The Top List of Great Restaurants-Cologne, GermanyBroaden your horizons and visit Cologne by Eleonora Boreyko
We thank Cologne (Köln) for being a homeland to the renowned perfume "eau de Cologne" where it was invented. This German city is also known for its enriched gastronomy, some going back to the 17th century. In addition to the inland eateries, a constellation of restaurants is lined up along the Rhine, whose colors change from aqua blue to jade green depending on the season. And if the season is summer, the outdoors are crowded with folks indulging in traditional cuisine while enjoying the view of the river. I encourage you to broaden your horizons and visit Cologne to experience the unbeatable hospitality. The guide below also suggests a few restaurants in Bonn. In twenty-five minutes, a train will zoom you to this other lovely city where the immortal Beethoven once lived, composed, and dined.
GASTHAUS zum St.PETER Heumarkt 77, 50667 Cologne (Köln) 02211-258-1261 If you happened to stroll along the river, curve toward the famous Heumarkt plaza. There, in the corner, notice the terrace that is filled with folks cooking German specialties on the "hot stones." Reliably fresh Angus beef or pork fillet is brought to you raw on a wooden tray. All you do is throw pieces of meat on the hot stones and minutes later the juice dripping steak is yours. Without a doubt, it's more fun to dine outside on the historical plaza, which, decades ago, was filled with produce delivered by sailors. If you happen to be inside, don't pay much attention to the simple décor of the restaurant where waitresses are "flying" at the speed of a rocket to please its clientele.
FRÜH Am Hof 12-14, 50667 Cologne (Köln) 0221/2613-211 Near the magnificent gothic-style cathedral, diverse languages can be heard, as Früh is the place where locals gather along with numerous visitors from all over the world. In the summer, it's not simple to find a table outside, so aim for the large oval-shaped room inside. Pick a table by the antique looking fireplace built in 1951, engraved with small silhouettes on maroon-colored tiles. Open the menu to discover a large selection of traditional German delicacies like sumptuous Wiener schnitzel or minced beefsteak with sour cream sauce. Take a break from the fiercely large portions to notice the Flemish paintings above the miniature candelabras on the semi-wooden walls. In addition to homemade cheeses, ask for their signature beer. A delicious, brewed-on-the-premises and stored in giant fass (beryl) beer heightens anyone's dining experience. Tipsy and happy - that seems to be the trademark of the Früh.
HAXENHOUSE Frankenwerft 19, 50667 Cologne (Köln) 0221/2577-966 This landmark goes back about 700 years and has been renovated various times over the last centuries. The old wooden staircase and massive doors still reflect on the sagas of the legendary fairy tales of Cologne. Since 1231 this pub has been home for pilgrims and sailors traveling by sea to indulge in lip-smacking home-cooked dishes. Not only does this restaurant offer top-quality meat specialties, but also has a glowing view of the river. The unique method of cooking passed through generations. Haxenhouse's (haxen is German for knuckle) forte is it's preparation of succulent mouth-dissolving meat knuckles. One of their sensational signature dishes is grilled or roasted pork/lamb knuckle, topped with cheese, onion, and mushroom sauce, and served with milky mashed potatoes. If that seems unpalatable, order a simple, yet delicious dish with slices of red sausages, served with mashed potatoes. The menu also includes salads, appetizers, and a medieval-age feast that left no room for luoberie. I hope you will some day discover the savor of it.
BRAUHAUS SÜNNER IM WALFISCH Salzgasse 13, Cologne (Köln) 0221-2577-879 Nestled just a few blocks from the Rhine, this cartoon-looking house is the place where seamen gulped freshly brewed beer following their lengthy voyages. The new owner, Manfred Freischem, enhanced the menu overflowing with authentic dishes of Cologne. Whet your appetite by ordering a cold plate of various meats, sausages, and cheeses, served with pickles and a shot of vodka on a wooden tray. Continue with the classic of the house Rhineland roast, marinated to melt in your mouth, pot roast of beef, drenched in raisin sauce, accompanied by fluffy potato dumplings and stewed apples. Their loyal clientele comes to this pub for a good long drink of the 3/5-liter tower of Kölsch, the exceptionally tasty local beer. Have fun and tap it at your table! The menu also includes fish dishes, salads, and empowering desserts like vanilla ice cream with eggnog liqueur and freshly made cream.
CAFÉ REICHARD Ein Unternehmen der Betz-Gastronomie, Cologne (Köln) 0221-2578-542 To admire the unmatchable, designed-to-excellence Dom cathedral, visit café Reichard offering a sweeping view. The selection is a bit limited, but their salads, soups, and appetizers are rather flavorsome. To continue experiencing German cuisine, indulge in one of their specialties of the house such as fillet of pork, enriched with green pepper sauce, served with potato soufflé. If you have a penchant for sweets, the aroma of freshly baked goods guides you to the bakery that is just around the corner. Let your taste buds take pleasure in daily baked-from-old recipes heavenly cakes, pies, and empowering chocolates. In addition to the large selection of liquor, alcohol-free drinks are also available. If it's your last day in Cologne, spend some time at the old café Reichard and steal a final gaze at the Dom to keep long-lasting memories.
EM KÖTCHE Markt 4, 53111 Bonn 0228-6900-009 Upon your arrival at the central station, a local will gladly show the way to Bonn's town Hall that faces a memorial plaza. Attached to the Hall, for many decades this prominent eatery has been welcoming its guests. Amongst them was the legendary Beethoven, living just a few blocks away. From a friendly waitress I learned of the composer's first love, Barbe Koch. She was his devoted dance partner for some time. The bomb attack in 1944 destroyed the building, which had to be completely rebuilt. Nowadays the ceiling beam reflects its history. Let's open their elaborate menu. It does abound with dishes, each being prepared from old recipes. I had a plate of exceptionally flavorful chanterelle mushrooms, sautéed with onions and miniature pieces of bacon, sprinkled with parsley, and served with a slice of aromatic butter. If you're still hungry, try their mouth salivating potato pancakes, with salmon and fresh cream. As for dessert, the hot cherries, sopping in vanilla ice cream overpower the fruit pudding. I only wish the service was swifter. Everything else is just ideal!
HABANERO Belderberg 20, 53111 Bonn 0228-96783-33 To take a break from German delicacies, stroll into the Habanero, a fun Cuban cocktail bar/restaurant conveniently located in the central part of Bonn. Once inside, the colorful images of Havana are "beaming" at you from the walls. When it's cold outside, it always feels sunny and warm inside. The Latin aura wraps itself around you as neauvaux Latin tunes begin to heighten the spirit. Habanero offers fabulous cuisine, along with an endless choice of innovative drinks, which earned fame to the restaurant. Hemingway would definitely give it "long standing ovations." Willing to try Ernest's famed drink? Just ask and a bartender vigorously will shake one for you. Alcohol-free cocktails are available as well! Their extensive menu is vivid, complete with Cuban delights like quesadas made with grapefruit, beef, tomatoes, paprika, and salsa. If desired, it can be made with avocado and spinach. Fish dishes such as scampi a la Habanero, steaks, soups, and desserts are also available. Habanero's exiting atmosphere is abounding.
NIRVAN Am Hof 38-42, 50667 Cologne (Köln) 0221-2252-722 After having explored the city, step down into the hidden away Nirvan to let your senses "meditate" over the succulent dishes. The odor of the middle-eastern delicacies wraps itself around you. From vegetarians to meat-lovers - the chef prepares a variety of dishes that satisfies anyone's desire. I tantalized my palate with sumptuous skewer of thinly beaten saddle of lamb, served with grilled tomatoes and "royal" saffron rice with warm butter. What a delight! Then, I tried the vegetarian stew with peas, beans, and lentils, cooked with perfumed Persian herbs. This heavenly dish is available only in the fall or winter. While you're pleasing your stomach, gaze at the exotic belly dancers flowing around. Leave some room, as I did, for an authentic middle-eastern dessert - a syrupy puff pastry, soaked in honey and stuffed with a variety of nuts. To moderate the slightly sugary taste of it, ask for aromatic mint tea, served in traditional Persian glasses. To accompany your dinner, a live band plays on weekends.
VINTAGE Pfeilstrasse 31-35, Cologne (Köln) 0221-920-710 For some time success has been "following" this charming restaurant/wine shop where taste buds are awakened. Guests are expected to be hungry as well as ready to sip any of the 900 selections of wine, elaborately displayed on the floor-to-ceiling shelves. A connoisseur's knowledge of wine is guaranteed to be far expanded by the end of the evening. Especially when you learn that for an extra 20 DM ($10) you can imbibe any of their numerous choices of wine. However, the flavorsome, unique blend of rich German-French cuisine will keep your head from spinning, but leave you tipsy. Cigar anyone? The finest, stored in wooden sachet cigars, with their lingering aroma from the "Habana Room" are a fresh addition to the Vintage. Reservations preferred.
REMISE Wendelinstrasse 48, Cologne (Köln) 491-1881 Alas! The moment you enter this elegant restaurant, the enchanting ambiance transposes you into medieval time, featuring antiques, unplastered stonewalls, candelabras, an open fireplace, and most exquisite German cuisine. A rare treat awaits anyone who is privileged to dine at this charming country-like "castle." Dive in and unfold the menu, complete with dishes reminiscent of the oldest German traditional cooking. To tempt your desire to visit Remise, this time I will not describe their succulent delights. Only one hint: the chef deserves "applause," as each creation is consistently luscious, dissolving in your mouth to finally reach a peak of ecstasy. Reservations recommended.
Additionally, representing various cultures of European communities, never-ending pubs, bars, cafes, and nightclubs are sprinkled around the two German cities. Suffer of insomnia?
The Top List of Great Restaurants-Cologne, Germany
