There’s something undeniably comforting about traditional German food. It is hearty and sticks to your ribs—and Cologne brings its own regional twist to the table. Cologne is in the Rhineland region of Germany. As such, the local cuisine is Rheinisch. From crispy Heaven and aaaad (a hearty mash of potatoes, apples, and blood sausage) to the popular bar snack Halve Hahn (cheese plate with raw onions and crunchy rye bread), there are a number of dishes that are unique and special to Cologne. Add in freshly poured Kölsch from a wooden barrel and a lively Brewery atmosphere, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s equal parts satisfying and steeped in local tradition.
As someone who’s taste-tested their way through schnitzels, sausages, and a frankly alarming amount of potato-based dishes, I can say Cologne’s traditional German food scene is seriously underrated.
Over the nearly 6 years I’ve been living in Cologne, I’ve eaten my way through Cologne’s traditional German food scene—sometimes for research, sometimes just because I really needed another plate of fried potatoes. From iconic institutions to lesser-known neighborhood gems, I have curated the German restaurants below because they are serving up Rhineland classics the way they’re meant to be: generous, flavorful, and always just a little bit nostalgic. Come hungry, and don’t be surprised if you leave needing a nap.
Johann Schäfer
This microbrewery and restaurant in Cologne’s Südstadt neighborhood is one of my favorite places to go when I am sick of drinking Kölsch. It is one of the few spots that has alternatives like their Pils and Hell. The restaurant has a buzzy atmosphere of young people and locals, and it can be really busy here even on weeknights. Their motto is to “have fun eating” which you certainly will while enjoying their regionally and seasonally inspired cuisine. The menu is small, but every dish will entice you. Plus, they have nightly specials and I absolutely love their Käsespätzle on Wednesdays.
Peter’s brewery
Throughout the old city, or Old town in German, there is an assortment of German restaurants and Kölsch breweries. Some are better than others, especially when it comes to the food. Peters Brauhaus is my favorite spot, because they have good Kölsch and even better food! You’ll experience the quintessential brewery vibes with a stained glass dome, wood paneling and grumpy servers. The menu is full of regional Rhineland cuisine. You can also sample local Cologne specialties like Halve Hahn (cheese plate with raw onions), Heaven and Ed (black pudding) and knuckles (fried pork knuckle).
Rievkoochebud potato pancakes
If you’re in Cologne and not eating potato pancakes, then you’re not doing it right. Reibekuchen is one of the must-try dishes when you visit Cologne! Essentially, Reibekuchen is a fried potato pancake that is served with a dipping sauce. They are somehow crispy, pillowy and flavorful all at the same time. My personal favorite spot is Rievekoochebud Reibekuchen.
You can get a sneak peak of it on my TikTok video about it!
This street-window is a local institution, serving up potato pancakes the old-school way—fresh off the griddle and straight to your paper plate. Whether you go classic with apple sauce or the intense garlic aioli, it’s hearty, greasy, salty perfection in every bite. It’s the ultimate grab-and-go snack, especially if you’re wandering the Altstadt.
Early brewery
No visit to Cologne is complete without squeezing into a wooden bench at Früh, one of the city’s most iconic Kölsch halls. It’s loud, lively, and unapologetically traditional—in the best way possible. Expect servers in waistcoats weaving through the crowd with trays of tiny Kölsch glasses, and hearty German classics flying out of the kitchen. Grilled bratwurst, tangy sauerbraten, and cheesy spaetzle are basically required eating here. It’s touristy, sure, but also deeply loved by locals—and you’ll leave full, happy, and maybe a little bit tipsy.
At Grandma Kleinmann’s
Run, don’t walk, to Grandma Kleinmann’s in Cologne’s hip Latin Quarter. This incredibly popular schnitzel purveyor has hosted famous patrons like Anthony Bourdain with their homey food. You’ll want to make a reservation a few weeks ahead of timeor else you’ll be waiting for probably an hour or more for a table. If you make a reservation later in the night, the vibe changes from dinner restaurant to quirky nightlife with
What I love about this place, aside from the awesome flavors, is how customizable their schnitzels are.
You can choose the portion size, the type of schnitzel (veal, pork, cheese or veggie) as well as the type of sauce. The sauces arrive in a gravy boat so you can try a couple of different kinds. I love the veggie/vegan schnitzel, especially when paired with their Hungarian paprika sauce. I also had the best hollandaise of my life there! rainbow lights and disco ball.
Haus Schnackertz
If you’re craving a slice of Cologne history with your bratwurst, Haus Schnackertz delivers. This traditional pub has been serving up hearty German classics since 1880. It still feels like a time capsule in the best way. Expect comforting dishes like knuckles and fried potatoes, or come for their seasonal asparagus menu between April & June. All their dishes can be washed down with a crisp Kölsch poured straight from the barrel. The atmosphere is old-school, warm, and 100% authentic—perfect for a long, lazy lunch or classic Cologne dinner.
Müller House
This is one of my favorite neighborhood spots and definitely a hidden gem in Cologne. Haus Müller is a charming restaurant specializing in contemporary German cuisine. You’re not going to find pork schnitzel or fried pork knuckle here. Instead, imagine dishes like pan-seared free range chicken from the Eifel or white asparagus with a hollandaise sauce. The small menu changes often, but it always features locally-sourced, high-quality, seasonal ingredients. If the weather is nice, request a table on the massive patio in the front which sits on a small park under a massive tree. It has the best atmosphere!
