Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Cologne

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots in Cologne? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

phaedra Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (384)

€51 and over

Mediterranean

Neustadt-Süd

Top review

IgorVIP

Dined on Apr 23, 2025

I had an amazing date night with my wife! The food and service were top-notch. The host was super friendly and made sure we had everything we needed, without being too overbearing. Definitely recommend if you are I the area.

Shima by Ito

4.8

4.8 (79)

€31 to €50

Japanese

Neustadt-Nord

About the restaurant

„Itoshima'' (jap. 糸島市, -shi) ist eine Stadt in der Präfektur Fukuoka in Japan. Für uns als kleine Schwester des ITO lag unser Name somit auf der Hand.
Bei uns bekommst du moderne japanische Fusionküche vom Holzkohlegrill (Binchōtan), in bester Qualität, frisch und überraschend. Überzeuge dich selbst – am besten direkt vor Ort.
Reservier dir deinen Platz und erlebe, wie Japan auf Feuer trifft – kreativ, hochwertig und mit Atmosphäre.

Top review

YiwenVIP

Dined on Jan 10, 2025

Food was great, v limited space so seating was squeezed.

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4.7

4.7 (313)

€51 and over

European

Altstadt/Nord

Top review

SteveVIP

Dined on Nov 13, 2024

Such an amazing vibe. Chill atmosphere and amazing tastes. No pretension, just focuses on the food and the why. Loved it.

CARUSO Pastabar

4.7

4.7 (416)

€31 to €50

Italian

Neustadt-Nord

About the restaurant

Mit der CARUSO Pastabar haben wir 2013 unseren Traum von einem gemütlichen Restaurant verwirklicht. In entspannter Atmosphäre kochen wir innovative italienische Küche und konzentrieren uns dabei auf frische Pasta -weil Pasta uns alle glücklich macht. Dabei bleiben wir so authentisch wie möglich, denn viele Rezepte sind alte Familientraditionen. Wir freuen uns auf euren Besuch!

Seit März 2022 findet Ihr uns im Agnesvirtel - Kasparstraße 19, 50670 Köln. Wir freuen uns auf euren Besuch!

Top review

Charlotte

Dined on May 17, 2025

Truly excellent! One of the best meals we have had outside of a Michelin starred restaurant the food was delicious, service and ambience were top notch for a casual dining experience. Have already recommended to others. When we next return to Cologne we will be back!

Tanica

4.6

4.6 (276)

€31 to €50

Italian

Neustadt-Süd

About the restaurant

Eine Weinkarte, die das Herz eines echten Weinkenners höher schlagen lässt und Cocktails, die dir nicht nur die Schuhe ausziehen, sondern auch die Geschmacksknospen anregen? Das alles findest Du im Tanica, gepaart mit einer raffinierten cross-over Küche aus vollwertigen Miniaturgerichten. Köstliche Speisen am Puls der Zeit, in moderner Atmosphäre, genießt Du in unserem jungen Konzept inmitten der Stadt.

Unsere Speisekarte findest Du tagesaktuell in den Highlights auf unserem Instagram Account. Wir freuen uns auf Dich!

Top review

Ryan

Dined on Feb 17, 2025

A fantastic meal for my wife 30th, friendly staff and quite frankly the best pasta I’ve ever had!

Viaa

4.6

4.6 (37)

€30 and under

Italian

Lindenthal

About the restaurant

Genießt im wunderschönen Veedel Braunsfeld authentische italienische Küche, hervorragende Weine und eine liebevolle Auswahl an Drinks. Ob Pasta-Gerichte, Antipasti zum Teilen oder Fisch und Fleisch, im VIAA findet die ganze Familie etwas!

Top review

Jake

Dined on Nov 19, 2024

Great food and space for dinner. Highly recommended!

Neni Köln

4.5

4.5 (1896)

€31 to €50

Israeli

Altstadt/Nord

About the restaurant

Im NENI Köln wird israelische und ostmediterrane Küche nach dem Konzept des kreativen Kopfes von Haya Molcho serviert. Auf den Tellern landen Gerichte, die von unermüdlichen Reisen durch die Küchen dieser Welt erzählen und die lebendige Szenerie drum herum sorgt für authentische Erlebnisse aller Sinne. Im 8. Stock gönnt man sich seine eigene Reise mit Blick auf den Dom und Köln.

Top review

Maria

Dined on Jul 6, 2025

Lovely restaurant with beautiful view of downtown Cologne. Portion sizes good, and option to order more at no extra cost should you wish it, what a smart concept! Helps reduces waste as well, you only order what you'll actually eat. Service was excellent, despite the fact that they were understaffed that evening. Would definitely come again.

Wartesaal am Dom

4.3

4.3 (500)

€31 to €50

Contemporary German

Altstadt/Nord

About the restaurant

Wartesaal am Dom not only offers a fantastic fresh menu, they give you a gorgeous historic setting to dine in and incredible views of the Cologne Cathedral. This restaurant was originally the waiting room for the Cölner Central Station in Köln. Head chef Chris Houber prepares a seasonal menu to keep the freshest ingredients on your plate, while also offering the regular year-round menu. Try a taste of the Wartesaal am Dom Waiting room veal cutlet, breaded. With your meal you can enjoy something from the generous wine list at Wartesaal am Dom featuring wines from around the world.

Top review

Cherry

Dined on Jun 8, 2025

Our second visit to this gorgeous restaurant . Everything was top class - but you need to be hungry ! Schnitzel comes as two schnitzels ! Chips are oddest ever but tasty

The ASH Köln MesseCity

4.3

4.3 (919)

€30 and under

Steak

Deutz

Top review

Jack

Dined on Apr 12, 2025

Outstanding restaurant amazing food lovely staff highly recommended

PURiNO Köln

4.1

4.1 (645)

€30 and under

Italian

Mülheim

About the restaurant

Purino enjoys serving original Italian cuisine to diners in a restaurant with décor inspired by Italy. Guests dining at Purino can get a taste of Italy by eating meals like a traditional brick oven pizza or a chicken salad with fresh cherry tomatoes, peppers, radishes and cucumbers. All dishes are created with fresh, natural ingredients and spices. There are vegan and vegetarian options for those who have dietary restrictions, and refreshments are also served. Purino is open during the afternoon and late evenings. Guests can either casually walk in or make reservations.

Top review

Tessa

Dined on Jan 4, 2025

A very nice restaurant, with very tasty food, also a lot of choice of vegetarian or vegan dishes. Special that food and drinks for children under 7 years old are free, and the menu for slightly older children is also very cheap. Close to a Tesla supercharger and cheap parking garage and not very far from the highway. We visited it for the first time as a stopover from winter sports home and would like to come back again when we are on the road or visit Cologne.

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