Cologne's Best Breakfast Spots: A Local's Guide

If you're looking for a hearty breakfast to start your day in Cologne, there are plenty of options to choose from. From cosy cafés to bustling brunch spots, here's a round-up of some of the best places to fuel up before exploring the city. For a classic breakfast spread, head to St. Louis the Breakfast Company, offering all-day breakfast with a funky atmosphere and drinks. Café Goldmund, tucked along the train lines, serves up a German breakfast in a garden-like setting. Or, for a quick bite, try Café Haferkater in the main station.

Best breakfast spots in Ehrenfeld

Ehrenfeld is one of the best places to go out in Cologne, and on Sundays, you'll find more families than partygoers. Here are some of the best spots for breakfast in Ehrenfeld:

Literaturcafe Goldmund

Literaturcafe Goldmund has been a go-to spot for brunch for years and is particularly great for big groups. The menu is extensive, with dozens of options for cooked eggs, huge pancakes with various toppings, cheese and meats, and a few cooked breakfasts (both English and German style). Goldmund also has great outdoor seating in the summer, looking out on some of Ehrenfeld's coolest street art. A top tip is to order a side of Bratkartoffeln (fried potatoes) for the table.

Café Sehnsucht

Café Sehnsucht is another popular option for brunch in Ehrenfeld. They have a great selection of breakfast meals, and all their food is certified organic. The coffee on offer is Van Dyck, a local Cologne speciality made just around the corner. The interior is really cosy, with a roaring fire in winter.

Jaely's

Jaely's is a great option if you're with a group and looking for a nice atmosphere with something for everyone. On their predominantly Mediterranean menu, you'll find pizza, pasta, salad, soup, as well as classic breakfast options like French toast, pancakes, and eggs. They also have a well-stocked cake display cabinet for those with a sweet tooth. You can sit outside and enjoy an Aperol Spritz while watching the world go by on Venloer Strasse.

Kaffeebud Ehrenfeld

Kaffeebud Ehrenfeld is a hidden gem of a cafe. The staff are always friendly, and the coffee is excellent.

Top breakfast restaurants in the Belgian Quarter

The Belgian Quarter is a cool area in Cologne, close to the city centre. Its busy Aachener Straße is usually filled with outdoor seating and happy diners. If you're looking for breakfast options in this area, here are some top choices:

Herr Pimock

A classic restaurant with a great relaxed feel and a menu that will please everyone. The atmosphere is calm and cosy, with wooden tables painted in minty green. It is tucked away down a side street away from the crowds, despite being in the bustling Belgian Quarter. The menu offers German staples like Flammkuchen, as well as international dishes like tapas, salads and burgers. You'll definitely want to stay for a few glasses of wine after your meal.

Café Wahlen

Café Wahlen is recommended for its charming vintage vibes. It features traditional furniture, floral wallpaper and lacy decor, giving it a retro feel. It is best known for its cabinets filled with towering slices of cake. While it may not be for those who prefer a savoury breakfast or those lacking a sweet tooth, it certainly offers a lot of choice.

LOUIS: The Breakfast Club

LOUIS is an all-day breakfast spot with a "funky" atmosphere, great food and a forward-thinking vibe. It serves healthy food, using local produce in a light and airy location. The industrial-inspired decor is softened by a wealth of plants, including a showcase wall entirely covered in leaves. It is a popular location for students and Instagram influencers, so booking in advance is recommended.

Kaffeesaurus

Kaffeesaurus is a popular choice for coffee lovers. They roast their own coffee and offer a fine selection of bread and cakes that are baked in-house. Visitors can follow the coffee process from start to finish, almost like a coffeehouse tour. As one of the biggest restaurants in the area, Kaffeesaurus often has tables available, even without a reservation.

Where to eat breakfast in the Südstadt

If you're looking for breakfast in the Südstadt area of Cologne, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some top spots to get your morning meal:

LOUIS: The Breakfast Club

This popular spot is perfect for late risers, as they offer an all-day breakfast every day of the week. LOUIS provides healthy food with a focus on local produce, served in a light and airy space filled with plants. You'll find a variety of breakfast options, including different takes on the classic Eggs Benedict, such as the Mexican style with guacamole and pico de gallo. It's a favourite among students and Instagram influencers, so be sure to book in advance.

Café Goldmund

Located in Ehrenfeld, Café Goldmund is a cosy neighbourhood café specialising in brunch, coffee, and cake. The café is decked out like a library, and they offer sunny outdoor seating during the summer. Be sure to arrive early or book ahead to secure a table.

Café Sehnsucht

Also located in Ehrenfeld, Café Sehnsucht is another excellent option for brunch. This spot fills up quickly, and you can't make reservations for brunch on Fridays or Sundays. The café features rustic décor, including a working fireplace, creating a cosy atmosphere on cold days.

Café Rotkehlchen

This small and cosy café is a bit further out from the city centre, but it's worth the journey. Café Rotkehlchen offers a good selection of breakfast dishes, including options for those who are gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian. The rustic red-brick walls and hand-drawn pictures on the menus add to the homely feel of this charming spot.

ECCO

If you're looking for vegan or vegetarian options, ECCO is the place to go. They offer a large selection of tasty vegan food, and on weekends, they have a great brunch buffet. During the week, they offer a Speed Brunch Buffet that closes at 10 am.

Whether you're looking for a cosy café, a vibrant brunch spot, or a variety of dietary options, the Südstadt area of Cologne has something to offer for your breakfast needs.

Breakfast near Cologne Messe/Deutz

If you're looking for breakfast near Cologne Messe/Deutz, there are a few options to choose from. Here are some recommendations:

Motel One Köln-Messe

This hotel is located in Deutz, just a short walk from the Köln Messe/Deutz Train Station. It offers a great breakfast spread with something for everyone, from salty to sweet options, and a comfortable terrace to enjoy your morning coffee. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and the hotel is easily accessible by train and city buses.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Cologne

The Radisson Blu Hotel is conveniently situated near the Koelnmesse trade fair and the LANXESS arena. It offers a Super Breakfast buffet in its Pronto! Restaurant, where you can enjoy a variety of dishes in a bright and informal setting. The hotel also features a fitness centre and is a popular choice for business travellers.

Glashaus Restaurant & Bar

Glashaus Restaurant & Bar is an international cuisine option located in Deutz. It offers an exceptional culinary experience with carefully crafted dishes made from fresh and sustainable ingredients. The restaurant has a unique glass facade, providing a stunning view of the Rhine, the Hohenzollern Bridge, and the Cologne Cathedral.

Deutzer Brauhaus

Deutzer Brauhaus is a cosy brewery-style restaurant that serves authentic, traditional Kölsch and other beverages. It also offers a variety of classic German dishes such as rheinischer sour roast and the brauhaus pan. It is easily accessible by public transport and provides a friendly and casual dining experience.

Grissini Restaurant

Grissini Restaurant, located directly by the Rhine river, offers perfectly balanced Italian cuisine. Head chef Antonello Marsico serves up a selection of fresh meat, fish, and pasta dishes. The restaurant provides a friendly and family-style service, ensuring a pleasant dining experience.

Best breakfast in Altstadt/Old Town

Although most visitors to Cologne end up in the Altstadt/Old Town, it's not a favourite among locals for an evening meal, coffee, or brunch. However, if you're in the area, here are some great breakfast spots:

LOUIS: The Breakfast Club

The latest addition to Cologne's growing brunch scene, LOUIS is a very popular spot for students and Instagram influencers, so be sure to book in advance. Here, you can enjoy various takes on the classic Eggs Benedict, including a Mexican version with guacamole and pico de gallo. LOUIS offers all-day breakfasts every day of the week, so you don't have to be an early bird to enjoy their beautiful and varied breakfasts.

St. Louis Breakfast

With two locations in the city, St. Louis is a great choice for bagels, pastries, cakes, and coffee. They also offer incredible salads, free Wi-Fi, friendly staff, free water, and crushed ice smoothies in the summer.

Café Goldmund

Located along the train lines of Ehrenfeld, Café Goldmund is a literary café that serves a good German breakfast in a garden-like atmosphere. It's decked out like a library inside and offers sunny outdoor seating in the summer. Be sure to check out some of Ehrenfeld's best street art outside.

Café Sehnsucht

A comfortable and popular option among locals and tourists, Café Sehnsucht has a beautiful interior and a terrace. It's located in Ehrenfeld, a short distance from the city centre, and is known for its rustic decor, including a working fireplace for cold winter days.

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