Food in Cologne: My 11 Best Cologne Restaurants for German Food in 2025

Food in Cologne Germany, if you ask me, is a whole topic in itself, and I’ll admit I’m a little nervous getting into it because I know my opinion might be controversial. 

But first things first: Cologne is a beautiful city. Between the charming Old Town, the iconic Cologne Cathedral, and the countless cozy pubs and restaurants, it’s definitely worth a visit.

I grew up close to Cologne, so I’ve been visiting the city throughout my childhood and adult life. I still have friends and family living there, which means I’ve eaten my way through the city countless times. My most recent visits were last summer and over Christmas, both of which reminded me why I love Cologne so much.

In this guide, I want to talk about food in Cologne and share my favorite restaurants. I’ll highlight where you can actually find great food, as well as what I tend to avoid. Let’s get into it.

Food in Cologne Germany – My Experience

From my experience, which really applies to many other cities in Germany, food here can be a bit hit or miss, and Cologne is no exception. 

After traveling so much around the world, I’d say Germany isn’t necessarily one of the top culinary destinations. That includes international cuisine too; Mexican, Indian, or other non-German options aren’t always impressive, so don’t expect a ton of variety if that’s what you’re looking for.

However, what Germany lacks in international variety, it more than makes up for in its own cuisine. I’ve tried so many beer gardens, bier halls, and traditional German or Bavarian restaurants in Cologne that I can confidently say they do their own food extremely well.

During my recent trips to Germany, I visited a few of my favorite restaurants and was super happy with all of them. Bei d’r Tant is a traditional and even iconic spot in Cologne, serving authentic German dishes like schnitzel, pea soup, goulash, and more. It’s my personal favorite in the city and absolutely comes highly recommended.

Because Cologne does German food so well, I’ve decided to focus this list on traditional German restaurants. It just makes the most sense, if you’re traveling to Germany, this is the cuisine you really want to try, and these are the places I can personally vouch for.

1. Gaffel am Dom – Beer Hall // Best Restaurant in Cologne Close to the Cologne Cathedral

Opening Hours: 10am-12am
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Location

Even though Gaffel am Dom isn’t my personal favorite restaurant in Cologne, it’s definitely one of the city’s most iconic spots. I’ve been here countless times, and on my most recent visit, I loved it again. No, it’s not a hidden local gem, it’s a large, traditional restaurant right across from the Cologne Cathedral, in a prime tourist location, but honestly, that doesn’t take away from the experience.

During my visit, the place was buzzing. Waiters were running beers non-stop, and the food was actually really good. It’s a little on the expensive side, but you’re getting an authentic German experience.

I had the schnitzel with German dumplings and gravy, which was delicious, and I had a few Kölsch as well, of course. 

A little tip if you’re here: in Cologne, beer comes in small glasses, and waiters will automatically refill yours unless you place your coaster on top to signal you’re done. Trust me, it’s a lifesaver.

2. Augustiner am Heumarkt // Best Cologne Restaurant for German Food and Atmosphere

Opening Hours: 11am-12am
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★★★
Menu & Location

Another iconic restaurant in Cologne is Augustiner am Heumarkt. It’s a larger venue and still very popular, so it can get busy, but I still highly recommend visiting.

I love Augustiner because it has a huge outdoor area, perfect for summer visits. On my most recent trip, I was there in winter, so I didn’t get to enjoy it, but the inside is cozy and rustic, just like a traditional German pub. It was perfect for a chilly day, warm, inviting, and full of character.

I tried the pork knuckle, a classic German dish usually served with dumplings and gravy. The portion is massive, we probably could have shared it, but it was delicious. The atmosphere at Augustiner am Heumarkt is fantastic, and it’s a little quieter than Gaffel am Dom, making it ideal for a proper family dinner while still enjoying authentic German food.

3. Lommerzheim // Most Authentic German Food in Cologne

Opening Hours: 11am-12am
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★★
Menu & Location

Now we’re getting into the type of place tourists probably don’t visit much, but locals absolutely love: Lommerzheim.

It’s located in Deutz, on the east side of the river, but still close to the train station, so it’s super easy to reach. 

I’ve only been once, but I have to say it might be one of the best traditional German restaurants in Cologne, and my experience was as authentically German as it gets, in the best way.

When we arrived, the place was packed, but we managed to get a table. The interior feels like a brewery cellar and pub combined, and it looks like it hasn’t changed in centuries, which is fantastic.

As soon as we sat down, we were served a Kölsch immediately, even though we hadn’t ordered it yet, which is classic Cologne. And true to what I mentioned earlier, the next one came almost instantly, so don’t forget to place your coaster on top if you’re done.

The menu is tiny, which is always a good sign: sausages, pork chops, and pork knuckles (only on Wednesdays), plus a few specials like potato salad with sausages. Everything we tried was excellent. For anyone wanting an authentic German food experience in Cologne, this is a must-visit. Big recommendation from me.

4. Traditionsgaststätte „Bei d’r Tant“ // Best Food in Cologne (My Personal Favorite)

Opening Hours: 11am-12am
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Location

Bei d’r Tant is my personal favorite, not necessarily because it’s the absolute best (though the food is amazing), but because I’ve been coming here since I was younger, and I just really like the place. I’ve also visited more recently, and it’s still one of my favorite places for a beer and traditional food in Cologne.

Inside, the restaurant is pretty lively, almost like a pub, with people standing by the bar having beers, but there are plenty of tables as well. If it’s not sunny, I’d recommend making a reservation. In the summer, the large patio makes it easy to get a table and enjoy the outdoors.

I visited in winter, and it was perfect for a quiet beer and a good meal. I had their black pudding (Blutwurst in German) with fried potatoes and a fried egg, which is one of my favorites. 

You’ll also find very traditional German dishes on the menu, including venison, meat stews like goulash, and more. It’s definitely not for everyone, but if you want to try something authentically German and a little different, I highly recommend it.

5. Aachen Pond Beer Garden // Best Outdoor Patio in Cologne

Opening Hours: 12pm-12am
Price: $
My Rating:★★★
Menu & Location

Aachen Pond Beer Garden is my go-to spot for a sunny day, mainly for drinks rather than food, though some of their food is definitely worth trying.

I didn’t get a chance to visit on my most recent trip since I was in Cologne during the winter, but in summer, this place is fantastic. We’d hang out by the water, technically a small lake rather than a pond, and enjoy beers in the sunshine.

It’s basically a small beer stand and kitchen with lots of seating. You grab your beer, find a spot, and settle in. 

The atmosphere in summer is lively and relaxed, perfect for families or just chilling with friends. I’ve only tried the food here once, but their Flammkuchen (thin dough topped with crème fraîche, bacon, and spring onion, kind of like a pizza, but very German) was really tasty. 

6. Bei Oma Kleinmann // Top Cologne Best Restaurants

Opening Hours: 5pm-11pm
Price: $
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Location

Bei Oma Kleinmann is a traditional German pub/restaurant in the Studentenviertel, and one of my favorite spots for starting a night out with dinner and drinks.

It’s always packed, which somehow makes it feel alive rather than stressful. The schnitzels are enormous and I honestly love them, and it’s exactly the kind of hearty, unapologetic German food you expect. I’ve eaten here multiple times, and it never disappoints.

7. Biergarten Rathausplatz Veedelstreff // Best Restaurant in Cologne for Families

Opening Hours: 3pm-11pm
Price: $
My Rating: ★★★
Menu & Location

Biergarten Rathausplatz is another spot I really enjoy, even though, to be honest, I’m not sure I’ve ever had a proper meal there. I usually come for cakes, coffee, and sometimes a beer. 

It’s basically a big outdoor beer garden/patio with a relaxed atmosphere, occasional live music, and nothing too fancy or overwhelming.

When I’m here, there are usually lots of younger people, but also families with kids since there’s a playground nearby. It feels more like a neighborhood pub than a tourist spot, which makes it perfect for a lazy afternoon beer or a casual lunch, especially if you’ve got the little ones with you.

8. Hafenterasse am Malakoffturm // Best Beer Garden in Cologne With a View

Opening Hours: 11am-10pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★
Menu & Location

One of my favorite spots for a beer garden, a German drink, and a relaxed afternoon is Hafenterasse am Malakoffturm. If you’ve been to the Rhine or the Chocolate Museum in Cologne, you’ve probably already seen it, it’s right at the base of that massive, castle-like tower.

I think it’s one of the best settings in Cologne for views: on one side, the Rhine; on the other, the Malakoffturm looming above.

To be honest, I’ve never had a proper meal here, and I don’t think it really matters. It’s a beer garden first and foremost, perfect for a Kölsch, Pilsner, or Radler. They have a small menu and a food truck, but I’ve never tried it. Come here for the beers and the views, and make sure it’s a sunny day because all the seating is outdoors.

9. Bier Esel (Beer Donkey) // One of the Best Places to Eat Cologne for Fried Blood Sausage

Opening Hours: 12pm-9:30pm
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Location

Bier Esel is another traditional Cologne restaurant and also one of the oldest in the city. It’s super popular for their clams, don’t ask me why, I’ve honestly never tried them.

What I have tried, and absolutely love, is their Himmel und Äd, fried black pudding (blood sausage) served with fried potatoes and a simple salad. 

It’s savory, rich, and pairs perfectly with a beer. I know it might sound intimidating if you’ve never had it before, but just go for it. If you’re trying Himmel und Äd anywhere, Bier Esel is definitely one of the best places to do it.

10. Max Stark 

Opening Hours: 11am-12am
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Location

Max Stark is, at least from my experience, more of a proper restaurant than a pub or beer garden. This is the kind of place I’d go for a German dinner if I was out with my parents, for example. It’s a little quieter, still lively, but definitely not a pub or beer garden vibe.

They have a wide selection of classic German dishes. I usually go for their Jägerschnitzel (hunter schnitzel), basically a schnitzel with mushroom cream sauce, but I also love their Sauerbraten (sour roast) served with red cabbage, dumplings, and gravy. It’s one of my favorite German dishes and a real Christmas classic, perfect for a cold winter night.

11. Curry Rico

Opening Hours: 11am-7pm
Price: $
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Location

And last but definitely not least on my list is currywurst, my absolute favorite. Growing up in this part of Germany (the west), I’ve noticed there’s a big debate about what makes the “real” currywurst.

To me, the currywurst you get here in Cologne and its surroundings is the original. The sauce is very different, more of a proper curry sauce, whereas in Berlin it’s often just ketchup with curry powder sprinkled on top. 

Don’t get me wrong, I like the Berlin version too, but if you’re curious about the authentic taste, Cologne is the place to try it.

One of my favorite spots is Curry Rico, but there are plenty of decent currywurst trucks and shops around the city. Just check reviews first. Another great option is Fittenwerk Köln, which also serves a proper, tasty currywurst.

FAQs About The Best Cologne Restaurants

Is Cologne worth visiting?

I absolutely think so. Cologne is definitely underrated when it comes to culture, history, and food. If you have the time, I’d say it’s worth a 1- or 2-day stop on your Germany itinerary.

How is the food in Cologne?

It really depends on what you’re looking for. Cologne might not have the most diverse food scene overall, but when it comes to traditional German restaurants and beer gardens, it can definitely hold its own. There are some fantastic spots here for hearty, authentic meals.

What is the best restaurant in Cologne?

My personal favorite is Bei d’r Tant, but if I had to recommend a must-visit spot for tourists, I’d say Gaffel am Dom is a classic, and Lommerzheim is perfect for a more traditional, authentic experience. Both are great and, in my opinion, kind of essential when you’re in Cologne.

When is the best time to visit Cologne?

Honestly, summer is my top pick because all the beer gardens and patios are open, it’s such a fun time to be out and about enjoying food and drinks. Spring is great too. But I also have to shout out Christmas in Cologne: the markets, the festive food, the atmosphere, it’s magical and absolutely worth experiencing.

Final Thoughts on The Best Restaurants in Cologne

Food in Cologne can be amazing, you just need to know where to look. 

I’ve talked to travelers from all over the world who complain about German food, or say the Asian and Mexican food here isn’t great. That’s kind of true, but it’s also missing the point: Germany excels in its own cuisine. Traditional German food can be incredible, especially in a proper beer hall. 

And honestly, some of the Middle Eastern or Turkish spots here are phenomenal too, sometimes even better than the countries they come from. 

These are the countries we have more influences from: Turkey, Syria, Lebanon. If you don’t want German food in Germany and want to change things up, I totally recommend trying anything from those countries, or even Italian if you find a good pizza place. But I’d stay away from countries that are too far removed from Germany’s food culture (Mexican for example) ,those tend to be hit or miss.

Check Out My Cologne Germany Travel Guides

The Best Time to Visit Cologne Germany: My Seasonal Guide

How Many Days in Cologne Do You Need: My Day by Day Guide

Food in Cologne Germany: My Top Restaurants in Cologne

1 Day in Cologne: One Day Cologne Itinerary

Is Cologne Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

Where to Stay in Cologne Germany: My Top Hotels & Areas