7 Best Italian Restaurants in Cologne, Germany

Looking for the perfect Italian restaurant in Cologne?

There's no shortage of options here; from crowd favorite Totò e Peppino's mouth-watering Neapolitan pizza to elegant ristorantes like Il Valentino.

Here's our list of the best Italian eateries in Cologne for that perfect pasta & pizza fix! 👇

Top Italian Restaurants in Cologne

Caruso Pastabar: Authentic Italian dishes with a cozy atmosphere

It's not possible to forget a meal at CARUSO Pastabar. This beloved Italian restaurant now has a new home in Cologne's Kasparstraße, and its owners (Neapolitan-born Anna and Marcello Caruso) serve authentic pasta dishes prepared with attention and love.  [1]

Their pasta, made by hand, is arguably the best in Cologne.

Our top choices are the fusilli pasta with ox cheeks, and the Tajarin al Nero (squid ink pasta with seafood). I always order the burrata too. It's consistently fresh and pairs perfectly with the sweet and smoky peperonata peppers.

However, given CARUSO's popularity (after all, it's one of the Michelin Guide recommended restaurants in Cologne) booking a table in advance is a must, sometimes even a few weeks ahead if needed.

Address: Kasparstraße 19, 50670 Köln, Germany

Zippiri Weinbar: Sardinian cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood

I first discovered Zippiri along Aachener Straße. If you're looking for a reasonably-priced Italian meal, this family from Sardinia has been serving up mouthwatering Mediterranean dishes in Cologne for years.

The mastermind behind these amazing creations is none other than Marco Piras. Born in Villacidro, Sardinia, he has spent years perfecting his craft at Zippiri. [2]

Enjoy freshly baked bread, homemade pasta, tuna tartare, cheeses, and more in a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. And when summer rolls around, their terrace becomes the ultimate spot to kick back and enjoy the evening.

I usually go for the Aperol Spritz, but if you're into wine, this winebar has a great selection, including premium wines by the glass. 

Address: Aachener Str. 259, 50931 Köln, Germany

Ristorante Toscanini: Traditional Italian flavors in a stylish setting

Toscanini, located in the heart of the Old Town in Cologne, takes pride in serving traditional Italian cuisine. [3]

I surprised my wife for her birthday by taking her to this restaurant, hoping for a memorable meal. The staff went above and beyond to make our evening special!

We ordered pasta but couldn't resist adding a freshly baked pizza, seeing them being prepared fresh in a large stone oven. It was generously topped with ingredients and had a deliciously crispy, thin crust!

Our evening was an absolute success. The dishes were clearly made with care, and every dish was outstanding. My wife even declared it the best Italian meal she'd ever had.

Address: Jakobstraße 22, 50678 Köln, Germany

Ristorante-Pizzeria Il Valentino: Elegant dining experience

If you find yourself craving pizza in the heart of Cologne, look no further than Il Valentino. The staff are incredibly friendly and attentive, and the food is good — no wonder it's a top-ranked restaurant in Cologne.

The pizzas, cooked in a wood oven, are simply divine. We particularly enjoyed the Parmigiana and Frutti di mare pizzas. For starters, we also had the bruschetta, which was bursting with fresh tomato.

Honestly, it was a bit crowded, and it did take a bit longer due to the popularity of the place, but the attentive and kind staff more than make up for it.

Address: Herzogstraße 14, 50667 Köln, Germany

Da Damiano: Quaint trattoria serving homemade pasta and classic dishes

Da Damiano is a charming trattoria that serves delicious homemade pasta and classic Italian dishes, like Vitello Tonnato and burrata with basil pesto.

The restaurant has received rave reviews since it opened on Marzellenstraße many years ago. Although a little pricy, it's worth it if you're looking for quality Italian.

When we came without a reservation, the owner still warmly greeted us and found us a table on the patio. Don't miss the tender lamb crown with butter, herbs and garlic. The freshly-made tortellini with pumpkin, cooked to perfection in a rich butter sauce, is divine too. 

Address: Marzellenstraße 66, 50668 Köln, Germany

Totò e Peppino: A family-run pizzeria specializing in Neapolitan-style pizzas

Locals in Cologne adore Totò e Peppino for its pizza! Even if the place is a bit plain and the service can sometimes be less attentive, it's truly excellent and worth the visit if you like pizza.

Walking into Totò e Peppino feels like stepping into Italy. Real Italians are behind the scenes, and you can even watch them at work thanks to the open bakery.

In addition to classics like Margherita and Neapolitan, Totò e Peppino offers different types of Pizza Bianca, which is pizza sans tomato sauce, too. I love their rendition of the Pulcinella!

Address: Hansaring 119, 50670 Köln, Germany

littleNONNA: Charming spot serving homemade Italian classics

In the heart of Cologne's Belgian Quarter on Aachener Straße, Little Nonna is a modern cafe offering authentic Italian cuisine.

Besides its great location, Little Nonna, or "little granny" in English, is known for its delicious food.

The food is absolutely delicious, from classics like truffle pasta to even Nonna’s Lemonade (a refreshing mix of lemon and basil).

And don't forget to save room for dessert - I highly recommend the tiramisu and chocolate pizza!

Address: Brabanter Str. 1, 50674 Köln, Germany

Conclusion: Best Italian Food in Cologne

Discover the best Italian restaurants in Cologne, where you can indulge in authentic flavors and delicious dishes. From Caruso Pastabar's cozy atmosphere to Zippiri Weinbar's focus on fresh seafood, there is something for everyone's palate.

Whether you're craving traditional Italian classics or looking for a modern twist, these top eateries have got you covered.

Key Takeaways

• Caruso Pastabar offers authentic Italian dishes with a cozy atmosphere.
• Zippiri Weinbar specializes in Sardinian cuisine and fresh seafood.
• Toscanini serves traditional Italian flavors in a stylish setting.
• Il Valentino provides a rustic but elegant dining experience.
• Da Damiano is a charming trattoria known for homemade pasta and classic dishes.
• Customer favorites include CARUSO Pastabar, Nadia Bistro, and Little Nonna.

FAQs

1. Are there vegetarian options available at the best Italian restaurants in Cologne?

Yes, most of the best Italian restaurants in Cologne offer a variety of vegetarian dishes on their menu.

2. Can I make a reservation at the best Italian restaurants in Cologne?

Yes, because of their popularity, it's recommended to make a reservation at these Italian restaurants to ensure you have a table upon arrival.

3. Do the best Italian restaurants in Cologne offer gluten-free options?

Yes, many of the top Italian restaurants in Cologne do have gluten-free options, or are happy to craft a gluten-free alternative.

4. How can I find the location and contact information for the best Italian restaurant in Cologne?

We've included the address under each listing, and you can find their contact information by searching for their website.