12 Best Michelin Star Restaurants in Cologne, Germany

Are you looking for the best places to dine in Cologne? With no less than 12 or so Michelin star restaurants in Cologne and 4 Bib Gourmand restaurants, we know how daunting it is to search through countless reviews and recommendations.

Drawing from our own experiences, along with suggestions from local foodies, we've compiled this ultimate guide to the best Michelin restaurants in Cologne! 👇

Top Michelin Star Restaurants in Cologne

maiBeck - Modern Cuisine

⭐ - 1 Michelin Star

If we had to sum up maiBeck, we'd say it's "great food at reasonable prices".

This bistro was opened by Tobias Becker and Jan Cornelius Maier, and offers a four-course blind prix-fixe menu that changes seasonally. [1]

The food is a blend of local flavors and European bistro - think dishes like salmon with pumpkin or Italian malfatti with sheep's cheese.

Their food is super fresh and creative, and they make a point to use locally-sourced ingredients, which is a big plus. Each course is like a little masterpiece.

P.S. In the summer, the best seats are on the terrace, with amazing views of the Rhine.

📍Am Frankenturm 5, 50667 Köln, Germany

taku - Asian

⭐ - 1 Michelin Star

You can easily find Taku right across from the Cologne Cathedral, within Excelsior Hotel Ernst.

Chef Mirko Gaul serves up modern and carefully crafted dishes that lead you on a delicious exploration of new flavors. [2]

Our recommendation? Go for the seven-course "tasting" menu. Each course is packed with intriguing ingredients, resulting in elegant dishes like tataki with dashi and ponzu-flavored wagyu beef.

But don't mistake Taku as just another Asian restaurant serving Asian cuisine! It's really a highly innovative gourmet restaurant with Asian flavors designed to surprise and delight.

📍Trankgasse 5, 50667 Köln, Germany

Alfredo - Italian

⭐ - 1 Michelin Star

Located next to the Cologne Opera House, Alfredo has became the place to go in Cologne if you want some seriously good Italian food! [3]

Under the leadership of Chef Roberto Carturan, the restaurant is set on serving authentic Italian flavors from regions like Piedmont to Sicily, even bringing in olive oil from Italy.

And just like a typical Italian eatery, the vibe is friendly, relaxed, yet still super classy. The waiter even remembered our favorite table from a previous visit and made sure to reserve it for us without us having to ask!

Plus, on Friday nights, they host a special musical soirée where you can enjoy your meal with live singing!

📍Tunisstraße 3, 50667 Köln, Germany

La Cuisine Rademacher - French

⭐ - 1 Michelin Star

Despite its less-than-charming surroundings on the "wrong" side of the Rhine, don't overlook this French Michelin star restaurant – I promise it's worth the trip.

To be truthful, we've been loyal fans of this place since the start - whatever you get is always outstanding in an inventive way, and perfectly seasoned. From orange-flavored butter to fork-tender sous-vide goose breast.

The team at La Cuisine Rademacher is led by Chef Marlon Rademacher, who has already worked in several famous restaurants, including legendary 3 Michelin star restos like Waldhotel Sonnora in Dreis and The Table in Hamburg. [4] 

📍Dellbrücker Hauptstraße 176, 51069 Köln, Germany

maximilian lorenz - Modern German Cuisine

⭐ - 1 Michelin Star

Maximilian Lorenz is a pretty well-known chef in Cologne, and it only took this restaurant 9 months after opening to earn its first Michelin star.

We'd describe our experience as traditional German dishes with a modern and playful twist — like Sauerbraten with nut butter or Austrian curd cheese dumplings made with quark and rhubarb.

One downside is that the kitchen isn't able to accommodate vegans or special dietary restrictions. Also, avoid sitting at the table in the corner next to the service station – the foot traffic is kind of irritating here.

Ox & Klee - Creative Cuisine

⭐⭐ - 2 Michelin Star

You might have seen chef Daniel Gottschlich from Ox & Klee on TV shows like Kitchen Impossible and The Taste. He's a bit of a self-made success story, as he didn't train under a famous chef like many other Michelin-starred chefs.

Every time we visit, we think we know what to expect... but it's always something different that it makes us want to keep coming back! Each course is incredibly delicious and surprising, combining creativity, skill, intelligence, flavor, and harmony.

With only about 12 tables and one seating per night, you can expect a truly intimate experience and attentive service from the staff.

📍Im Zollhafen 18, 50678 Köln, Germany

Sahila - International

⭐ - 1 Michelin Star

The name "Sahila" is Indian and it means "leader of the stars" - a feat that chef Julia Komp may well achieve.

Our dining experience felt like we were taking a trip around the world - each dish incorporating surprising ingredients that transported us to different parts of the globe.

Some of my favorites included the refreshing Teh O Ice Limau, a Malaysian dessert with jackfruit, and the Austrian sausages.

The wine pairings were intriguing too, each offering a perfect contrast or complement to each course. For example, a slightly sweet wine paired wonderfully with the spicy flavors of certain dishes.

📍Kämmergasse 18, 50676 Köln, Germany

NeoBiota - Creative Cuisine

⭐ - 1 Michelin Star

If you're looking for fine dining in a laid-back restaurant, then Neobiota is the spot for you. There's a sort of down-to-earth atmosphere. Or as they say, "no dress code, no airs and graces".

But that's not the biggest highlight - Neo's ingredients are mostly sourced locally, with some even gathered by the chefs themselves.

Their vegetable-focused menu is a real treat, featuring playful and unexpected flavor combos in every dish and drink. The food is adventurous but not over-the-top.

Interestingly, they serve a mean breakfast too. Their pancakes are a must-try – instead of syrup, they top them with a delicious cream cheese and mango sauce that's absolutely divine.

📍Ehrenstraße 43c Ecke Kleine Brinkgasse &, Große Brinkgasse, 50672 Köln, Germany

Astrein - Modern Cuisine

⭐ - 1 Michelin Star

Eric Werner, once Germany’s youngest two-star chef, opened his own restaurant and named it Astrein.

The place is a bit off the beaten path, and you'll choose between two dining rooms - the first has a jungle mural, while the second, where we dined, overlooks the kitchen.

Eric serves up classic French dishes with fancy-sounding ingredients, like duck liver with Périgord truffle or spider crab with sea urchin cream. If you're not into certain ingredients, they'll happily switch things up in a playful way. 

The restaurant is neither big nor pretentious, there are only about 20 seats altogether. But the great food and friendly service make up for it.

📍Krefelder Str. 37, 50670 Köln, Germany

La Société - Modern Cuisine

⭐ - 1 Michelin Star

In the student quarter of Kwartier Latäng, you might not expect to find a Michelin-starred restaurant, but chef Leon Hofmockel has been impressing foodies since 2021.

Each course on his menu is perfectly executed with flavor and creativity - from the Aperos & Amuse Bouche to the exquisite Petit Fours.

The blue fin tuna was tender and practically melt-in-your-mouth, while the chervil and tarragon dessert offered a refreshing twist on the traditional sorbet.

📍Kyffhäuserstraße 53, 50674 Köln, Germany

Pottkind - Creative Cuisine

⭐ - 1 Michelin Star

Based on a personal recommendation, we checked out this restaurant, run by Enrico Sablotny and Lukas Winkelmann, both from the Ruhr Valley.

Here, there's no menu to choose from – just let the chef take the reins and enjoy the ride.

The menu follows a Nouvelle-style, focusing mostly on plant-based dishes, but you can still expect some fish and meat options. They switch things up every 2-3 months, so there's always something new to try.

By the way, the counter seats with a view of the open kitchen are quite popular. But in the summer, it's nicer on the terrace where you can soak in the lively vibe of the Südstadt district.

📍Darmstädter Str. 9, 50678 Köln, Germany

Zur Tant - German

⭐ - 1 Michelin Star

For those romantic dates, this restaurant is located in a beautiful location overlooking the serene Rhine river.

Inside, the decor is classy yet simple, and the food is expertly prepared and seasoned.

Yes, tt may not blow your mind with creativity, but if you're a fan of classic dishes with top quality ingredients done right, you'll be in heaven here. 

Plus, we like how this isn't the kind of place where you're rushed through each course; it's more about taking your time to enjoy a good meal.

Oh, and I recommend pairing with some fantastic wines from Austria from their wine list. Perfect for sipping while you soak in the gorgeous Rhine panorama!

📍Rheinbergstraße 49, 51143 Köln, Germany

Bib Gourmand Restaurants in Cologne

HENNE.Weinbar - International

Henne.Weinbar is definitely one of our favorite finds in Cologne - they serve modern, seasonal tapas-style plates perfect for sharing at really reasonable prices.

And let's not forget about their quaint courtyard terrace – it's a really comfortable spot for sipping wine and relaxing. No surprise then that HENNE.Weinbar is considered one of the most romantic restaurants in Cologne!

We have to commend the staff's wine recommendations too - we found them to be quite spot on. We really liked every wine suggested and they paired well with our tapas.

📍Pfeilstraße 31-35, 50672 Köln, Germany

CARUSO Pastabar - Italian

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 is a tiny, family-run place that serves pasta dishes prepared with attention and love.

Founded by Neapolitan-born Anna and Marcello Caruso, along with Emanuele Barbaro, this place offers delicious Italian cuisine in a relaxed and lively atmosphere.

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 as one of the top restaurants in Cologne, booking a table in advance is a must, sometimes even a few weeks ahead if needed.

📍Kasparstraße 19, 50670 Köln, Germany

Capricorn [ i ] Aries Brasserie - Classic French

We discovered this brasserie through the Michelin guide, and had a great Saturday night feeling like we were the only two people in the world!

This romantic street corner restaurant in Cologne's Neustadt-Sud, awarded Bib Gourmand, is known for original, mouth-watering French brasserie classics like steak frites, soupe de poisson and duck confit.

The service here was also exceptional, with the staff's genuine love for what they do shining through as they took care of our every need. The attentive yet unobtrusive service also allowed us to focus on each other - something rare these days!

One thing to note, as we were settling our bill, was that the restaurant only accepts German debit cards or cash.

📍Alteburger Str. 31, 50678 Köln, Germany

Gasthaus Scherz - Austrian

Gasthaus Scherz is an Austrian restaurant in Cologne that I highly recommend. As part of the Bib Gourmand Restaurants, this place offers a taste of Austria right in the heart of Cologne.

Owned by Michael Scherz, who hails from Vorarlberg, the focus here is on authentic Austrian cuisine. 

One dish you must try is their Tafelspitz (boiled beef in broth, served with minced apples & horseradish) – it’s absolutely delicious! At Gasthaus Scherz, not only will you enjoy great food but also experience excellent service.

📍Luxemburger Str. 256, 50937 Köln, Germany

Dining Experience at Michelin Star Restaurants in Cologne

Ambiance

Some of these restaurants give you stunning views of the city, the Rhine river or the iconic cathedral, making your whole experience even better.

The ambiance is a big part of why these places are so highly regarded – they're not just about tasty food, but also about giving you a memorable atmosphere to enjoy.

Menu

Ultimately, the menu is a reflection of the chef's skills and creativity. Sometimes it's not just using high-quality or exotic ingredients.

From artfully presented starters to mouthwatering entrees and indulgent desserts, the menu showcases the chef's specialties and innovative cooking methods.

Moreover, many Michelin star restaurants in Cologne also offer seasonal menus that feature dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Pair your meal with their in-house wine selection for a complete experience.

Service

At a Michelin star restaurant in Cologne, from the moment you walk through the door, you can expect to be greeted with warm hospitality and attentiveness.

Staff go above and beyond to ensure that your dining experience is nothing short of extraordinary. Whether it's recommending a wine pairing or accommodating dietary restrictions, they are knowledgeable and always ready to assist.

Signature Dishes

Every restaurant has a signature style or dish, and that's the same with Michelin star restos. maiBeck is known for its exquisite recipes with a European flair, while Alfredo is the place to go if you wish to be "wow"-ed by Italian cuisine.

And who can forget taku's Asian-inspired creations?

The creativity and quality of these signature dishes make dining at Michelin-starred restaurants in Cologne an epicurean experience like no other.

What Sets Michelin Star Restaurants Apart

Quality and creativity of dishes

When dining at Michelin star restaurants in Cologne, you can expect nothing but the highest quality and creativity of dishes. Each plate is a masterpiece, showcasing culinary innovation and gourmet cuisine.

From the first bite to the last, you'll be delighted by the exquisite flavors and artistic presentation of each dish. The chefs behind these establishments have mastered their craft, demonstrating their culinary mastery through unique flavors and inventive creations.

Attention to detail

Attention to detail is what sets Michelin star restaurants apart from others. When it comes to culinary excellence, these restaurants leave no stone unturned in delivering an unforgettable dining experience.

From the exquisite presentation of each dish to the meticulous craftsmanship behind every plate, the level of precision in preparation is unmatched.

Impeccable service further enhances the overall experience, with attentive staff ensuring that every need is met.

Exceptional service

Exceptional service is a hallmark of Michelin star restaurants in Cologne. From the moment you step foot inside, you'll be greeted with warm hospitality and impeccable attention to detail.

The staff goes above and beyond to ensure that your dining experience is nothing short of extraordinary. They are knowledgeable about the menu, ready to answer any questions, and provide recommendations based on your preferences.

Every dish is served with precision and care, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to excellence. Whether it's refilling your water glass without you even asking or anticipating your needs before they arise, the exceptional service at Michelin star restaurants in Cologne elevates the entire dining experience to another level.

Unique dining experiences

Michelin star restaurants offer unique dining experiences that are unlike any other. From the moment you step through their doors, you can expect to be transported into a different world.

The ambiance is carefully curated to create an intimate and elegant setting, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience. The menu showcases the creativity and skill of Michelin-starred chefs, with each dish meticulously prepared to perfection.

The service is attentive and knowledgeable, ensuring that your every need is met throughout the meal. And of course, the signature dishes are the stars of the show, delighting your taste buds with their incredible flavors and presentation.

Cologne's Culinary Reputation

Number of Michelin stars in the city

Cologne has a culinary reputation that shines brightly with its impressive number of Michelin stars. As of 2024, the city boasts a staggering 12 Michelin starred restaurants.

Popular dishes and cuisine in Cologne

Cologne is renowned for its culinary delights and diverse cuisine. As a traveler exploring this city, you'll have the chance to savor a wide range of local specialties and international flavors.

Traditional dishes like Rheinischer Sauerbraten, Halve Hahn, and Himmel un Ääd are must-tries. You can also indulge in schnitzels or relish Italian cuisine at popular restaurants like Bei Oma Kleinmann and Ristorante Alfredo.

And don't forget to raise a glass of refreshing Kölsch beer, Cologne's famous brew that accompanies many meals in the city.

Key Takeaways

• Cologne has over 50 Michelin star restaurants, offering a wide variety of cuisines and dining experiences.
• Some top Michelin star restaurants in the city include maiBeck for modern cuisine, taku for Asian flavors, Alfredo for Italian classics, Poisson for seafood delights, and La Cuisine Rademacher for modern French dishes.
• There are also Bib Gourmand restaurants in Cologne that offer delicious international cuisine like HENNE.Weinbar and authentic Italian dishes at CARUSO Pastabar. Additionally, Capricorn [i] Aries Brasserie provides classic French cuisine with a Rheinland twist while Gasthaus Scherz serves up traditional Austrian dishes.

FAQs

1. How many Michelin star restaurants are there in Cologne?

Cologne is home to several Michelin star restaurants, with the exact number varying each year based on evaluations by the Michelin Guide.

2. How can I make a reservation at a Michelin star restaurant in Cologne?

To make a reservation at a Michelin star restaurant in Cologne, you can either call the restaurant directly or use their online booking system if available.

3. What should I expect from dining at a Michelin star restaurant in Cologne?

Dining at a Michelin star restaurant in Cologne offers an exceptional culinary experience with carefully crafted menus, top-quality ingredients, and impeccable service.

4. Are reservations necessary for dining at Michelin star restaurants in Cologne?

Yes, it is highly recommended to make reservations before visiting a Michelin star restaurant in Cologne as they tend to be popular and often fully booked.