Dining in Cologne

For those not native to the area, it's important to realize that a "Halver Hahn" is not a dialect term for half a chicken, but a rye bread roll filled with Gouda cheese. The regional beef dish "Rheinischer Sauerbraten" is a delicacy which generally contains raisins and is served with delicious gravy and potato dumplings. Beer drinkers can look forward to trying Kölsch, a local beer brewed by many breweries in and around Cologne.

La Vision
This restaurant has a superb view from the 11th floor of the old water tower in the middle of the old town. Add to that French gourmet food with Mediterranean influences and you get an exclusive restaurant which has been awarded one Michelin star.
Address: Kaygasse 2, in the old town
Underground: to Poststraße
Phone: +49 (0)221 200 80

Päffgen
At the Päffgen brewery you can be certain of finding good, straightforward, inexpensive food, such as hamburgers or herring fillets. The menu even includes suckling pig. The atmosphere is friendly and it's easy to get into conversation with the other guests.
Address: Friesenstrasse 64 - 66, in the old town
Underground: to Friesenplatz
Phone: +49 (0)221 135 461

Früh Am Dom
Cologne's equivalent of the Hofbräuhaus in Munich with high ceilings, dark wood panelling and old oil paintings on the walls and a large tiled stove on the ground floor. If you're in a larger group, it may be worth ordering a small barrel of beer which will be put on the table.
Address: Am Hof 12-14, near the Dome
Underground: to Hauptbahnhof
Phone: +49 (0)221 258 03 89

Gaffel-haus
The oldest building in the Alter Markt. The tables are in small niches which gives the restaurant an intimate atmosphere. Good, straightforward food at average prices. Address: Alter Markt 20-22, in the old town Underground: to Hauptbahnhof.
Phone: +49 (0)221 257 76 92

Daitokai
Relatively new Japanese restaurant which is very popular and exclusive. The staff add the final touches to the dishes in front of the guests, for example on a hot stone.
Address: Kattenbug 2, in the old town
Underground: to Appellhofplatz
Phone: +49 (0)221 120048

Oasis
Greek restaurant with a huge panoramic view over the Rhine and the old town on the other side. Tzatziki for around € 4 and main courses for between € 10 and 15.
Address: Kennedy-Ufer 1, Deutz
Underground: to Deutzer Freiheit
Phone: +49 (0)221 814441