A Cologne institution: Italian gourmet cuisine with a vocal interlude

Inspiration needs freedom – then something great can often arise. That's why you won't find cookbooks, notebooks, or strict plans in Alfredo's kitchen. Roberto Carturan, chef and owner of Ristorante Alfredo, likes to go with the flow – and the menu changes according to seasonal ingredients, sometimes even daily. This is where classical simplicity meets top-level sophistication, Italian cuisine meets refinement, Piedmont meets Sicily, and purism meets elegance. And on Friday evenings, espresso meets Italian arias.

Since 1973, Alfredo has been located in the heart of Cologne's city center – close to the Opera at Offenbachplatz and the 4711 Fragrance House – and has developed into the top address for elegant culinary art, now led by the second generation.

Highly praised, starred, and loved

In 1975, Alfredo Carturan earned his first Michelin star, and in the 1980s, Alfredo was considered the "Best Italian in Germany." Today, numerous regular guests and gourmets from all over the world rave about the menu's creative flavors – best accompanied by the selected wines from Roberto's exquisite wine cellar. The cuisine is not fixed on a specific region: the focus is on fish, but the lamb rack is also among the most famous dishes.

Italian arias after dessert: on Friday

The beauty of Alfredo: Modernity is embraced, traditions are continued – so every Friday evening you can enjoy a musical-culinary soirée when Roberto Carturan, an accomplished baritone singer, lets his love for music run free with piano accompaniment.

Anecdotes à la Alfredo

In 2022, Daniel Barenboim came to Alfredo for lunch and saw Alfredo Carturan at his regular spot with a name tag and asked, "Listen, your father looks great at 88, how does he do it?" "Maestro," Roberto said, "he comes here to eat every day."

Cuisine types