5 Best Breakfast and Brunch Spots in Cologne, Germany

Are you planning a trip to Cologne, Germany and wondering where to find the best breakfast spots?

I've been there! This guide is the result of my research and personal breakfast adventures in the city. It'll show you some fantastic places for a delicious start to your morning.

Ready for a tantalizing breakfast adventure in Cologne? Let's go!

Top Breakfast Spots in Cologne, Germany

Café Buur

Café Buur has become one of Cologne's most popular brunch spots, especially on the weekends. They offer breakfast all day long, which makes it a fantastic place for breakfast lovers, especially if you're not an early riser. [1]

On their expansive menu, find middle eastern dishes like Shakshuka (gently poached eggs in tomato & bell pepper sauce) and Menemen (Turkish scrambled eggs with tomatos)...

...alongside familiar suspects like the hearty Mac 'n Cheese, Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon, pancakes with Raffaello ice cream and avocado toast.

The food isn't just delicious; I love that they take great care in making sure it's also beautifully presented. Many of their dishes come in charming little pans, and are lovingly decorated. After all, what's brunch without a little food porn?

So if you ever find yourself looking for popular brunch spots or the best restaurants in Cologne, give Café Buur a chance!

Address: Richard-Wagner-Str. 28, 50674 Köln, Germany

ST. LOUIS Breakfast

Decorated with disco balls and neon signs, ST. LOUIS Breakfast, is an all-day breakfast spot known for its funky, bohemian atmosphere.

Your lazy brunch here is paired best with a mimosa or another of their breakfast cocktails, lavishly presented for Instagram. I voted for the Strawberry Queen mimosa, while my wife is more of a Bloody Bitch person.

The menu here seems to span the globe. You can enjoy the street views from their terrace as you dig into a Full English Breakfast or Huevos Rancheros (Mexican breakfast with fried eggs, tortilla and pico de gallo), while your companion feasts on a Sabich Tel Aviv - an Israeli breakfast with fried zucchini and chickpeas.

ST. LOUIS Breakfast is located on the edge of the Rathenau-Viertel and a few steps from Köln Süd station. But it's worth the trip down.

Address: Meister-Gerhard-Straße 30, 50674 Köln, Germany

Funkhaus

This cafe, bar and restaurant is situated in the restored canteen of the WDR radio station, preserving its classy 1950s ambiance, replete with high windows and a back-lit bar.

Sitting at the terrace, you get an eyeful of the majestic Cologne Cathedral. This restaurant is known to serve up a delectable lunch of Cologne favorites, but breakfast is undoubtably the prize here. [2]

Start your morning with a stack of sugar-dusted pancakes, a decadent New York Cheesecake or barista-brewed coffee.

Or treat your group to the full works, a Cologne breakfast (KÖLNER TREFF FRÜHSTÜCK) - a smorgasbord of breads, butter, smoked ham, salami, three kinds of cheeses, jam and coconut yogurt with fresh fruits.

Address: Wallrafpl. 5, 50667 Köln, Germany

Hommage Café

The tiny size of Hommage cafe is perhaps what caught my eye first. It doesn't feel like a cafe, but more like an attic space converted into a makeshift brunch spot. Seats made from cable drums, old sewing machines, and church pews add to the charm.

The ceiling above the bar is beautifully adorned with images of angels and saints seemingly watching over you as you dig into heavenly pancakes made from buckwheat, munch on the cafe's perfect Bircher muesli.

The cafe is a haven for vegans and dairy-free seekers, thanks to the wide variety of mouthwatering vegan cakes & pastries.

The central location makes Hommage an ideal spot to unwind after a stop at the Belgian Quarters, whether you're alone, with a friend, or on a date. The playlist of cozy songs adds to the relaxing ambiance.

Address: Friesenstraße 73, 50670 Köln, Germany

Bastian's

Forget your hotel's breakfast buffet; you can't go wrong starting your mornings at a Cologne bakery. And my favorite, Bastian's, gives its competition a run for their money.

Their bakers get to work from 8am, so that from the moment you step through the door, the aroma of newly baked bread coming out of the oven hits you. It doesn't get fresher than that. [4]

The bakes at Bastian's are legendary; savor a slice of the delicate Bienenstich (Bee Sting Cake), the decadent Kokos Sahne Torte (Coconut Cream Cake) or their homemade cheesecake. Everything's so good, I'm always disappointed when my stomach can't take anymore.

The store is also situated in Neumarkt, surrounded by malls and shopping streets. After breakfast, you can head to Neumarkt Galerie or Schildergasse for some much-needed retail therapy.

Address: Auf dem Berlich 3-5, 50667 Köln, Germany

Must-Try Breakfast Dishes

Classic German Breakfast

There's no "Cologne breakfast" per se. If you want a traditional breakfast in Germany, it usually involves Brötchen (German bread rolls), thick slices of cheese, jam, hard-boiled eggs, and an array of cold cuts like salami, ham, and liverwurst.

Fresh classic Brötchen has a crispy crust, and a soft and fluffy inside, perfect for spreading jam or butter on top. And let's not forget about the cheese! Slices of Emmental and Gouda, as well as soft cheeses like Brie.

To accompany the bread, we often spread a generous helping of jam. Among the favorites are strawberry jam, raspberry preserves, apricot jam, or black currant jam. Another beloved option is Nutella, a hazelnut chocolate spread.

Traditional pastries like Kräppel and Streuselkuchen

When in Germany, there's nothing quite like a sweet, sticky and buttery pastry to send you to heaven. Obviously, they aren't something you can eat everyday, but hopefully these pastries are an indulgence you can spare on your Cologne trip!

One must-try pastry is the Kräppel, a jam-filled donut that's golden-fried to perfection and topped with powdered sugar. It's also a common treat locals enjoy during the Carnival festivities.

Another mouthwatering pastry is Obsttörtchen, or mini fruit flans. In contrast to the traditional French fruit tart, these have a soft spongey cake base. Atop this is a vanilla cream filling, a generous assembly of fresh fruits, all elegantly finished with a glossy glaze.

Mettbrötchen

If you've never had Mettbrötchen, you must try it in Cologne. A fresh bread roll is topped with Mett, raw minced pork seasoned with salt, pepper, and occasionally onions.

Mettbrötchen is found in most bakeries, butcher shops, and some restaurants in Cologne. If you don't see it on the shelves, simply ask the staff if they can make one on the spot - freshness is important when you eat Mettbrötchen.

Because it's so affordable, delicious, and found practically everywhere, many locals enjoy it for breakfast.

Healthy options like Bircher muesli and avocado toast

There's a German preference for wholesome and nutritious breakfast options, so you'll find plenty of healthy options to pick from.

In Cologne, Bircher muesli has become a part of the breakfast culture. This satisfying dish combines soaked oats, fresh fruits, and crunchy nuts and seeds, resulting in a delicious and nutritious meal.

Another healthy choice is avocado toast, which offers a delicious combination of creamy avocado paired with toasted bread. Cafes often get creative by adding toppings like poached eggs, smoked salmon, microgreens, feta cheese, bacon, or salsa.

Both dishes are packed with nutrients and make for a great start to the day.

Pretty Brunch Food

Typically served for people who like to sleep in a bit, they often feature hearty items like sausage, bacon, ham, and smoked salmon, as well as sweet treats like pancakes, waffles, French toast, and crepes. Egg-based dishes, like Eggs Benedict, are often a staple on these menus.

Plus, it's worth noting that the dishes are often beautifully arranged, perfect for snapping pictures to share on Instagram.

In line with Cologne's cosmopolitan vibe, international flavors are also widely enjoyed. Imagine savoring the experience of dipping bread into a simmering Shakshuka or relishing the zest of Mexican tacos.

Tips for Enjoying Breakfast in Cologne

Arriving Early

The good breakfast places here can get quite busy, and being early ensures you won't have to wait in long lines or be disappointed if they're full.

When it comes to bakeries, the best pastries or the most popular cakes tend to get sold out by morning too!

So make sure to set your alarm clock a little earlier and savor the delicious food at one of Cologne's top breakfast spots before they get crowded.

Bring cash

While credit and debit cards are widely accepted in many places in Germany, including Cologne, some smaller and more traditional breakfast spots may have a preference for cash payments.

Explore different neighborhoods for diverse options

Cologne is a lively city with lots of great food, and every part of town has its own feel and places to eat.

In the Belgian Quarter, which is known for being young and artsy, there are cool shops and art galleries that also make tasty breakfasts.

And if you want vegan food or grab-and-go breakfasts, Cologne has those too.

The food scene here is so diverse that you'll find something to enjoy, no matter what you like to eat. So, don't stick to just one neighborhood—go explore and try all the different breakfasts this city has.

Try local specialties and traditional German breakfast dishes

Local specialties provide an authentic taste of the region. It's a chance to savor flavors and ingredients that are specific to Cologne and the surrounding area. 

One tasty option is the Mettbrötchen, a satisfying and hearty sandwich that's perfect when you're hungry.

You could also kickstart your day with regional favorites like Kräppel, Obsttörtchen, or Bienenstich.

And, of course, there's the authentic German classics with Brötchen, cheeses, jams, and cold cuts.

Consider dietary restrictions and options for vegetarians or vegans

It's a misconception that German food must be meat-heavy! In Cologne, there are plenty of options available for those looking for meatless alternatives.

If you're in the mood for a vegan breakfast, most of the cafes and bakeries in this article offers delicious plant-based options at reasonable prices.

So whether you're vegetarian or vegan, rest assured that there are plenty of choices available to satisfy your cravings while exploring the vibrant city of Cologne.

Conclusion: Best Breakfast and Brunch Spots in Cologne

When it comes to finding the best breakfast in Cologne, the answer is clear. You won't be disappointed. From cozy cafes like Café Buur and Hommage to trendy spots like ST. LOUIS Breakfast and Funkhaus, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Whether you're craving a traditional German breakfast or looking for something different, Cologne's breakfast scene has something for everyone.

Key Takeaways

• Café Buur in Cologne, Germany is a must - visit spot for delicious brunch options with its perfect rating and highly recommended local breakfast deluxe meal for two.
• ST. LOUIS Breakfast offers an all - day breakfast menu with a funky atmosphere and extensive options that draw in locals and travelers alike.
• Funkhaus provides flavorful breakfast offerings and light lunch dishes in a stylishly modern decor within WDR-Funkhaus, offering stunning architectural panoramas from their terrace.
• Hommage is a popular brunch spot serving satisfying dishes like scrambled eggs with tomatoes and toast or buckwheat pancakes made with care.
• Bastian's, a French-style bakery, stands out for its variety of delicious breakfast and brunch options along with strong coffee to start your day right.

FAQs

1. Where can I find the best breakfast in Cologne?

You can find the best breakfast in Cologne at various cafes and restaurants throughout the city.

some popular areas to explore for breakfast options include the Belgian Quarter, the Old Town, and the city center. These neighborhoods offer a wide range of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants that serve delicious breakfast choices.

2. What are some popular dishes to try for breakfast in Cologne?

Popular breakfast dishes in Cologne include Mettbrötchen, a hearty sandwich, and traditional German options like Brötchen with cheeses, jams, and cold cuts. Additionally, you can enjoy regional favorites such as Kräppel, Obsttörtchen, and Bienenstich.

3. Are there any vegan or vegetarian options available for breakfast in Cologne?

Yes, many cafes and restaurants in Cologne offer vegan or vegetarian options for breakfast such as avocado toast, fruit bowls, or muesli.

4. Is it necessary to make reservations for the best breakfast places in Cologne?

It is recommended to make reservations at popular breakfast spots in Cologne, especially during weekends or peak tourist seasons. However, some places may also accept walk-ins depending on availability.