Top Cologne Cafes: 8 Best Local Cafes in Cologne

Even though Cologne is a very modern town, it is packed with tradition, and a very strong sense of local pride. This fact reflects also in Cologne's culinary set-up.
There is countless restaurants, cafés, and bistros, offering a modern take on Euro-, Asian-, and American cuisine. You will also find numerous restaurants and fast food venues of locals with migrational back ground mostly Italians, or Turkish, offering simple and homy takes on their local cuisine. If you're in for a real local treat, check out one of the old brewery houses; the savory local cuisine is indeed rich in tradition incorporating many ingredients and spices from beyond the region.
A must for beer connaisseurs is Cologne's local brew style "Kölsch", which is available everywhere and traditionally served in 0,2 glasses. Some places, especially the brewery houses, have a policy of replacing empty glasses unasked, unless it's covered with a coaster.

Bar Schmitz

Cafes 12 4

By Katharina

Tasty Icecream

Bar Schmitz

The Bar Schmitz is located in the Belgian Quarter. It is the perfect place for ice cream junkies. They have completely organic ice cream and the largest selection of lactose-free sorbets. I prefer the chocolate icecream (it tastes like mousse au chocolat) and caramel & fleur. Also the cocktail creations are delicious!

by Katharina

Wallczka

Cafes 1 0

By La

My Favourite Café

Wallczka

There are a lot of hipster Cafés in cologne and especially in Ehrenfeld. But this one is special. Located on the more quiet Subbelratherstraße, it has become one of my Happy places in this City. Either to have breakfast, lunch or just hang the whole day while working Home Office style. Not only is the food amazing, the service is super friendly

by La

Cafe 1980

Cafes 3 1

By Mike

Great hidden Bahn Mi

Cafe 1980

An awesome place tucked away in the middle of some of Colognes busiest areas, you won't be disappointed by going to check out this gem. With great food and fast service as well as delicious dessert from one of Cologne's best bakeries, 1980 is a favorite for lunch and dinner!

by Mike

Bastians

Cafes 2 2

By Mike

Incredible German Bakery and Restaurant

Bastians

One of the best bakeries in the city combined with what is one of the best breakfast restaurants in the city at the same time, Bastian's is a little off the main route but still central. With a beautiful patio in the summer and an authentic german style breakfast, it's worth a visit whenever!

by Mike

Brüsseler Platz

Other 2 1

By Mike

The Buzzing Heart of the Belgian Quarter

Brüsseler Platz

Be it to grab a coffee, hop into a trendy shop, eat a delicious meal or just enjoy a cool drink outside in the summer, Brüsseler Platz is one of best spots to do it. Come here for all of the above needs and more.

by Mike

Café Hibiskus

Cafes 0 0

By Fanie

Lovely hidden vegan Café

Café Hibiskus

This very small and cozy vegan cafe with grandma interieur is one of my favorite places to eat the best vegan cake in town. You can reach it very quickly on foot from the main train station - or you can take a stop with the S6 or S11 to Hansaring.

by Fanie

Jaely's

Cafes 1 0

Great cake

Jaely's

Nice place for a good capuccino and a great piece of cake on a Sunday. Last time I had raspberry-cheescake. Quiet alternative people, lots of young folks. Take train 3 or 4 to go there, leave at Körnerstraße. More, Venloer Straße is always good for strolling around.

Jlöcklich

Cafes 1 1

By Mike

Cool Cafe near a Medieval Gate

Jlöcklich

With tasty treats and delicious coffee, Jlöcklich is a perfect stop off in one of the most beautiful areas of the city. Locals gather in all sorts of shops and restaurants all around one of the cities 3 remaining gates but this is one of my favorite places.

by Mike