Cologne has a decent selection of modern, relaxed and sleek coffee shops to choose from. Regardless of what kind of coffee vibe you’re looking for, you’ll find something suitable in Cologne. The third wave coffee scene in Cologne might not be as well-known as other cities in Germany like Berlin or Hamburg, but it isn’t because of a lack of options.
No matter what your mood is, there is a great coffee shop in Cologne for you! In this post, I am breaking down where to find all of the best specialty coffee shops in Cologne.
Without fail, I start every.single.day with a double shot espresso. My Christmas gift to myself in 2021 was a fancy at home espresso machine, and I haven’t looked back ever since. I buy my beans from coffee roasters and coffee purveyors around Cologne. Full disclosure, my favorite type of espressos are fruity and full bodied, leaning towards a light roast and that reflects in my favorite places. I am sharing all of my favorite local coffee tips with you!
Van Dyck
To start this Cologne coffee guide strong, this is my favorite espresso in Cologne. They have a nice selection of 100% arabica, 100% robusta or blended mixes. The espresso is smooth with robust flavors and delicate precision. There is a cafe in the city or the roastery out in Deutz. With a clean minimalist aesthetic, don’t let the stark aesthetic turn you off. Their staff is friendly and knowledgeable. They can give you suggestions or tips, especially if you are buying beans to use at home.
Habitat Coffee
With carefully sourced beans and a strong emphasis on precision brewing, Habitat Coffee is known for its specialty coffee focus. Expect well-executed espresso drinks alongside pour-overs that highlight lighter, fruit-forward roasts. There espresso is excellent. The space hardly has any seating, but it sits on a nice corner so there are plenty of outdoor tables. Best to come here on a nice weather day.
Holm Coffee Roastery Café
Holm Kaffeerösterei is both a café and a working roastery, so coffee is very much the focus here. It’s a serious operation, but the seriousness pays off. They roast their own beans and often showcase single-origin varieties, with baristas happy to recommend brewing methods that bring out specific flavor notes. Espresso drinks are smooth and well-balanced. The space has an industrial-meets-Scandinavian aesthetic. Think bright, airy, and pared back.
Coffeesaurus
When I was a kid, I wanted to grow up to be a paleontologist, aka Ross from Friends. So imagine my wonder and joy when I found a coffee shop in Cologne named after dinosaurs! The crowd at Kaffeesaurus always has buzzy energy with a good mixture of people working remotely and people gathering with friends or colleagues. In addition to good coffee, the food and breakfast menu here really shines. There is an assortment of healthy options like smoothie bowls and vegan scrambles, as well as decadent selections like the pancakes or t-Rex burrito.
Branding
This was the first coffee shop that I fell in love with in Cologne. The staff is THE NICEST, truly kind people. One of the baristas was the first person to treat me like a regular and remember my name & story. It made Cologne feel like home, and you can tell from the neighborhood support that I’m not the only one who feels this way. The cafe is small and narrow along a busy stretch of Bonnerstrasse in Sudstadt. I find their coffee good quality without any pretentiousness.
Coffee gang
I really like to meet people at Coffee Gang because the location is great. Even better, the ambiance really welcomes people to linger. From the large windows bathed in sunshine to the comfortable bench seating, this is a place built to socialize. Filter roasts are the specialty here, as well as a delightful assortment of baked goods. Many of them are vegan too! Coffee Gang always has a cheerful energy to it, and I find the staff to be chatty and nice.
Serious
For a hipster hangout that borders on elitist, Ernst is the spot. It was the first specialty coffee roastery to open in Cologne with a focus on light roasts. All the patrons and staff are super serious about coffee. You can feel it from the second you walk into the minimalist industrial space. Their staff is not friendly, but their espresso is legit. It’s really great. They offer different espresso drinks depending on the season, such as custom iced lattes in the summer or winter warmers during the colder months. Although this place is in my neighborhood, I honestly don’t come here often because the vibe is too snobby for me.
Wiewaldi
Another hidden gem, Wiewaldi is a small, design-forward café known for its specialty coffee. I am obsessed with their cat-themed branding. It’s SO cute! The coffee program leans modern, with well-pulled espresso drinks and carefully brewed filter options that highlight lighter roasts. The interior matches the presentation: bright, minimalist, and stylish without feeling stiff. It is a locally loved spot for a slow afternoon.
Copenhagen Coffee
A popular chain in NRW, Copenhagen Coffee brings a distinctly Scandinavian approach to Cologne’s coffee scene. Their menu emphasizes light roasts and clean, nuanced flavors. Espresso drinks are smooth and balanced, highlighting the brighter, fruitier notes typical of Nordic-style roasting. This is one of the few places that has a cafe in the tourist center of Cologne, so if you’re looking for good coffee near the Dom, this is the spot.
Meinstein coffee
This place is a hidden gem, not far from Neumarkt. Their rotating seasonal menu typically features balanced espresso drinks, creamy cappuccinos, and rotating roasts. The interior leans contemporary but wood accents and unfussy vibe makes it cozier than initially meets the eye. It’s approachable without being basic. It’s a solid stop if you care about quality but don’t want anything too elaborate.
Woyton
Although I don’t come to Woyton often, I am always happy when I do. I really like the aesthetic of their Cologne coffee shop. From the block gold rimmed block letters to the industrial designs, it feels cool. The Belgian Quarter is especially cute, since it sits on a nice corner lot. Aside from aesthetics, it doesn’t hurt that Woyton’s coffee is good too! The roasts at Woyton tend to be darker and stronger, so I typically opt for a cold brew when I go here. These brews will really wake you up in the morning!
Shamong coffee
You’ll find Cologne’s oldest roastery in the heart of Ehrenfeld. Schamong has been roasting dark Italian coffee blends since 1949. You’ll notice the history immediately when you step inside this coffee shop. The walls are stacked with vintage coffee containers. It is a very Instagrammable backdrop! The original roasting operation sits squarely in the middle of the coffee shop, and they still use it. You’ll get amazing smells during the week when they most often do the bean roasting. It has a relaxed and cozy vibe that is instantly welcoming.
This post was originally published in summer 2022 and was updated in January 2026.