Acht

Acht is a refined European-style eatery and wine bar, known for its industrial-chic interior, open kitchen, and relaxed courtyard terrace. It’s listed in the Michelin Guide for its solid, thoughtfully prepared dishes that blend regional produce with a French touch. Expect highlights like grilled octopus or a creamy fish stew, paired with a curated European wine selection of around 200 bottles.

• Web:

  www.restaurant-acht.de

• Address:

  Spichernstraße 10, Cologne

• Phone:

  +49 221 16818408

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 6pm–midnight, Sun closed

Amabile

Amabile serves French and Mediterranean-inspired dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The menu changes regularly, mixing local flavours with creative twists. It’s a relaxed spot if you want something a bit refined without the fuss.

• Web:

  www.restaurant-amabile.de

• Address:

  Görresstraße 2, Cologne

• Phone:

  +49 221 219101

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Sat 5:30pm–12:30am, Sun & Mon closed

Beirut

Beirut is a family-run Lebanese eatery tucked away in Cologne’s Old Town. It’s known for its authentic flavours—house-made hummus, falafel, lamb skewers, shawarma, stuffed vine leaves and kibbeh, served in a cosy and colourful setting, with traditional decor and Arabic music in the background.

• Web:

  www.beirut-restaurant.de

• E-mail:

  info@beirut-restaurant.de

• Address:

  Buttermarkt 3, Cologne

• Phone:

  +49 221 2581539

• Opening hours:

  Daily noon–11pm

Brauhaus FRÜH am Dom

Perched right beside the Cathedral, FRÜH has been serving Kölsch straight from the barrel since 1904. It’s Germany’s second-largest brewery pub, with room for around 1,500 guests spread across a ground-floor restaurant, a series of cosy vaulted cellar rooms and a summer beer garden overlooking the Heinzelmännchenbrunnen. The menu features classic Cologne cooking—schnitzel, sausage, pork knuckle, pea stew, Halve Hahn and more—all made using time-honoured recipes. The servers (known as Köbes or Köbine) are fast and friendly, and keep the Kölsch coming until your coaster hides your glass.

• Web:

  www.frueh-am-dom.de/brauhaus.html

• E-mail:

  gastronomie@frueh.de

• Address:

  Am Hof 12-18, Cologne

• Phone:

  +49 221 2613215

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Thu 11am–11pm, Fri 11am–midnight, Sat 10am–midnight

Brauhaus zum Prinzen

Perched in one of the oldest buildings on Alter Markt—first mentioned in 1213—Brauhaus zum Prinzen still captures a sense of old Cologne, even after being rebuilt post-WWII and reopened by Gaffel in 1987. Inside, it’s all wood panelling and framed photos, with a cosy fireplace room, a raised gallery where they screen 1. FC Köln matches, and a busy bar out front. The menu sticks to local classics like schnitzel, currywurst, and Sauerbraten with dumplings, plus Kölsch-style tapas if you’re just after a snack with your beer. Gaffel Kölsch flows from the tap, and if you’re there when Köln scores in an away game, there’s a good chance someone will hand you a free one.

• Web:

  https://zum-prinzen.com

• E-mail:

  info@zum-prinzen.com

• Address:

  Alter Markt 20-22, Cologne

• Phone:

  +49 221 96022220

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri noon–11pm, Sat & Sun noon–midnight

Bulgogi Haus

Bulgogi Haus is Cologne's go-to for Korean BBQ—literally grill your own at the table using real charcoal. It offers a set menu with marinated beef, pork belly, seafood and a buffet of banchan like kimchi, japchae and kimbap. The inside is casual and lively, and staff are helpful.

• Web:

  www.bulgogi-haus.de

• Address:

  Neusser Straße 654, Cologne

• Phone:

  +49 177 5147920

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Thu 6pm–10pm, Fri & Sat 5pm–11pm, Sun 5pm–10pm, Mon closed

Biergarten Rathenauplatz

A small beer garden tucked in a quiet park just south of the Belgian Quarter. Grab a Kölsch and a snack from the Stadtgarten kitchen while chilling among the trees. They serve beer from the nearby Heller brewery—nice spot if you want to escape the buzz for a bit.

• Web:

  https://rathenauplatz.koeln

• Address:

  Rathenauplatz 30, Cologne

• Phone:

  +49 221 8017349

De.Lite

Tucked into the Belgian Quarter, De.Lite brings laid-back retro with its ’70s décor, cocktails, live music and weekend DJs. It’s small, cosy, and modulates its vibe depending on the night—jazz on Thursdays, DJs on weekends, and an occasional comedy set.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/delite.koeln

• Address:

  Moltkestraße 74, Cologne

• Phone:

  +49 2203 8809717

Hellers Volksgarten

Step into the green heart of the Südstadt park, and you’ll find Hellers Volksgarten—a relaxed beer garden with a view of the lake you can paddle across. It’s one of the few places in Cologne pouring organic Kölsch and cloudy 'Wiess' straight from the Heller brewery. Food ranges from hearty German fare like schnitzel, sausages and spare ribs to seasonal salads and cakes. Beyond drinks and food, you’ll often catch events like midsummer bonfires, live jazz or sports screenings.

• Web:

  www.hellers.koeln/volksgarten-hellers

• Address:

  Volksgartenstraße 27, Cologne

• Phone:

  +49 221 382626

Live Music Hall

Live Music Hall is one of Cologne’s top mid‑size venues and club nights. It hosts everything from international concerts to themed DJ nights like ‘90s pop or hardcore. If you're in Cologne for live music or a good night out, this place is worth checking for whatever’s on the roster.

• Web:

  www.livemusichall.de

• Address:

  Lichtstraße 30, Cologne

• Phone:

  +49 221 9542990

Red Cat Lounge

Red Cat is a compact but lively weekend spot on Luxemburger Straße. It blends bar, lounge, and club vibes—grab a Kölsch or a cocktail at the bar, then squeeze onto the dance floor once the DJ kicks things off.

• Web:

  https://redcatlounge.de

• Address:

  Luxemburger Straße 60, Cologne

• Phone:

  +49 162 2024212

Stadtgarten

Stadtgarten is a go-to spot in Neustadt park for live music lovers, with two main stages: the concert hall and Studio 672. They host around 400 events a year, from jazz and pop to electronic and spoken word. The onsite restaurant serves regional and veggie-friendly dishes, and the spacious beer garden is perfect for a relaxed drink during warmer months. In winter, they even run a cozy Christmas market with mulled wine and snacks.

• Web:

  www.stadtgarten.de/restaurant

• Address:

  Venloer Straße 40, Cologne

• Phone:

  +49 221 95299421

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat noon–midnight, Sun 11am–10pm

Café Hibiskus

Just off Hansaring in the Old Town, Café Hibiskus is a cozy, fully vegan café that feels like someone’s living room. They bake everything in-house—from raw cheesecakes to sweet and savoury pastries—all made with fresh, local ingredients and various plant-based milks.

• Web:

  https://cafehibiskus.de

• E-mail:

  info@cafehibiskus.de

• Address:

  Ritterstraße 52, Cologne

• Phone:

  +49 1512 6559977

Café Reichard

Just steps from the Cathedral, Café Reichard is a spacious, long-standing spot perfect for people-watching—and cake. Split between an airy interior and a terrace with direct views of the west portal, it’s a popular pick on sunny days. The pastry team bakes a wide range of homemade cakes, pralines, truffles and Baumkuchen, and there’s a small savoury menu too. It feels proper rather than trendy, so expect generous portions and a steady stream of locals and tourists. It’s not cheap, but a seat here offers one of the best views in town.

• Web:

  www.cafe-reichard.de/index.html

• Address:

  Unter Fettenhennen 11, Cologne

• Phone:

  +49 221 2578542

• Opening hours:

  Daily 8:30am–7pm

Café Sehnsucht

Café Sehnsucht has been a staple in Ehrenfeld since 1982, running on a simple idea: regional, organic, seasonal—and homemade. They bake their own bread, cakes, jams and chocolate spreads, and keep things fresh with breakfasts inspired by the slow-food movement. Expect hearty sourdough toast, French toast, quiches, salads and daily savoury specials. There’s a cosy café area out front and a quiet winter garden out back that turns into an intimate restaurant at night.

• Web:

  https://sehnsucht-koeln.de

• E-mail:

  info@sehnsucht-koeln.de

• Address:

  Körnerstraße 67, Cologne

• Phone:

  +49 221 528 347

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Thu 9am–11pm, Fri & Sat 9am–midnight, Sun 9am–7pm

Cafecafe

Cafecafe is a bright, laid-back spot known for its creative breakfasts, hearty bagels, and fresh salads. It’s colourful and cosy inside, but if the weather’s nice, grab a seat on the shady terrace out front. It’s cash-only, so bring some euros, and if you go at peak time be ready for a bit of a wait—it’s popular for a reason.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/cafecafe_koeln

• Address:

  Aachener Straße 45, Cologne

• Phone:

  +49 221 57073853

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 9am–6pm, Sun 10am–6pm

• More info:

  Additional location at Venloer Str. 206, Ehrenfeld

Fassbender

Fassbender is one of Cologne’s oldest coffee spots, originally opened in 1830. Rebuilt in the 1950s after WWII, it still wears that retro look: rounded hall, cushioned walls, sofas, cocktail chairs—the kind of setting you'd expect from a classic European café. These days, it’s more pâtisserie than breakfast bar, specialising in pastries, cakes, quiches and sorbets. There’s a sense of timeless elegance, and it remains a favourite among both locals and visitors.

• Web:

  www.fassbender.de

• Address:

  Obenmarspforten 7, Cologne

• Phone:

  +49 221 2727390

• Opening hours:

  Daily 10am–6pm

Funkhaus

Funkhaus is a relaxed all-day café, bar and restaurant just a few minutes from Cologne Cathedral. Inside, it has a retro-modern vibe with plenty of space, and in summer, the outdoor terrace is a great spot for views of the spires. Breakfast is served daily until midday with hearty options like scrambled eggs and pancakes. Later in the day, the menu switches to German staples like currywurst, soups, and simple cakes, plus drinks in the evening.

• Web:

  www.funkhaus-koeln.de

• E-mail:

  info@funkhaus-koeln.de

• Address:

  Wallrafplatz 5, Cologne

• Phone:

  +49 221 955645424

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Thu 8:30am–midnight, Fri & Sat 8:30am–1am