A city made up of so many diverse cultures, people, and influences, yet in touch with its deep local history, is bound to make for a unique dining experience.
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The city of Köln, as it is called there, offers countless gustative experiences. Let us take you around the city to some of the best places, be they big names or holes in the wall, to make the most of what Cologne has to offer.
Best pastries
To begin your culinary voyage on the right foot, you've got to get your first meal of the day right. Germany is known for its pastries — and Cologne is no exception. So time to wake up and shoot for a quick breakfast over to the nearest Schmitz & Nittenwilm bakery to test some for yourself.
Favorites include the Marzipanstriezel — a braided pastry filled with marzipan with a hint of a lemon and almonds on top.
Another Cologne delicacy worth writing home about is the Kirsch-Quark-schnecken, a custard-like cherry quark, and other pastries like the Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Cake), Apfelstrudel (Apple Streudel), Bienenstich Kuchen (Bee Sting Cake), and Streuselkuchen (Crumb Cake).
Buzzy Japanese experience at Eatsu
Eatsu is one of the best places to go to get sushi and Japanese cuisine — and it shows: with its 10,000 followers on Instagram, 13,000 followers on TikTok, 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor, and 4.6 star average on Google Maps, it's one of the fine dining places you can go with your eyes closed...
... although you may want to keep them open: The restaurant boasts some amazing-looking items on the menu include tuna rolls, dragon rolls, and beef tataki. Eatsu also offers many vegan and vegetarian options, like their "Veggie Golden Chicken Boa Buns." Drinks are not to be missed either, particularly their Mango-Maracuja Schorle mit einer Scheibe Mango ("Mango-Maracuja Sptritz with mango slices").
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Frankie's churros
In Germany, desserts tend to a lunch affair, more rarely after dinner: So make sure to check when the dessert-serving venue you have in mind is closing.
Frankie's churros is a sweet spot in Cologne center (Neumarkt, on Hohe Str. 117, 50667) is a small place with a calm atmosphere despite the relatively long line for the sought-after churros.
Their Instagram page, however nice looking, actually doesn’t do justice to how amazing their fried-dough churros are. And with chocolate sauce, obviously.
Gilden im Zims
Looking to taste some authentic German food? Then Gilden in Zims is the place you're looking for. This restaurant serves the most wonderful traditional and modern dishes — special mention to the Pork Knuckle (Schweinshaxe), served with mashed potatoes and sauerkraut pickled cabbage.
You say potato, I say Reibekuchen
Reibekuchen, you say? These potato pancakes, also known as Kartoffelpuffer, are characteristic to the Rheinland area. Served with apple sauce, pumpernickel bread, treacle, or with Maggi-brand seasoning sauce, they are a Cologne must-try.
And let's not forget Kartoffelkloesse, classic Potato Dumplings — one of Germany's most popular comfort foods. Combined with egg yolk, butter, and a hint of nutmeg, they're simply delicious.
Fine dining with a view
Beautiful Cologne panorama at NENI
The restaurant at Cologne's Neni hotel overlooks the city, including its famous Cathedral. It's an amazing view that is only made better by the great Israeli-inspired cuisine served on the spot, from fried eggplants and hummus. If you happen to be in the neighborhood (Im Klapperhof 22-24, 50670), it's bound to be one of the high points (pun intended) of your stay.
Cologne's highest restaurant at Köln Sky-Turm
And to take things to yet another level, Cologne's highest restaurant can be found at the Sky Tower. It provides an amazing view of the city, the bridge, and all of the beautiful architecture the city has to offer. On the 27th floor, the restaurant serves three, four, or five courses meals, each with a vegetarian or vegan option. Make sure to book in advance — it’s quite the popular spot.