Cologne's Best Budget Bites: Delicious And Affordable Eating

Cologne has a wide variety of cheap eats to choose from, including German, Lebanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Italian, and Mediterranean cuisines. Here are some of the top cheap eats in Cologne:

- Gaststätte Lommerzheim

- Peters Brauhaus

- Bei Oma Kleinmann

- Brauerei zur Malzmühle

- Gilden im Zims

- Habibi Köln

- Weinhaus Vogel

- Die Fette Kuh

- Max Stark

- Amabile

- Em Krützche

- Frittenwerk Köln

- Pizzeria Totò e Peppino

- Ruff's Burger Köln Aachener Strasse

- Pizzeria Piccola L'Originale

- Kebapland

- Thai Imbiss

- La Piazza

- L'Osteria

- Mangal Doner Restaurant

- Pizzeria Pinocchio Gladbacherstraße 39 (Nähe Cinedom)

- einBURGERung

- Phatburgers

- Pizzeria il futuro

- EAT KUMPIR

German restaurants

• Gilden im Zims: Located in the Old Town, Gilden im Zims offers a cozy atmosphere and serves traditional German fare like Sauerbraten and Schnitzel Wiener Art.
• FRÜH am Dom: A beloved institution near Cologne Cathedral, FRÜH am Dom specializes in classic Cologne cuisine like Himmel un Äd and Rheinischer Sauerbraten.
• Peters Brauhaus: Peters Brauhaus is a legendary Cologne brewery and restaurant that serves traditional Kölsch beers and hearty German meals.
• Bei Oma Kleinmann: This family-owned restaurant is known for its giant schnitzels and inexpensive prices.
• Traditionsgaststätte „Bei d’r Tant“: This traditional German Gaststätte, or pub, offers excellent food and beer, with something for everyone from beef tartar to Rosti.
• Max Stark: Max Stark is a well-known German restaurant in the Kunibertsviertel district, serving traditional fare and beer alongside other drinks.
• Em Krützche: Em Krützche is a charming little restaurant in the heart of Cologne, offering high-quality food like herring, Sauerbraten, wild salmon, and roast suckling pig.

Lebanese street food

• Habibi
• Beirut Restaurant
• Mashery - Hummus Kitchen
• Restaurant Bethlehem
• Ichkhanian Traditional Bakery
• Barbar
• Freiha
• Boubouffe
• Hanna Mitri
• Abou Joseph

Vietnamese cuisine

Chum Chay

Chum Chay is a small and hidden Vietnamese restaurant that has quickly become a favourite in Cologne for its authentic vegan and vegetarian food. The menu features noodle dishes, pho soup, curries, and more. There are always two new dishes on the menu, so everyone can find something to their taste. The cozy atmosphere makes it the perfect place to spend a leisurely evening.

Well Being

Well Being is a vegan restaurant in the city centre that cooks colourful dishes with organic, consciously-sourced, local, and seasonal ingredients. The relaxed setting makes it a good place to visit for all types of people.

LU Vietnamese Cuisine

The Vietnamese restaurant LU Vietnamese Cuisine is a popular spot for those looking for some delicious and authentic Vietnamese food. The small menu features some of the classics, such as the delicious summer rolls, but it's best to try something from the regular menu in order to avoid the long queues. The food tastes fresh and delicious, and is definitely worth trying out!

1980 – Cafe und Bánh Mì Köln

This Vietnamese restaurant in Cologne is a popular spot for authentic Vietnamese food. They serve up fresh rolls stuffed with different fillings, as well as a delicious pho. The cafe also has an extensive menu of other Vietnamese dishes.

Hanoi September Köln

The Vietnamese restaurant Hanoi September is a stylish eatery located on the Aachener Straße in Cologne. It is perfect for a nice evening, and can be recommended especially if you are looking for something special. The menu features dishes from both Vietnam and other parts of Asia, as well as vegetarian and vegan options.

Cyclo

Cyclo is a cozy corner cafe in Altstadt-Nord, Martinstr that offers a delightful menu of homey noodles, curries, cocktails, and Vietnamese coffee. The restaurant prides itself on serving dishes prepared without additives or preservatives. Guests can expect to savor exotic taste sensations such as fish with lemongrass and fragrant rice or sticky rice cakes in cream of coconut.

Bonjour Saigon Köln

Bonjour Saigon Köln is a stylish, modern Vietnamese cafe with sheltered outdoor seating and heaters to keep you warm even in cold weather. The food is delicious, with large portions that are perfect for lunch. The service is friendly and quick, making it the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal.

Nam

Nam is a Vietnamese eatery in Cologne known for its delectable pho and traditional dishes. The restaurant's ambiance is simple yet vibrant, adorned with colorful lanterns and offering sidewalk seating. The establishment operates from Tuesday to Sunday, with varied opening hours throughout the week. Located on Engelbertstrasse, it attracts a high volume of visitors due to its charming decor and inviting atmosphere.

Lúa by Danny

Lúa by Danny is a restaurant that offers a taste of Saigon in Cologne. The restaurant is decorated in simple colors, with hanging basket lamps and fresh flowers throughout. The concise menu offers traditional Vietnamese dishes like pho soup in two sizes, as well as unique creations such as chicken with yellow curry and sweet potatoes or banana blossom salad. Lúa by Danny is known for its warm and friendly atmosphere, catering to both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.

Hà Nội 46 Restaurant

This restaurant is perfect for anyone who loves Vietnamese food. The atmosphere is welcoming and the staff are friendly and helpful. The food is delicious and reasonably priced, making it a great choice for family fun.

Mekong Vietnamese Cuisine

The interior design of Mekong Vietnamese Cuisine has remained largely unchanged, maintaining a slightly kitschy Folklore ambiance that is fitting and not excessive. This restaurant offers specialties from both North and South Vietnam, including a wide variety of delectable options for self-rolling, an extensive selection of noodle soups such as the classic Pho Bo, Pho Ga, Pho Chay, and even the rarely found Feuertopf (for two people).

Viet Corner Restaurant

Viet Corner Restaurant offers a variety of Asian food that is excellent in taste. The staff are friendly and welcoming and the atmosphere is inviting and relaxing.

Italian restaurants

If you're looking for cheap Italian food in Cologne, there are several options to choose from. Tutto, located in the heart of Schildegasse, Cologne's shopping street, offers an all-you-can-eat buffet with a selection of salads, pizzas, and pastas for just 11 Euros. The pleasant interior and friendly service make it a great choice for a quick bite.

For a more traditional Italian experience, La Piazza is a highly recommended restaurant. The pesto pasta and pizza salami are tasty and reasonably priced. You can also enjoy your meal outdoors, soaking in the fresh air and the charming atmosphere.

Another popular spot is Pizza Pasta Lucca, known for its delicious bruschetta and a variety of pasta and pizza options. If you're a fan of authentic Sicilian cuisine, Ristorante Pinocchio is the place to go. Their pizzas have received excellent reviews, and they offer a range of pasta dishes as well.

Lastly, for a casual dining experience, consider an all-you-can-eat Italian restaurant in Cologne. With a choice of individual Italian salads and main courses, including pizza and pasta, you can enjoy a tasty meal for a great price. While the specific name of the restaurant is unclear, reviews suggest that it offers excellent value for money.

Mediterranean restaurants

• Zippiri Gourmetwerkstatt & Weinbar - a nice Italian restaurant with excellent pizza and salads.
• Trattoria Casa di Modica - an unpretentious but nice place with an easy claim to atmosphere, great service, and authentic Italian fare.
• NeoNeo - an Italian restaurant with really nice pizza and salads.
• Habibi - a Lebanese restaurant that opened in 1990 and is kind of famous in Cologne. They serve falafel-wraps for 1,90€ and also have shawarma and halloumi.
• Trattoria Enoteca - a restaurant with a kid-friendly menu from mac n cheese, pizza to burgers.
• Da Franco - a pizzeria with good, Italian-style pizza and fresh ingredients.
• Da Damiano - a restaurant with the best tuna steak one reviewer has ever eaten and a friendly service.
• Meson El Cordobes - a super Spanish place in Cologne with excellent tapas.
• Ristorante Dolce Vita - a restaurant with a beautiful environment and great food.
• Pizzeria Piccola L'Originale - a pizzeria with great atmosphere and quick service.
• Trattoria Pizzeria Italia - a pizzeria with a kid-friendly menu.
• L'Osteria - a restaurant with a nice Italian pizza.

Frequently asked questions