4 Best Restaurants in Cologne (Köln), The Rhineland

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We've compiled the best of the best in Cologne (Köln) - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

Brauerei Päffgen

$ | Friesenviertel

There's no better Bräuhaus in Cologne for drinking Kölsch, the city's home brew, than in one of the city’s oldest microbreweries. You won't sit long in front of an empty glass before a blue-aproned waiter sweeps by and places another one before you.

Friesenstr. 64–66, Cologne, 50670, Germany
0221-135–461
Known For
  • Pork knuckles
  • Roast suckling pig
  • Meter Bratwurst (fresh and homemade) with Päffgen mustard and dumplings
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon.

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Früh am Dom

$ | Altstadt

For real down-home German cooking, few places in Cologne compare to this time-honored brew house in the shadow of the Dom. It's often crowded, but the mood's fantastic. Bold frescoes on the vaulted ceilings establish that mood, and the authentically Teutonic experience is completed by such dishes as Hämmchen (pork knuckle). The seasonal beer garden is a great spot for people-watching.

Am Hof 12–18, Cologne, 50667, Germany
0221-261–3215
Known For
  • Rheinischer Sauerbraten with dumplings and homemade apple sauce
  • Himmel un Ääd (fried black pudding with potato-apple mash and fried onions)
  • Grilled pork rib specials on Wednesdays

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Gaststätte Em Hähnche

$ | Innenstadt

For over 80 years, this rustic corner tavern, in the shadow of the lovely St. Gereon's church, has served solid German comfort food to a mostly local crowd. There’s fresh Kölsch on tap, and the service is remarkably friendly.

Christophstr. 7A, Cologne, 50670, Germany
0221-135–373
Known For
  • Reibekuchen (potato pancakes) with applesauce, onions, or a house-made cucumber-sour cream sauce
  • Currywurst
  • Schnitzel
Restaurant Details
Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch

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maiBeck

$$$ | Altstadt

Classic German cuisine with a creative twist has earned this chic restaurant, a stone’s throw from the Rhine, a Michelin star. The concise, ever-changing menu features interesting flavor combinations using seasonal ingredients, and many dishes are available as half-portions.

Am Frankenturm 5, Cologne, 50667, Germany
0221-9626–7300
Known For
  • Convenient Altstadt location
  • Using fresh, local ingredients
  • Reasonably priced four-course tasting menu
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon.

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