Ostwestfalen
Dating from 1584, history oozes from every nook and cranny of this warren of living-room-style rooms stuffed with musical instruments, oil paintings and…
Must-see restaurants in Cologne & Northern Rhineland
Bonn
On a hot Bonn day, there are few things better than the just-made ice cream (from organic milk, no less) doled out at this cone-sized artisanal lab where…
Cologne & Northern Rhineland
Elegant without being stuffy, this restaurant in the eponymous hotel cooks up German food with a seasonal, contemporary kick. The menu changes often but…
Münster
This locally beloved restaurant in a half-timbered house has been churning out top-notch earthy Westphalian fry-ups forever. Of course, the beer is Pinkus…
Cologne & Northern Rhineland
Some things never go out of style, including this local gastro-stalwart. Run by a charming couple for around 30 years, the cosy, elegant space serves…
Düsseldorf
Even simple curries become culinary poetry at this Thai gourmet temple with its fairy-tale setting of carved wood, rich fabrics and imported sculpture…
The Ruhrgebiet
People come from all over, passing a lot of other doner kebab places on the way, to enjoy Orkide's piquant goodness. Germany's favourite fast food is…
Cologne & Northern Rhineland
Waiters bustle between tables inside and out at this smart restaurant in the very heart of town. Although the interior is modern, the menu is thick with…
Düsseldorf
The smell of freshly roasted coffee may just snatch you up and pull you right inside this cool and casual cafe that takes its java very seriously. The…
Cologne
This luscious bakery specialises in stunning wedding cakes but also has a mouth-watering range of cupcakes, petit fours, cookies and tarts on display in…
Düsseldorf
Arty types jam this staple in a quiet corner tucked away from the Altstadt bustle. Linger over breakfast (served until 3pm, on weekends till 4pm) or come…
Cologne & Northern Rhineland
Before your wine adventure begins – or when you need a break – fortify yourself at this top-class cafe with big breakfast spreads, homemade cakes,…
Bonn
Right across from Bonn's landmark Sterntor, the old city gate, is this good all-arounder. Whether it's a quick breakfast, coffee and a cake (great…
The Ruhrgebiet
This famous sausage kitchen makes a mean Currywurst (slivered sausage in tomato sauce drizzled with curry powder) and enjoys cult status among locals and…
The Ruhrgebiet
In the hip Ehrenfeld quarter near the municipal theatre, this easy-vibe cafe dishes up made-with-love sandwiches (Butterbrot) on crusty home-baked bread,…
Düsseldorf
This traditional bakery is an institution that has people queuing patiently for its excellent breads and cakes. Buy the fixings for a perfect picnic – it…
Dortmund
A legendary place for quaffing before and after football matches, Wenkers has tables outside on a central square and serves German classics in gut-busting…
Düsseldorf
A Flingern boho classic, Café Hüftgold is renowned for its amazing cakes, tortes and more baked goodness, nicely complemented by aromatic coffee. Also has…
Cologne
While the Altstadt has no shortage of mediocre restaurants aimed at beer-swilling tourists, this old place stands out for its classic local and German…
Münster
Location, location, location. A2, right on the Aasee, certainly has got it. The glass walls and designer furniture scream trendy, but this bar-bistro…
Cologne
There are plenty of cafes around the Dom, but this slightly hidden one is a true luxe gem with a pedigree going back to 1855. It's best for its luscious…
Cologne & Northern Rhineland
This restaurant and microbrewery near the Dom is about as traditional as they come, serving substantial hearty dishes to accompany the house beers such as…
Dortmund
Traditional Westphalian fare is served to hordes of appreciative locals in the very centre of the city. Pray to the gods of digestion at one of the nearby…
Bonn
This spare and stylish place is often mobbed, especially during the after-work cocktail happy hour. The menu revolves around salad, pizza and pasta…
Ostwestfalen
Enjoy Paderborn's best ice cream and gelato at this always-crowded cafe overlooking Marienplatz.
