and genuinely welcoming.

That’s why we love ordering some of our favorite wines for home directly from Niklas. And every time we open a bottle, it feels a little like bringing a piece of Sansibar into our own home.

A Place You Carry in Your Heart

What remains is a deep sense of gratitude. For the countless unforgettable moments, the wonderful food, the thoughtful details – and above all, the people who make this place so special. I’m already looking forward to my next visit.

Because no matter how often you come – Sansibar has a way of working its magic on you, every single time.

“You may come for the first time out of curiosity – but you’ll return again and again out of conviction. Because when the sea breeze is in the air, your glass is full, and the atmosphere is as warm as the smiles around you, you know: this is Sansibar. True Sylt feeling – no words needed.”