Restaurants in North Rhine Westphalia
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Pasta
Fish-shaped ravioli paired with salmon creme is just one of the creative offerings at this popular pasta shop. All noodles are made fresh daily and available for take-away or for eating on the spot, preferably on the terrace. Avoid the lunch-hour rush.
reviewed
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La Bodega
It's always fiesta time at this buzzy cantina with its cosy vaulted cellar and romantic courtyard. Gobble up the jamón (smoked ham), stuffed peppers, nut-encrusted goat cheese and other authentic tapas or go the whole nine yards and order a heaping paella. Locals invade for the Monday special: a pound of fat shrimp with four dipping sauces for €15.
reviewed
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Der Spanier
It's a food store. It's a restaurant. It's both. Conversation flows as freely as the wine at this convivial eatery whose eclectic clientele shares a passion for chef Luis' grilled gambas (shrimp), crunchy fried calamari and other Iberian staples. If you help yourself to a bottle of wine from the shelf, the corkage fee is just €3.
reviewed
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Okra
Save your appetite for a plate of feistily flavoured wot (stew) at Okra, an authentic Ethiopian restaurant. Getting there is easy: from the Hauptbahnhof it's either a 15-minute walk via Worringer Strasse or a short ride on tram 709 to Wetterstrasse (head north for a couple of minutes to get to Ackerstrasse).
reviewed
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Brauhaus Peters
This relative youngster draws a somewhat less raucous crowd knocking back their Kölsch in a web of highly individualistic nooks, including a room lidded by a kaleidoscopic stained-glass ceiling. On Tuesday, insiders invade for the potato pancakes, freshly made and topped with anything from apple compote to smoked salmon.
reviewed
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Bagutta
Leagues of local loyalists keep this knick-knack-filled charmer hopping. Do as they do: ignore the menu and just ask chef Stefan Bierl to put together a 'surprise menu'. With potential items including saffron risotto with scallops or guinea fowl with kohlrabi and chorizo stir-fry, you won't be disappointed.
reviewed
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Osman 30
The setting alone of this made-to-impress restaurant on the 30th floor of the KölnTurm is spectacular, but fortunately the Mediterranean food can hold its own with the views. Cap your meal with libations served in the wine salon with its stylish white leather armchairs. Reservations essential.
reviewed
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Fischermann's
This perennial favourite has minimalist décor, all the better so as not to distract you from the delicious crossover cuisine mixing German, Mediterranean and Asian flavours. Regulars often treat the place as a launch pad for a night on the razzle. Nice terrace in summer.
reviewed
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Ristorante Bei Marija
Like an embrace from an old friend, Marija is warm and welcoming. The place looks like an overstuffed living room, the owner is a character and the Italian country fare is mouth-watering. It's way off the tourist track; catch the U42 to An der Palmweide. Reservations advised.
reviewed
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Metzgerei & Salon Schmitz
No matter whether you prefer sidling up to the long bar or grabbing an ultra-comfy sofa in the retro lounge, Schmitz is a perfect pit stop for relaxed chats over coffee or cocktails. If hunger strikes, pop next door to Metzgerei Schmitz, a deli in a former butcher's shop.
reviewed
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Robert's Bistro
Tables are squished together as tightly as lovers at this très French restaurant in the Media Harbour. Bring both an appetite for hearty Gallic fare (the fish soup is highly recommended) and some patience - it doesn't take reservations and a queue is guaranteed.
reviewed
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Graugans
Dinner here is going to make a serious dent in your wallet, but fans of 'wok-meets-Western' cuisine will probably like what's on the plates at this elegant restaurant inside the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Romantic views of the Dom and the Altstadt skyline and superb wine list.
reviewed
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Naniwa Noodles & Soups
The space is minimalist, the food is not. Soup's the thing and nearly every variety we tried - flavoured from mild to wild - had perfect pitch. Tables are usually packed with Japanese expats and plugged-in locals, but the wait's worth it. Or just make a reservation.
reviewed
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Zodiac
People sharing laughs over dinner are a common sight at this jungly sanctuary where meat is a no-no and organic produce standard. Dishes are inspired by the world's cuisines and the pizzas are named for the signs of the zodiac. All can be calibrated to vegan needs.
reviewed
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Pfefferkorn
If you find yourself in the city centre, this bustling place with nostalgic decor makes for a reliable pit stop. Its speciality is steaks, but there are plenty of fish, salad and chicken dishes if you're not a scorched-beast lover. Good for groups and families.
reviewed
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Klein Bonnum
Klein Bonnum was a Nordstadt institution long before the quarter became up-and-coming. It's sort of a grown-up student pub where you can stick to the basics - salads, pizzas, nachos - or go fancy with such dishes as black linguine with salmon and tiger shrimp.
reviewed
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Havana
This friendly contender in Poppelsdorf is a lively meet-and-greet zone that always hums with activity. Despite the name, the menu is more Italian than Cuban, but the cocktails are strong enough to give you the guts to chat up that cute guy or girl at the bar.
reviewed
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Feynsinn
What used to be a small cafe famous for its eccentric glass-chard chandelier has morphed into a well-respected restaurant where organic ingredients are woven into sharp-flavoured dishes. Owners have even started to raise their own pigs and cattle!
reviewed
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Zum Schiffchen
History pours from every nook and cranny in this almost ridiculously cosy Altstadt restaurant specialising in gut-busting German and Rhenish meals. Were portions as huge when Napoleon dropped by a couple of centuries ago? Reservations recommended.
reviewed
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Leo Van Den Daele
Leather-covered walls, tiled stoves and antiques forge the yesteryear flair of this rambling cafe institution. Come for all-day breakfast, a light lunch or divine cakes (the strudel and the Belgian Reisfladen, made with rice, are specialities).
reviewed
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Edo
Aachen's Japanese food lovers have Edo, the city's first certified organic restaurant, on the speed dial. The sushi, the grilled duck and the tenderloin steak all get rave reviews. Or book a seat at the Teppan grill and go for the whole menu.
reviewed
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Am Knipp
Hungry grazers have stopped by this traditional inn since 1698 and you too will have a fine time spiking your cholesterol level with the hearty German cuisine served amid a flea market's worth of knick-knacks. Lovely beer garden as well.
reviewed
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Harmonie
The well- prepared comfort food - pizza, pasta, salads and meaty mains like schnitzel and pork chops - has vaulted this low-key pub to the top of many a local's fave list. In fine weather, the beer garden tables are the most coveted.
reviewed
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Café Madrid
A perennial favourite along this buzzy nightlife drag, this hipster joint in a former clothing shop does tapas, cocktails and light meals. Breakfast is served until late and cocktails cost just around €4 from 17:00 to 20:00.
reviewed
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Curry
In this vibrant little kitchen, sausage is king. Get them big, spicy, hot and paired with your choice of gourmet sauce and possibly a mountain of fresh French fries. Avoid the lunchtime rush from the adjacent Media Harbour.
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