Cologne's Ultimate Food Guide: Indulge In These Delights

Cologne, Germany, is a cultural and historical city with a vibrant food scene, offering both local and international flavours. The city's many restaurants rarely disappoint, and you can find everything from charming al-fresco dining to fine dining. Here's a list of must-eat foods and restaurants to try when visiting Cologne:

- Halber Hahn: A traditional sandwich, commonly found on the menus of Cologne's brewhouses and pubs. It consists of an open-faced rye bun spread with butter, thick slices of gouda cheese, and raw onion.

- Himmel und Erde: Literally translated as 'Heaven and Earth', this dish includes mashed potatoes ('earth') and a chunky apple puree ('heaven'), refined with onions, bacon strips, and fried black pudding.

- Eisbein: A salt-cured knuckle of pork.

- Mettbrötchen: A bread roll with raw minced pork, raw onion, butter, and sprinkled with salt and pepper.

- Reibekuchen: Potato pancakes, often served at German Christmas markets, and paired with dark rye bread and salmon in Cologne's brewhouses, pubs, and traditional restaurants.

- Erbsensuppe: A hearty pea soup, often served in to-go containers during outdoor events, such as the Karneval festivities.

- Sauerbraten: Marinated and braised meat.

- section-title=*Bei Oma Kleinmann: A popular restaurant serving some of the best schnitzel in Cologne. It is described as ordinary by Gustav Kleinmann, but exudes style and is housed in a historic square.

- Brauerei zur Malzmühle: A 160-year-old earthy brewery, currently run by the fifth generation of the same family. It serves an array of dishes, including Himmel un Äd pudding and minced beef Mühlen Burger.

- Le Moissonier: A leading restaurant in Cologne for over 20 years, serving unique dishes like Foie Gras Maison and Pigeonneau roti.

- Gaststätte Lommerzheim: A quirky restaurant and cult bar, famous for its succulent pork chops.

- Café Hinz und Kunz: A chic eatery in the Lindenthal neighbourhood, offering a healthy and wholesome breakfast, and fancier options like tartes and soup for lunch.

- Früh am Dom: A historical brewery dating back to 1904, located next to the Cologne Cathedral. It offers a typical Cologne atmosphere and rustic German vibes.

- Plomari: A Greek-cuisine restaurant, serving delicious mezes as appetizers with ouzo, as well as a variety of seafood dishes.

- Peters Brauhaus: A historic brewery dating back more than five centuries, located just off the Alter Market. It is known for its Himmel und Erde (Heaven and Earth) dish.

These are just a few highlights of the diverse and delectable culinary offerings in Cologne, Germany. Whether you're looking for traditional German fare or international flavours, the city has something to satisfy every appetite.

Local specialities

Cologne's local cuisine is simple and hearty, and it pairs perfectly with a cold glass of Kölsch, a type of beer. The city's food scene covers both local and international flavours, from charming al-fresco dining to fine establishments. Here are some of the local specialties you must try when visiting Cologne:

Halver Hahn

Don't be fooled by the name, which translates to "half a rooster". This traditional sandwich contains no chicken or meat at all. It's an open-faced rye bun spread with butter and topped with thick slices of gouda cheese and raw onion. It's a simple yet famous dish that can be found on almost every menu in Cologne's brewhouses and traditional pubs.

Himmel und Erde

This poetic dish, which translates to "heaven and earth", is a combination of mashed potatoes ("earth") and a chunky apple puree ("heaven"). It is refined with fried onions, bacon strips, and the most important ingredient—slices of fried black pudding, or "Blootwoosch" in Kölsch.

Eisbein

Eisbein is a German delicacy consisting of a salt-cured knuckle of pork.

Mettbrötchen

This is an all-time favourite in Cologne and is eaten at any time of day. Mettbrötchen is a slice of bread or a bread roll spread with butter, topped with raw minced pork, raw onion, and sprinkled with salt and pepper. If you're not a fan of raw meat, try the Kölsche Kaviar—a rye bun with blood pudding and mustard.

Reibekuchen

Reibekuchen are potato pancakes that are usually served at German Christmas markets, either plain or with apple sauce. In Cologne, they are often paired with dark rye bread and salmon in brewhouses, pubs, and traditional restaurants.

Erbsensuppe

A hearty and warming meal, Erbsensuppe is a pea soup that is often served in to-go containers during outdoor events, especially during the freezing Karneval festivities. Just be sure to check that it doesn't contain pork belly or bockwurst chunks if you're vegetarian.

Sauerbraten

Sauerbraten is a German specialty consisting of marinated and braised meat.

In addition to these local specialties, Cologne also offers a variety of international cuisines, including Greek, Indian, Japanese, Italian, and more. Whether you're looking for fine dining or a casual bite, there's something for everyone in this vibrant city.

Fine dining

• Ox & Klee: This modern fine dining restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere and holds two Michelin stars. It offers a vegetarian menu, as well as a menu that includes meat and fish.
• Gruber's: This Austrian restaurant has a lovely terrace and offers traditional Austrian food as well as a fine dining menu.
• Hanse Stube: Located in the Excelsior Hotel Ernst, this high-quality French restaurant offers elevated entrees and desserts, as well as an extensive wine list.
• Restaurant La Société: This elegant and cozy restaurant serves artfully plated French dishes and has an extensive wine list.
• Phaedra: This restaurant offers a variety of Mediterranean dishes with Greek influences and has both indoor and outdoor seating.
• Restaurant maiBeck: This high-end restaurant specializes in regional and quality creations and has already been awarded a Michelin star.
• Em Krützche: This traditional German restaurant offers dishes such as herring, sauerbraten, wild salmon, and roast suckling pig.
• Ristorante Alfredo: This long-standing Italian restaurant focuses on fish and regional wines and offers a rustic atmosphere.
• NEOBIOTA: This Michelin-starred restaurant offers globally influenced German fare and an extensive cocktail menu.
• Heising & Adelmann: This restaurant seamlessly combines a restaurant and bar, offering delectable dishes and an extensive wine list.
• Sahila: This restaurant offers a unique dining experience with a culinary journey inspired by various countries and cuisines, and boasts one of the best wine lists in Germany.
• Taku: This sleek and modern restaurant serves up inventive fusion cuisine and holds a Michelin star.
• Glashaus Restaurant: This elegant restaurant, located in the Hyatt-Hotel, offers creative global fare and stunning views of the Rhine.
• Haus Müller: This charming restaurant offers contemporary German cuisine in an elegant dining room adorned with plants and chandeliers.
• DER VIERTE KÖNIG: This restaurant is a fusion of Western and Indian spices, with great food and a relaxing, romantic atmosphere.
• Pottkind: This renowned fine dining restaurant offers a fixed menu with an open kitchen, vegetarian options, and wine pairings.
• Restaurant maximilian lorenz: This upscale restaurant offers modern German cuisine in a chic space with floor-to-ceiling windows.
• Zur Tant: This fine dining restaurant offers modern German cuisine and stunning views of the Rhine.
• La Cuisine Rademacher: This fine dining restaurant serves wonderful food and has delightful staff.

Traditional pubs

Brauhaus Pütz

Located at Engelbertstr. 67, Brauhaus Pütz is a traditional pub where you can try the local speciality, "Halver Hahn" (which translates to "half a rooster"). This famous traditional sandwich is a simple yet delicious combination of an open-faced rye bun spread with butter and topped with thick slices of gouda cheese and raw onion.

Gilden im Zims

Gilden im Zims, situated in Cologne's Old Town, offers a cosy atmosphere and traditional German fare. Sample their Sauerbraten (marinated pot roast) or Schnitzel Wiener Art (breaded pork schnitzel), paired with their locally-brewed Kölsch beer, served in small, cylindrical glasses.

FRÜH am Dom

FRÜH am Dom is a beloved institution near the Cologne Cathedral. Specialising in classic Cologne cuisine, they offer Himmel un Äd (potatoes with apple sauce and blood sausage) and Rheinischer Sauerbraten (marinated roast beef). Accompany your meal with their signature FRÜH Kölsch beer, a pale, light-bodied brew.

Haus Scholzen

Haus Scholzen blends traditional and innovative German dishes, paired with regional beers in Ehrenfeld, a vibrant district renowned for its street art, nightlife, and diverse dining options.

Traditionsgaststätte Bei d’r Tant

Traditionsgaststätte Bei d’r Tant offers authentic German hospitality and cuisine in a cosy, traditional setting.

Reissdorf am Hahnentor

Reissdorf am Hahnentor is a local favourite, known for its inviting atmosphere and excellent selection of Kölsch beers.

Peters Brauhaus

Peters Brauhaus is renowned for its exceptional German dishes and vibrant atmosphere.

Bei Oma Kleinmann

Bei Oma Kleinmann is famous for its hearty German meals and welcoming ambiance.

Em Krützche

Em Krützche is a charming little restaurant in the heart of Cologne, where time-honoured traditions meet mouth-watering delicacies. Their specialty is a divine combination of sauerkraut, sausages, and a secret sauce.

Gilden im Zims

Gilden im Zims, tucked away in the heart of the city, welcomes you with a cosy atmosphere and a step back in time. Soak up the medieval ambiance while relishing their hearty traditional cuisine and Kölsch beer.

International cuisine

Cologne's food scene is eclectic, offering both local and international flavours. From charming al-fresco dining to fine dining, the city has it all. Here is a guide to some of the best international cuisine on offer:

French

Le Moissonier is one of the leading restaurants in Cologne, serving up Foie Gras Maison and Pigeonneau roti that cannot be found anywhere else in Germany. The restaurant has been awarded two Michelin stars for its wide-ranging menus.

Hanse Stube, located in the Excelsior Hotel Ernst, is another French option. The restaurant offers a contemporary twist on traditional French cuisine, with a regional influence. The elegant atmosphere is complemented by a well-curated wine menu.

Italian

Da Damiano is a delightful Italian restaurant with a contemporary interior. Expect modern art, framed mirrors, and warm lighting. The menu features three extensive menus with options like pasta, poultry, seafood, and red meat.

Greek

Plomari is a Greek-cuisine restaurant that serves delicious mezes as appetizers with ouzo, following the Greek tradition of eating while drinking. The eatery also offers a variety of seafood specialties, including sautéed prawns and fried octopus.

Indian

Kamasutra Indian Restaurant serves first-class food at economy prices. The menu includes dishes like Butter Chicken, Chicken Biryani, and Spicy Lamb Curry, all of which are excellent in taste and beautifully served.

Japanese

Takumi - Japanisches Ramen Restaurant is a highly-rated Japanese and Asian restaurant in Cologne. It offers large portions of tasty food, including ramen and sushi.

Lebanese

A Lebanese restaurant, praised for its friendly service and fresh food, can be found on Yelp. A reviewer recommends the Spicy Chicken with Fries.

African

Shaka Zulu Restaurant & Bar offers Southern African street food in a bright and welcoming atmosphere. The communal meal features seven dishes, including tasty samosas and a meat curry.

Korean

A Korean barbecue restaurant, also found on Yelp, is well-liked for its friendly service and fresh food. The reviewer notes that the meat and fish are of high quality and not too greasy.

Street food

Cologne, Germany, is not a well-known culinary destination, but it does offer a surprising variety of great eateries. The city's food scene includes traditional German fare, street food, and upscale dining options.

Halver Hahn

A traditional sandwich that can be found on almost every menu in Cologne's brewhouses and pubs. It is an open-faced rye bun spread with butter and topped with thick slices of gouda cheese and raw onion. In some places, it is customary for customers to assemble the sandwich themselves from the provided ingredients.

Himmel und Erde

This dish gets its name from the German words for "heaven and earth." "Heaven" is represented by a chunky apple puree, while "earth" is represented by mashed potatoes. It is further refined with the addition of onions, bacon strips, and fried black pudding, known as "Blootwoosch" in the local dialect.

Reibekuchen

Reibekuchen, or potato pancakes, are a German speciality often found at Christmas markets, served plain or with apple sauce. In Cologne, they are often paired with dark rye bread and salmon in brewhouses, pubs, and traditional restaurants.

Erbsensuppe

A hearty and warming pea soup that is a popular choice during outdoor events, especially during the Karneval festivities when temperatures can be freezing. It is commonly sold in pubs, restaurants, and food stands in to-go containers. Vegetarians should be aware that it may contain pork belly or bockwurst chunks.

Mettbrötchen

This is an all-time favourite in Cologne, and people eat it for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or as a snack. It consists of a bread roll spread with butter and topped with raw minced pork, raw onion, salt, and pepper. For those who prefer their meat cooked, there is the Kölsche Kaviar, a rye bun with blood pudding and mustard.

Cologne offers a diverse range of street food options, from traditional German dishes to international cuisines. These are just a few of the many delicious street food choices the city has to offer.

Frequently asked questions