10 Great Restaurants in Cologne

Ox & Klee is a 2 Michelin-starred restaurant on the Rheinauhafen peninsula. The fine-dining restaurant is a stylish and sophisticated place. Even so, it’s unstuffy – there’s no dress code and the place is relaxed and easygoing.

When ordering, you can choose between 2 menus: Klee, or Ox & Klee. The former is an inventive, exquisitely presented series of vegetarian dishes, while meat and fish supplement the latter. As you tuck in, enjoy the magnificent views of the harbour.

Bei Oma Kleinmann is a lively restaurant in Cologne whose name translates as “At Grandma Kleinmann’s”. This well-established, traditional restaurant first opened its doors in 1949 and remains popular today.

Located in the city’s popular Kwartier Latäng neighbourhood, its unappealing, graffiti-covered exterior belies a homely, rustic dining room with bags of charm. Come for the schnitzels, served with anchovies, fried eggs, braised onion or one of a selection of sauces. Another must is the käsespätzle, which are delicious cheesy noodles served throughout Germany.

Peters Brauhaus is a classic brewery and restaurant in the heart of Cologne’s old town. It stands on the same spot once occupied by the Zum Kranz brewery in 1544. Take your place at one of the communal wooden benches beneath chandeliers festooned with hops or painted glass panels.

Sip a glass of Peters Kölsch while you browse the menu. First-time visitors should try the Himmel & Äd, a dish of black pudding fried with onions, and served with mashed potato and apple sauce. Meat-eaters should check out the traditional favourites such as pork chops or sausage with dumplings and sauerkraut.

Gruber’s is an Austrian restaurant located close to the Rhine at the outer edge of Cologne’s Innenstadt. On a chilly day, opt for its cosy dining room with classic decor. If the sun is shining, nothing beats a table on its pretty terrace under the shade of leafy trees. 

The culinary team creatively reimagines traditional Austrian dishes. Beef bouillon, Wiener schnitzel and apple strudel will please traditionalists, while veal tartare followed by white catfish suits a more adventurous palate.  For vegetarians, the Die grünen Alpen menu features mushroom goulash and cheesy noodles.

Café Feynsinn lies firmly in the heart of the student quarter in Cologne. This popular spot has a bohemian vibe, with a stucco ceiling and quirky glass chandeliers. It attracts a loyal clientele for its tasty breakfasts, speedy lunches and leisurely evening dining.

Where possible, ingredients are locally sourced – the cafe manages an apple orchard, while vegetables come from a market garden on what the locals call the “Schäl Sick”, the opposite bank of the Rhine. Their trout and char come from a fish farm just outside of Cologne and they pride themselves on supporting ethical meat farmers.

Landhaus Kuckuck is a French fine-dining restaurant whose name translates as “cuckoo”,  which is appropriate considering its location in the Cologne city forest. In summer, make the most of this verdant spot by reserving a table on the terrace overlooking the garden.

The food at Landhaus Kuckuck is created from scratch using seasonal ingredients. Must-tries include char fillet served with leeks and herby potatoes and veal steak with oyster mushrooms and noodles. The in-house confectionery ensures a steady supply of delicious cakes and pastries.

La Cuisine Rademacher earned its Michelin star through its imaginative food combinations and attention to detail. French dishes are given a modern twist and served in a pared-back, elegant dining room.

Rademacher sources sustainable produce and organically certified meats. Ingredients are skilfully combined and allowed to shine. On the menu, you might find celery with truffle, warm beurre blanc and Parmigiano Reggiano, for instance, or European bass with spinach, beurre rouge and Espelette chilli pepper.

Restaurant Acht is a stylish restaurant in the Spichernhöfen warehouse district in Cologne’s Belgian Quarter. Chic, industrial-inspired design creates impact with rough plastered walls and wine racks made from recycled palettes.

The menu features elevated dishes such as cous cous, green asparagus and apricot accompanying lamb from the Eifel region of Germany. You may also want to try the smeared tuna with fregola pasta, yuzu and courgettes or a twist on a classic Saltimbocca using Icelandic plaice. 

OX Royal is a sophisticated steakhouse overlooking the River Rhine. The decor is stylish, with leather seats and glass chandeliers creating an upscale ambience. The service is also attentive and unobtrusive.

The menu focuses on premium cuts of beef. Try the rib eye served with white truffle butter and thyme potatoes, or order Chateaubriand to share. For balance, the menu features starters such as grilled octopus, baby calamari and garlic prawns. Round off your meal with a serving of New York cheesecake, crème brûlée or chocolate fondant.  

Christoph Paul's Restaurant is an upscale Cologne diner that breathes new life into an old chapel. This fine-dining spot is elegant and sophisticated – in summer, the terrace is a delightful and characterful place to dine.

Christophe Paul utilises regional producers where possible to supply him with meat, fish, cheese and seasonal fruit and vegetables. The tasting menu varies according to the time of year but might contain dishes such as veal sweetbreads with peas in foamed butter or a fillet of white halibut served with herb risotto.