5 editor picks across Germany.
5 cafe restaurants worth the trip across Germany, editor-ranked. All cuisines in Germany.
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.
OrderThe house cake of the day with a Wiener Melange; the breakfast carte runs to early afternoon.
TipThe salon at the back is quieter; the small museum on coffee-house culture is worth ten minutes.
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.
OrderStrammer Max, the open-faced rye bread with raw minced beef, fried egg and radish
TipLate-sleepers favourite; breakfast served until 16:00. Arrive by 11:00 on Sundays for a reasonable wait.
Hallmackenreuther on Brüsseler Platz in Cologne is the definitive Belgian Quarter terrace cafe, open from breakfast to midnight daily; the neighbourhood.
OrderBagel or club sandwich at lunch, transitioning to cocktails and snacks as the evening starts
TipThe square is busiest on warm evenings; arrive by 19:00 for a terrace seat in summer.
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.
OrderVegan cinnamon roll with oat-milk glaze and a flat white made from house-roasted beans
TipPopular for weekend brunch; the cinnamon rolls and Berliner sell out early. Arrive before 10:00 for the full selection.
Little Green Kitchen on Unter Kahlenhausen in Cologne's Altstadt serves contemporary vegetarian and vegan food in a small, relaxed room; popular lunch spot.
OrderSeasonal soup with house bread and a slice of the daily vegan cake
TipLimited seating; takeaway is also available. Good for a light vegan lunch close to the Altstadt.
Guided tour · 3 hours
Experience the Severin district in Cologne's Südstadt on a culinary city tour with exciting stories, local highlights, and five tastings at selected restaurants.
Guided tour · 3 hours
Taste Cologne’s best traditional dishes and beers on a Privet Guided city tour, exploring history and culture at top restaurants and breweries. 3 different beers and 4...
Guided tour · 4 - 4.5 hours
Try high-quality wines from Europe in various restaurants. Enjoy wine hopping through Cologne-Nippes and the final wine tasting at Le Caveau accompanied by a wine connoisseur.
