Eating out: These are the 15 best Restaurants in Cologne right now

History of Cologne food

Good restaurants in Cologne have a long tradition. The Rhenish cuisine for which the city is famous is even traced back to the Roman Empire by some experts, making it probably one of the oldest cuisines ever. Among the most famous dishes, which are still very popular today, are Himmel un Ääd, a dish of mashed potatoes and apple sauce, Kölsche Pann, a casserole of potatoes, pears and pork belly, which originated during the Napoleonic occupation of Cologne, and Kölsche Kaviar. This is a combination of Flönz - a blood sausage - and onion rings, Röggelchen and gherkins. Typical of Rhenish cuisine in general and Cologne cuisine in particular are the contrasting flavorful combinations with savory and rather sweet ingredients. If you want to go out to eat in Cologne, it is recommended that you seek out some of the traditional offerings and discover the culinary specialties of the Rhine metropolis.

Culinary diversity in the cathedral city

The vibrant metropolis on the Rhine is known for its cosmopolitanism and its multicultural character. This is reflected in many areas of life and has also had an impact on the variety of restaurants in Cologne. In the cathedral city, gourmets of all kinds get their money's worth. Whether it is a traditional, Indian or Italian restaurant in Cologne - here you are guaranteed to find what you are looking for. Extraordinary restaurants in Cologne that are dedicated to fusion cuisine, i.e. the combination of different culinary styles, are also not uncommon here. And if you're looking for delicious but uncomplicated dining options without frills, simply seek out a pizzeria in Cologne, because here, too, the selection is enormous and the quality high - the cathedral city is known for its diverse range of Italian eateries.

The restaurant recommendations from our experts

The selection of restaurants and breweries in Cologne is large and varied. It's not easy to pick out the highlights. We have tested the available offer and selected the 15 best restaurants in Cologne for you.

1. Brauhaus Cologne

Brewhouses in the cathedral city have a long tradition. They are known far beyond the city limits. Brauhaus Malzmühle, for example, is affiliated with the brewery of the same name, which is considered the oldest brewery in the city. Extremely popular among connoisseurs is the Rhenish Sauerbraten, which is best enjoyed with a glass of Mühlen-Kölsch.

Address: Bahnhofsvorpl. 1, 50667 Cologne, Germany

2. Cafe Buur Cologne

This well-known café is located in the Belgian Quarter and offers a rich selection of breakfast creations. Offered here are various classic and modern specialties to start your day with, including vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free options.

Address: Richard-Wagner-Str. 28, 50674 Cologne, Germany

3. Neni Cologne

Located in the middle of the Friesenviertel, this restaurant is known for its Israeli cuisine. You can enjoy hummus, baba ganoush or falafel here with a fantastic view, because Neni is located on the eighth floor of a hotel.

Address: Im Klapperhof 22-24, 50670 Cologne, Germany

4. Maibeck Cologne

Friends of upscale star cuisine can't miss feinkost Maibeck in Cologne. The restaurant specializes in regional and high-quality creations and has already been awarded a Michelin star for this. Particular emphasis is placed on the use of regional ingredients, and so you will find Tafelspitz from Prüm beef or Münsterland veal shank on the menu.

Address: Am Frankenturm 5, 50667 Cologne, Germany

5. Doy Doy Palace

The Doy Doy Palast offers mainly Turkish specialties, and not only to eat on the spot, but also to take away. Doy Doy is located in the middle of Hay Street and is open around the clock, so even if you get hungry at night, you can get all kinds of delicacies here for your physical well-being.

Address: Weidengasse 71-73, 50668 Cologne, Germany

6. Mangal Cologne

The Mangal Restaurant is also dedicated to Turkish cuisine. Guests here enjoy first-class kebap, Turkish grilled specialties - and, of course, the Turkish hospitality for which the restaurant is known.

Address: Weidengasse 62, 50668 Cologne, Germany

7. Takumi Ramen Japanese Restaurant

If you're craving Asian cuisine and looking for restaurants with a Japanese twist in Cologne, Takumi Ramen is the place to go. This restaurant chain has been around for 15 years and specializes in dishes with the popular ramen noodles. The menu also includes vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Address: Hohenstaufenring 58, 50674 Cologne, Germany.

8. Cafe de Paris Cologne

Visitors will find a unique combination of French flair and Cologne cordiality at Café de Paris. The romantic café on Ehrenstraße in the city center has existed since 2020 and delights its guests with fragrant croissants and other original French creations. In addition, the location convinces with a casual bar culture, at any time of day.

Address: Benesisstraße 61, 50672 Cologne, Germany

9. Restaurant Pantanal Rodizio

A genuine Brazilian atmosphere and South American food creations await you here at the Pantanal Rodizio restaurant in the middle of the lively Friesenviertel district. Meat and fish dishes can be enjoyed here as part of an all-you-can-eat buffet. Friends of experience gastronomy get their money's worth at the Rodizio, as visitors are also offered a samba show.

Address: Friesenstraße 55, 50670 Cologne, Germany

10. Astrein eat and drink

Would you like to eat and drink at the same place? Then visit the restaurant of the same name, which offers an extraordinary combination of classic and modern cuisine. Astrein, located on Krefelder Straße, has been awarded a Michelin star for its high-quality creative specialties.

Address: Krefelder Str. 37, 50670 Cologne, Germany.

11. NeoBiota

Enjoy award-winning cuisine already for breakfast? At Neobita, that's no problem. Here, you can get traditional as well as international creations in the morning, from shakshuka and French toast to pancakes or Bircher muesli. And it is also worth visiting in the evening, as the restaurant offers delicious food creations as well as cocktails until late in the evening.

Address: Ehrenstraße 43c, 50672 Cologne, Germany

12. Ginti Indian Restaurant

If you are looking for an Indian restaurant in Cologne that promises enjoyment with all your senses, you can't go past Ginti. Meaty, vegetarian and vegan cuisine in various degrees of spiciness is served here in traditional Indian style.

Address: Händelstraße 33, 50674 Cologne, Germany.

13. Daikan Izakaya Bar

Best sushi in Cologne can be found at Daikan Izakaya Bar. Centrally located in the Belgian Quarter, this Japanese restaurant offers top-quality Asian cuisine, after which the bar invites you to end the evening relaxed with some delicious drinks.

Address: Maastrichter Str. 9, 50672 Cologne, Germany

14. Pizzeria Caminetto

Italian cuisine is among the most popular of all. Delicious pizzas, antipasti as well as fish, meat and pasta dishes and salads are offered by Pizzeria Caminetto. All dishes are also available to take away. Some residents of Cologne call the Caminetto the best Italian restaurant in town.

Address: Eifelstraße 36, 50677 Cologne, Germany

15. Limani Greek Restaurant

The restaurant Limani scores with its great location in the Rheinauhafen with a great view of the Rhine as well as with Mediterranean cuisine of Greek origin. Especially the seasonal dishes are highly appreciated by connoisseurs.

Address: Agrippinawerft 6, 50678 Köln