Cologne Old Town's Best Restaurants And Eateries

Cologne's Old Town is brimming with culinary delights, from traditional German fare to international cuisine. For those craving classic German dishes, head to Servus Colonia Alpina, a Bavarian tavern offering meat-focused delights and traditional desserts like apple strudel, all washed down with a variety of beers. Früh am Dom is another lively spot to sip on a beer and savour local specialities like Halve Hahn and Haxen. If you're after something more international, Taku is a hidden gem serving delicious Japanese cuisine in the heart of the Old Town. For French flair, La Société offers a delightful blend of French elegance and German charm, with enchanting ambiance and classic French tunes. L'Escalier is another atmospheric spot, taking you back to the 1920s with its art deco interior and live jazz music.

Best Michelin Star Restaurants

Cologne, Germany, is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants, each offering a unique culinary experience. Here is a list of some of the best Michelin-starred restaurants in the city:

Le Moissonnier

Le Moissonnier is an upscale French restaurant helmed by Chef de Cuisine Eric Menchon, who has been awarded the title of Chef of the Year. The restaurant boasts two Michelin stars and embodies the philosophy of 'joie de vivre', presenting innovative haute cuisine with impeccable presentation. Diners can savour dishes like duck breast with wild spice strudel, accompanied by a selection of vintage French wines.

Ox & Klee - Köln

Ox & Klee, located by the Rhine River, offers inventive pan-European cuisine in a modern and airy setting. Chef Daniel Gottschlich showcases his creative genius through a nine-course dinner, with the option of non-alcoholic drink pairings. The restaurant holds two Michelin stars and delivers an exceptional dining experience.

Ristorante Alfredo

Ristorante Alfredo is a long-standing Italian restaurant specialising in fish and regional wines. The rustic setting and recipes crafted by Chef Alfredo Carturan showcase natural, simple ingredients. Diners can indulge in Venetian sole, soft sea bass, and swordfish with cabbage and olives, complemented by exquisite cheeses.

Restaurant Maximilian Lorenz

Restaurant Maximilian Lorenz offers modern German cuisine in a chic space with floor-to-ceiling windows. The restaurant holds one Michelin star and impresses with its delicious food, top-notch service, and reasonable prices, making it a favourite among fine dining enthusiasts.

Pottkind

Pottkind is an acclaimed fine dining establishment with an open kitchen, offering fixed menus with vegetarian options and wine pairings. The restaurant delights guests with its culinary surprises, presenting artfully crafted dishes with global inspirations. The attentive service and relaxed atmosphere enhance the overall dining experience.

Sahila - The Restaurant

Sahila takes diners on a culinary journey inspired by various countries and cuisines. The restaurant boasts one of the best wine lists in Germany, curated by experienced sommeliers. The talented chefs, including young Israeli chefs, showcase their skills through a six-course meal that delights both the eyes and the palate.

Taku

Taku, located within the Excelsior Hotel Ernst, is a luxurious restaurant offering refined East Asian tasting menus with European influences. The minimalist space, stylish decor, and exceptional service complement the meticulously prepared dishes that burst with flavour, intensity, and finesse.

Restaurant maiBeck

Restaurant maiBeck, situated near the Rhine promenade and Cologne Cathedral, exudes glamour and elegance. The restaurant prides itself on serving high-quality regional dishes without pretence. Diners can savour delicacies like goat cream cheese with plums, celery, and walnuts, or pork belly with yellow beets and gooseberries.

These Michelin-starred restaurants in Cologne offer exquisite cuisine, exceptional service, and memorable dining experiences. Each establishment showcases the creativity and talent of its chefs, ensuring that your culinary journey through Cologne is delightful and unforgettable.

Best Romantic Restaurants

Cologne's stunning Gothic architecture and vibrant riverside views set the perfect backdrop for a romantic dining experience. Here are some of the best romantic restaurants in Cologne's Old Town:

• Amabile: This stylish and popular Mediterranean restaurant serves dishes from both Europe and Asia, with a touch of Mediterranean and Asian flavours. The restaurant's cosy setting, featuring exposed brickwork, makes it perfect for couples.
• HENNE: This wine bar with an outdoor terrace focuses on creative tapas and global wines. The clientele is quite mixed, including shoppers, business people, and food lovers who come for the unique dishes created by Chef Henne.
• Capricorn (i) Aries Brasserie: This French restaurant, awarded the Bib Gourmand from Michelin, offers creative and delicious cuisine, along with professional and friendly service. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it perfect for a romantic evening.
• Restaurant MaiBeck: This high-end establishment, awarded a Michelin star, emphasises the use of local ingredients in its regional and quality creations.
• Ox & Klee: This modern fine dining restaurant creates artful dishes using combinations of flavours that interact and create an intricate experience for the senses. The kitchen's focus on fresh, quality ingredients and innovative techniques makes it a unique dining experience.
• La Société Köln: This elegant and cosy restaurant offers a variety of artfully plated French dishes, along with a long wine list. The fun atmosphere and excellent service make it a great choice for a special meal.
• La Cuisine Rademacher: This fine dining restaurant offers wonderful staff and delicious food. It's a great place for a date night, and the lockdown situation only made it more enjoyable.

Best Vegan and Vegetarian

There are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options in Cologne's Old Town. Here are some of the best:

Vegan

• Maki Maki Sushi Green Köln – this Japanese restaurant has reinvented traditional sushi with a vegan spin. Enjoy a mix of colourful house-made rolls and traditional dishes.
• Udum Vegan Restaurant – this modern vegan Asian spot has a little bit of everything. Start with some Asian tapas, then move on to veggie-packed bowls, noodles, and sushi. Don't forget to try their house-made mochi!
• Virtuous Pie – this vegan pizzeria, originally from Vancouver and Portland, has jumped over to Europe. Enjoy their fantastic wood-fired pies, pasta, and house-made ice cream!
• Vedang – Plant Burger – at this vegan fast-food joint, you'll find giant burgers and crispy chick'n sandwiches, alongside cheese-covered French fries, nuggets, and more.
• Vegan Food Revolution – enjoy flavorful Turkish specialties like Cig Köfte (Turkish meatballs filled with bulgur, nuts, and spices and finished with a pomegranate sauce) and traditional falafel and hummus.
• Vevi – Vintage Vegan Café – the perfect spot for a casual breakfast or lunch. The menu features waffles, sandwiches, beautiful cakes, and more.

Vegetarian

• Beirut Restaurant – this cozy venue serves authentic Lebanese cuisine with a focus on fresh, vibrant flavours. Known for its crispy falafel and a variety of hot and cold starters, it caters to vegetarian and pescatarian diets.
• Restaurant Brucken – blends German and Greek culinary traditions, presenting dishes like schnitzel and homemade calamari, complemented by a selection of wines and a cosy local ambiance.
• Funkhaus Cafe Bar Restaurant – modern interior and a diverse menu that blends traditional dishes with a contemporary twist, featuring notable pasta creations. It's close to a historic cathedral, making it a great spot for a relaxed meal and local beers.
• Servus Colonia Alpina – a Bavarian tavern serving a selection of meat-focused dishes and traditional desserts like apple strudel, as well as a variety of beers in a rustic, convivial environment.

Best Street Food

Cologne's Old Town has a lot to offer when it comes to street food. Here are some of the best places to try:

Mashery – Hummus Kitchen

A project with Israeli-German roots, this spot has been serving fresh food daily since 2017. In addition to their hummus of the week, they offer classics such as sabich, halloumi, and shakshuka.

Kouzina Greekstreetfood & Wine

Kouzina offers a variety of Greek street food with many small bites to choose from. You can order a selection of different dishes and try a little bit of everything.

Frittenwerk Köln Hbf

Frittenwerk is a popular spot for German fast food. They offer a variety of dishes, including burgers and fries, and have options for those who require halal food.

Caruso Focaccia Bar

Caruso is a great spot to try some delicious Italian street food. They serve focaccia with a variety of toppings, as well as arancini and fritto di pesce. Be sure to try their focaccia with a glass of Lambrusco!

Distrikt 10 - Saigon Street Food

Distrikt 10 serves up fresh, healthy, and delicious Saigon street food. It's a great option if you're looking for something a little different.

Mobile Food Guerilla

Mobile Food Guerilla is a great option if you're looking for a quick bite to eat in the Old Town area. They serve up excellent steak and barbecue dishes, with friendly and outstanding service.

Best German Restaurants

When it comes to German cuisine in Cologne's Old Town, there are several options to choose from. Here is a list of some of the best German restaurants in the area:

Peters Brauhaus

Peters Brauhaus is located in the heart of the Old Town (Altstadt) and is a favourite among locals. They offer the quintessential brauhaus experience with a stained glass dome, wood panelling, and a menu full of classic German staples. You can also sample local Cologne specialties like Halve Hahn (cheese plate with raw onions), Himmel un Äd (black pudding), and Haxen (fried pork knuckle).

Brauhaus Sunner im Walfisch

This historic pub, located in the Old Town, serves a selection of traditional German dishes and house-brewed Kölsch beer in a 17th-century building. It is a great place to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy a meal in a charming, historic setting.

Servus Colonia Alpina

Servus Colonia Alpina is a Bavarian tavern that offers a selection of meat-focused dishes and traditional desserts like apple strudel. They are known for their beer variety and rustic, convivial environment. It is a great spot to enjoy hearty German fare and a wide range of beverages.

Gilden im Zims

Gilden im Zims is a hidden gem located in the heart of the Old Town. It offers a cosy atmosphere and transports diners back in time with its medieval ambiance. They serve traditional German cuisine, including pork knuckle, schnitzel, and local dishes, along with an array of beers.

Hänneschen und die Pfeffermühle

This pub embraces German culinary traditions and serves classic dishes such as Jager schnitzel and bratkartoffeln, paired with Kölsch beers. It is located in the Old Town and provides an authentic German dining experience.

Früh am Dom

Although not exclusively a German restaurant, Früh am Dom is worth mentioning as it is nestled in the vibrant heart of the Old Town. This cosy pub is known for its lively atmosphere and early morning openings. It is a great spot to enjoy a beer and embrace the local culture.

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