15 perfect restaurants in Cologne, Germany

Prepare your taste buds for a grand culinary adventure in the charming city of Cologne! From delightful local favorites to sophisticated dining experiences, this article unveils the 15 best restaurants in town. Whether you're longing for mouthwatering Schnitzels or craving avant-garde creations, Cologne has got you covered – just remember, do not attempt to eat your screen while reading this delicious guide!

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1. Enoteca

4.6 (46)

Am Rinkenpfuhl 46, 50676 Köln, Germany

Nestled in the heart of Cologne, Enoteca is a delightful treasure trove for wine enthusiasts and eager taste-bud explorers. This charismatic little gem offers a quirky and intimate ambience, perfect for a memorable evening of vino indulgence. Prepare to be pleasantly surprised by the extensive selection of wines from all over the world, providing ample opportunities to impress your friends with your newfound sommelier skills (or, let's be honest, pretend you know what you're talking about).

gioia-enoteca.de

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2. L'Escalier

4.6 (53)

Brüsseler Str. 11, 50674 Köln, Germany

Nestled in the heart of Cologne, L'Escalier is a charming establishment that has the ability to transport you back to the 1920s, without the need for a time machine or questionable fashion choices. Once you step foot into this joint, you'll be greeted by an array of delightful spirits and cocktails that could give even the strictest dentist a run for their money. With its elegant art deco interior and live jazz music, L'Escalier is the perfect place to sip beverages that taste as smooth as Frank Sinatra's voice, all the while pretending you're actually good at dancing the Charleston.

www.lescalier-restaurant.de

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3. La Société

4.7 (305)

Kyffhäuserstraße 53, 50674 Köln, Germany

Welcome to La Société in Cologne, where you can immerse yourself in a delightful blend of French elegance and German charm. This cozy corner of the city effortlessly transports you to Paris, but without the hefty price tag or the overwhelming urge to learn French. With its enchanting ambiance, delectable pastries, and classic French tunes, La Société will make you feel like you've stumbled into a scene from a quirky French film – sans subtitles, of course!

www.restaurant-lasociete.de

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4. Em Krützche

4.3 (493)

Am Frankenturm 1-3, 50667 Köln, Germany

Welcome to Em Krützche, a charming little restaurant in the heart of Cologne where time-honored traditions meet mouth-watering delicacies. Prepare to embark on a journey through culinary wonders as you step into this cozy eatery. With a wink and a smile, the friendly staff will guide you towards their specialty: a divine concoction of sauerkraut, sausages, and a secret sauce so delicious it should probably be illegal.

www.em-kruetzche.de

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5. Früh am Dom

4.3 (16604)

Am Hof 12-18, 50667 Köln, Germany

Welcome to Früh am Dom in Cologne, the perfect place to have a beer so early that even roosters are still snoozing! Nestled in the vibrant heart of the city, this cozy pub is as lively as a squirrel party in a nut store. Don't be surprised if the bartender greets you with a cheerful "Guten Morgen!", as they believe it's never too soon to embrace the magical powers of hops and barley.

www.frueh-am-dom.de

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6. Hirschlein

Welcome to Hirschlein, the quirky neighborhood of Cologne that marches to its own beat! This offbeat district, nestled in the city's cultural heart, is like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by intrepid explorers. From its colorful graffiti-clad alleys to the charming cafés frequented by eccentric locals, Hirschlein is guaranteed to tickle your curiosity and make your visit as memorable as a salsa-dancing penguin!

7. Taku

4 (515)

Trankgasse 5, 50667 Köln, Germany

Welcome to Cologne, where you'll find Taku, a hidden gem tucked away in the bustling streets of the city. This delightful Japanese restaurant will transport you from bratwurst to sushi faster than you can say "domesticated sauerkraut." With its charming interior resembling a zen garden meets a comic book convention, Taku is sure to tickle your taste buds and leave you saying, "Domo Arigato, Cologne!"

www.taku.de

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8. Hanse-Stube

4.5 (305)

Trankgasse 1, 50667 Köln, Germany

Welcome to Hanse-Stube, the charming culinary oasis nestled in the heart of Cologne! This vibrant restaurant is a haven for food enthusiasts who believe that good food is a surefire way to happiness (and a potentially tight waistband). Prepare yourself for a gastronomic adventure where the food is so delicious, you'll forgive them for the fancy name that's impossible to pronounce without sounding like a penguin with a sore throat.

www.hansestube.de

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9. Plachutta

4.6 (1915)

Fleischmengergasse 57, 50676 Köln, Germany

Nestled in the heart of Cologne, Plachutta serves up a plateful of Austrian goodness that will make your taste buds yodel with delight. Prepare to be whisked away to Vienna as you step into this Viennese-inspired restaurant, complete with charming rustic decor and waiters sporting lederhosen (cute or awkward, you decide). Their succulent Wiener Schnitzel is a must-try, guaranteed to make you question every schnitzel you've ever had before – sorry, grandma!

www.puszta-huette.de

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10. Gilden im Zims

4.3 (6810)

Heumarkt 77, 50667 Köln, Germany

Welcome to Gilden im Zims in Cologne, where history and beer blend together like a charmingly tipsy love story. This hidden gem, tucked away in the heart of the city, welcomes you with its cozy atmosphere and promises to transport you to a bygone era, albeit with a pint in hand. Soak up the medieval ambiance while relishing the hearty traditional cuisine, but beware, you might just lose track of time and find yourself wearing a suit of armor by the end of your visit!

www.gilden-im-zims.de

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11. Tafelspitz & Söhne

4 (573)

Agrippinawerft 22, 50678 Köln, Germany

Welcome to Tafelspitz & Söhne, the culinary haven nestled in the heart of Cologne! This delightful dining spot combines mouthwatering cuisine with an atmosphere that screams "gemütlichkeit," a word that's so hard to pronounce but oh-so-easy to experience. Indulge in their legendary Tafelspitz, a dish fit for the gods, where perfectly simmered beef meets a symphony of flavors in a swirl of tantalizing spices. Trust us, you won't be able to resist grabbing a fork and digging into this succulent specialty, earning yourself some serious bragging rights!

www.josephs-koeln.de

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12. Zum Böhmischen Dorf

4.4 (420)

Sanderstraße 11, 12047 Berlin, Germany

Welcome to Zum Böhmischen Dorf, a charming slice of Prague in the heart of Cologne! As you step inside this cozy gastropub, be prepared to be transported to a world where beer flows freely and pork knows no bounds. The dimly lit interior, reminiscent of a Czech tavern, may leave you wondering if you accidentally boarded a time-traveling beer stein instead of an airplane.

www.zumböhmischendorf.de

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13. Tölzer Hütte

4.6 (1915)

Fleischmengergasse 57, 50676 Köln, Germany

Nestled amidst the charming streets of Cologne lies the quirky haven known as Tölzer Hütte. This delightful establishment combines the cozy essence of a mountain refuge with the urban buzz of the city, allowing you to experience the best of both worlds without getting altitude sickness in the process. Whether you're seeking refuge from drizzly weather or simply yearning for a Bavarian retreat while still enjoying the perks of city life, Tölzer Hütte has got you covered like a warm, unassuming cheese fondue.

www.puszta-huette.de

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14. Lommerzheim

4.7 (3740)

Siegesstraße 18, 50679 Köln, Germany

Nestled in the heart of Cologne, Lommerzheim is a quirky and charming little gem that is as unpretentious as it gets. If you stumble upon it by chance, prepare to be welcomed by a group of locals who seem to have a permanent residency at the bar. With its cozy, rustic interior reminiscent of a bygone era, Lommerzheim offers a truly authentic experience where the beer flows abundantly and the aroma of mouthwatering bratwurst fills the air.

www.lommerzheim.koeln

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15. Sansone

4.2 (430)

Komödienstraße 60, 50667 Köln, Germany

Nestled in the heart of Cologne, Sansone is a heavenly café that will transport you to a realm of caffeinated euphoria. With its quirky decor and cozy atmosphere, this hidden gem has become a temporary sanctuary for locals seeking refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city. Whether you're a coffee connoisseur or a tea enthusiast, Sansone offers a tantalizing selection of beverages that will make your taste buds dance like nobody's watching.

www.sansone.de

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to reach Cologne, Germany by plane is to fly into Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN). Many airlines offer direct flights to CGN from major cities in Europe and beyond.

Car

Driving to Cologne is a great option as the city is well-connected to the rest of the country by the German autobahn. If you are driving from another country, you can take the A1 or A61 highways, which connect Cologne to the Netherlands and Belgium.

Train

Getting to Cologne by train is easy as the city has one of the best train connections in Germany. Cologne's main station is Cologne Hauptbahnhof, which is located in the city center and serves both national and international destinations.

Boat

While there are no direct boat connections to Cologne, you can take a river cruise down the Rhine to nearby cities like Bonn or Düsseldorf and then take a train or bus to Cologne. Cologne also has a large port, the Rheinauhafen, where you can dock your boat and explore the city.

Bus

Traveling to Cologne by bus is an affordable option with many coach companies operating routes to the city. The main bus station in Cologne is the Cologne Central Bus Station (ZOB), located near the train station and the city center.

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