5 cafe rooms worth the trip across Germany, editor-ranked. All cuisines in Germany.
Café Luitpold ★ 4.1 · Munich
altstadt-lehel · Brienner Strasse 11, 80333 München
Café Luitpold on Munich's Brienner Strasse, opened 1888, was once Europe's largest coffeehouse; the room still pours Wiener Melange and serves cake all day.
Tip: The salon at the back is quieter; the small museum on coffee-house culture is worth ten minutes.
Balthasar ★ 4.0 · Cologne
belgisches-viertel · Aachener Str. 18, 50674 Koln
Balthasar on Aachener Strasse in Cologne's Belgisches Viertel is a neighbourhood cafe-bistro serving all-day brunch, cakes and wine in a warm reliable room.
Tip: Late-sleepers favourite; breakfast served until 16:00. Arrive by 11:00 on Sundays for a reasonable wait.
Hallmackenreuther ★ 3.9 · Cologne
belgisches-viertel · Brüsseler Platz 9, 50674 Köln
Hallmackenreuther on Brüsseler Platz in Cologne is the definitive Belgian Quarter terrace cafe, open from breakfast to midnight daily; the neighbourhood.
Tip: The square is busiest on warm evenings; arrive by 19:00 for a terrace seat in summer.
Hempies ★ 3.9 · Cologne
belgisches-viertel · Händelstrasse 55, 50674 Köln
Hempies on Ehrenstrasse in Cologne's Neustadt serves organic, plant-based wraps, bowls and smoothies from a hemp-forward menu; an eco-certified quick-service.
Tip: Popular for weekend brunch; the cinnamon rolls and Berliner sell out early. Arrive before 10:00 for the full selection.
Little Green Kitchen ★ 3.8 · Cologne
altstadt · Unter Kahlenhausen 27, 50667 Köln
Little Green Kitchen on Unter Kahlenhausen in Cologne's Altstadt serves contemporary vegetarian and vegan food in a small, relaxed room; popular lunch spot.
Tip: Limited seating; takeaway is also available. Good for a light vegan lunch close to the Altstadt.