© KölnTourismus GmbH

Gastronomy in Cologne

 

Cuisine, drinking culture and going out — Cologne is casual in so many areas of life, and that’s especially true when it comes to creature comforts. The city’s brewery restaurants naturally have a long tradition in this regard. Cologne’s typical brewery restaurant culture makes it uniquely sociable and unconventional — even outside the Carnival season. Cologne’s vibrant restaurant scene has something to offer for every personality and every taste. It’s energized by more than 1,000 different restaurants, over 100 bars, over 700 pubs and more than ten starred restaurants, as well as several food festivals and happenings. The bills of fare range from vegan to hearty, from home cooking to gourmet dining, and from Kölsch beer to creative cocktails. Taste it — and love it.

1240

Restaurants

120

Bars & Clubs

770

Pubs

© Ralph Sondermann, Tourismus NRW e.V.

Brewery restaurants

Kölsch, Köbes, cameraderie and a hearty meal: Brewery restaurants have been symbols of Kölsch tradition and culture for more than 500 years.

Some things don’t change. And that’s good news, especially with regard to Cologne’s brewery restaurant culture. When the Köbes comes by with his round tray of Kölsch beer and the Sauerbrauten is steaming on the table, you know the city’s traditions and history are alive and well. That’s when things get snug and cosy, and that’s how it ought to be. In a brewery restaurant, everyone’s encouraged to chat and clink glasses with everyone else — with a Kölsch beer, which is a little bit different depending on the brewery, but always brewed according to the German Purity Law passed in 1516. You can hear more about this history if you join a brewery restaurant tour, for example. After sampling the food and drink of the various restaurants, quite a few people discover their favourite brewery restaurant for many happy returns — whether it’s near the Cathedral, in Friesenstraße or in the Altstadt (Old Town).

Gut feeling

When Cologne goes through the stomach

The gastronomic offer

Cologne has a varied gastronomic offer

© KölnTourismus GmbH, Dieter Jacobi

Guest survey

Together with DeinNRW and other regions and cities in North Rhine-Westphalia, we are conducting an extensive holiday visitor survey. The aim is to gain valuable insights into the experiences and impressions of visitors and to continuously optimise our tourist offers.

Are you currently spending your holiday in Cologne or have you been on holiday in Cologne in the last six months? Then you are invited to tell us about your holiday. As a thank you for your participation, you can win great prizes.