Brauerei zur Malzmühle is a cologne brewhouse restaurant in Altstadt, Cologne.
Brauerei zur Malzmühle on Cologne's Heumarkt has brewed Mühlen Kölsch since 1858 and once served Bill Clinton; consistently fresh pours in the Altstadt.
Must order: Halve Hahn, the traditional rye roll with aged Gouda, alongside a freshly tapped Mühlen Kölsch
Tip: Monday to Thursday from 14:00, Friday to Sunday from noon. Less tourist-heavy than the Cathedral-adjacent Brauhäuser.
Address: Heumarkt 6, 50667 Köln, Cologne
Gaffel am Dom occupies Cologne's main station forecourt, pouring Gaffel Kölsch from table taps opposite the Cathedral with Rhenish classics and Friday.
Order: Rhenish Sauerbraten with raisin sauce and Kartoffelklösse, the defining Cologne Sunday dish
Tip: Friday evenings musician Björn Heuser leads free admission sing-alongs from 22:30; Saturday has Brauhaus Beats parties from 22:00.
Brauhaus Sion in Cologne's Altstadt has served Kölsch at Unter Taschenmacher since 1318; lovingly renovated in 2012, one of Germany's most atmospheric.
Order: Halve Hahn with a Sion Kölsch; the Bratwurst with mustard and house bread is the reliable second choice
Tip: Open from noon daily. Less crowded than Früh on summer weekends; a better choice for a quiet afternoon Kölsch.
Früh am Dom in Cologne is the second-largest brewery pub in Germany, steps from the Cathedral, seating 1,500 and pouring Früh Kölsch all day.
Order: Himmel un Ääd with Mettbrötchen to start; the Bratwurst platter for the table
Tip: Open from 08:00 on weekends; the best terrace tables face the Heinzelmännchenbrunnen fountain.
Adieu Paris on Aachener Strasse in Cologne's Belgisches Viertel serves plant-based döner and creative Middle Eastern fast food for the vegetarian Belgian.
Order: Vegan döner in house-baked flatbread with grilled halloumi or seasoned falafel
Tip: Good for a quick lunch or early dinner; the seating is limited but the food is fast.
Wen Cheng on Flandrische Strasse in Cologne's Belgisches Viertel serves hand-pulled noodles prepared in the restaurant window; a compelling spectacle before.
Order: Hand-pulled noodles in spiced beef broth, watched being stretched at the kitchen counter
Tip: Lunch is the best time to visit; portions are large and prices are some of the lowest in the Belgian Quarter.
Gaffel am Dom occupies Cologne's main station forecourt, pouring Gaffel Kölsch from table taps opposite the Cathedral with Rhenish classics and Friday.
Order: Rhenish Sauerbraten with raisin sauce and Kartoffelklösse, the defining Cologne Sunday dish
Tip: Friday evenings musician Björn Heuser leads free admission sing-alongs from 22:30; Saturday has Brauhaus Beats parties from 22:00.
Brauhaus Sion in Cologne's Altstadt has served Kölsch at Unter Taschenmacher since 1318; lovingly renovated in 2012, one of Germany's most atmospheric.
Order: Halve Hahn with a Sion Kölsch; the Bratwurst with mustard and house bread is the reliable second choice
Tip: Open from noon daily. Less crowded than Früh on summer weekends; a better choice for a quiet afternoon Kölsch.
Shanghai Küche on Limburger Strasse in Cologne's Belgisches Viertel serves authentic Shanghainese dishes beyond the standard German-Chinese offer.
Order: Hongshao rou, red-braised pork belly slow-cooked with soy, sugar and Shaoxing wine
Tip: Small and casual; bring cash. The dumplings sell out early on weekend evenings.
Früh am Dom in Cologne is the second-largest brewery pub in Germany, steps from the Cathedral, seating 1,500 and pouring Früh Kölsch all day.
Order: Himmel un Ääd with Mettbrötchen to start; the Bratwurst platter for the table
Tip: Open from 08:00 on weekends; the best terrace tables face the Heinzelmännchenbrunnen fountain.
