Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Cologne

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes 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!

PULS

4.9

4.9 (289)

€51 and over

International

Altstadt/Nord

About the restaurant

PULS ist ein weiteres Restaurantkonzept von 2-Sternekoch Daniel Gottschlich mitten im Herzen der Kölner Altstadt, das kreative à-la-Carte-Gerichte und legeres Ambiente vereint. Das Team um Chef de Cuisine Johannes Langenstück und Daniel Gottschlich überrascht mit ständig wechselnden à-la-Carte-Gerichten. Hier ist garantiert für jeden etwas dabei. Ob Fleisch oder Fisch, vegetarisch oder vegan. Hier erlebst du ein Dinner mit Freunden, romantisch zu zweit oder mit Geschäftspartnern. Möchtest du verschiedene Gerichte à-la-Carte probieren und teilen oder auch nur eine Vor- und Hauptspeise für dich genießen? Bei uns ist vieles möglich: Hier gibt es keine Vorgaben: „Enjoy it your way“ – Jeder kann auf seine Art genießen! Im laufe des Abends verwandelt sich das PULS in eine coole Bar mit einzigartigen Cocktail Kreationen.

Top review

Jens

Dined on Dec 7, 2024

Amazing food, amazing service. We will be back soon!

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Al Salam

4.7

4.7 (697)

€31 to €50

Middle Eastern

Neustadt-Süd

About the restaurant

Combining eastern and western cultures, Al Salam's goal is to serve authentic Middle Eastern cuisines and drinks to guests of all backgrounds. Diners can try dishes like a shish kebab with a fresh eggplant salad, delicious yogurt and mint pomegranate dip and quality basmati rice. Traditional meals, furniture, and antiques make visitors feel like they are dining in the middle east. An assortment of cocktails and juices are also served to enhance the guests' experience. Diners can immerse themselves into Al Salam and the Middle Eastern cultures by either casually dining or making reservations.

Top review

Tanja

Dined on Oct 26, 2024

The most delicious food and very welcoming and attentive staff - I’d dine there again anytime!

Haus Unkelbach

4.7

4.7 (271)

€30 and under

German

Lindenthal

About the restaurant

Lust auf gutbürgerliche Brauhausküche, ein kühles Kölsch und zünftig-gemütliche Atmosphäre? All das und noch viel mehr bekommst du im Haus Unkelbach, das in Köln-Klettenberg in der Luxemburger Straße zu finden ist. Seit mehr als neun Jahrzehnten steht das urige Lokal für familiäre Gemütlichkeit und leckere Klassiker der deutschen Küche. Serviert werden vielfältige Kreationen sowohl für den kleinen als auch den großen Hunger sowie für Vegetarier und für Fleischliebhaber. Gerichte wie Gulaschsuppe mit rustikalem Bauernbrot, Currywurst mit Pommes und Mayo oder Wiener Schnitzel mit lauwarmem Kartoffel-Gurken-Salat gibt es hier ebenso wie Rheinischen Sauerbraten mit Kartoffelklößen, Apfelmus und Preiselbeeren. Dank der großen kulinarischen Auswahl und des freundlichen Services ist das Haus Unkelbach das perfekte Gasthaus für wirklich jede Gelegenheit.

Top review

Minkii

Dined on Nov 24, 2024

We have been to Cologne 3 times and tried traditional German food across the city but we find this place has the best Pork knuckle and the service is top! We will definitely come back again

Gaffel am Dom

4.7

4.7 (723)

€30 and under

Brewery

Altstadt/Nord

About the restaurant

Visit the most impressive brewhouse in Cologne!
With the renovation and reopening of our restaurant in spring 2008 we have given back a piece of urban tradition from the “Wilhelmian-Period” to the people of Cologne, as well as to the visitors of the city.
Enjoy the relaxed brewery culture in cologne. “Gaffel am Dom” is a brewery of typical Rhenish character: Bourgeois, hearty and cozy. Our waitors are positive, cheerful and attentive.
You can feel the sunny cologne spirit everywhere. This is where the metropolitan flair of the European hub of Cologne meets the village-like tranquility of Cologne: Spacious, bright areas with long counters, benches and tables on the one hand, cozy corners and retreats on the other.
We look forward to your visit!

Top review

Gene

Dined 5 days ago

Service was outstanding and the restaurant was very busy.

Bier-Esel

4.7

4.7 (131)

€30 and under

German

Altstadt/Nord

About the restaurant

Kölsche Gastlichkeit, gutes Bier und deutsche Küchenklassiker sind das Markenzeichen vom Bier Esel in der Kölner Altstadt-Nord. In gemütlichem Ambiente genießt man hier in der Breiten Straße traditionelle Klassiker wie Himmel un Ääd, Speckpfannkuchen, Currywurst mit Pommes Frites oder Matjes nach Hausfrauen Art. Der Bier Esel ist aber nicht nur bekannt für seine deftige Hausmannskost, sondern auch für frische Muschelgerichte. So gibt es beispielsweise die Muscheln nach spanischer Art mit Tomatensauce, Thymian, Knoblauch und Jalapenos oder als Ragout mit Weißwein, Kräutern und Knoblauch. Vegetarier kommen mit z.B. Käsespätzle ebenfalls auf ihre Kosten und auch eine eigene Karte für Kinder gibt es. Und weil es mit dem passenden Getränk natürlich noch besser schmeckt, begeistert die Getränkeauswahl im Bier Esel mit original Sünner Kölsch.

Top review

Inga

Dined on Sep 4, 2024

Bier-Esel, a traditional German restaurant located in Cologne, offers a delightful glimpse into classic German cuisine and culture. Wooden interiors and a rustic charm. The menu features a variety of traditional German dishes. The bratwurst and sauerkraut, pork knuckle is a must-try. The service is friendly. The portions are generous. Overall, Bier-Esel is a fantastic choice for anyone seeking authentic German flavour.

Viaa

4.6

4.6 (24)

€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!

Deutzer Brauhaus

4.5

4.5 (2136)

€30 and under

Brewery

Deutz

About the restaurant

Deutzer Brauhaus is a restaurant with a cozy, brewery-styled atmosphere designed to immerse guests into the local culture. The restaurant takes pride in serving authentic, traditional Kölsch and other kinds of beverages. Deutzer Brauhaus also serves a variety of meals such as the rheinischer sour roast with delicious raisins, almonds, cabbage and potato dumplings. Guests can also try the brauhaus pan with tender pork, fresh bratwurst, turkey steak, fried sausage fried, herb butter, fries and a side salad Deutzer Brauhaus is easy to reach by public transport. Reservations and casual dining services are available during the morning through late evenings.

Top review

NanaT

Dined on Jan 20, 2024

Super leckeres Essen und guter Service in toller Brauhaus Atmosphäre

PURiNO Köln

4.2

4.2 (629)

€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

Sirin

Dined on Nov 10, 2024

Super schöne Location, leckere Nudeln und netter Service!

Hard Rock Cafe - Cologne

4.2

4.2 (975)

€30 and under

American

Altstadt/Nord

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of historic Cologne, the Hard Rock Cafe Cologne offers locals and travelers alike a unique experience you won’t soon forget. Our Cafe is located in a walkable area just six minutes from the famous Cologne Cathedral and a sixteen minute drive from the Cologne Bonn Airport. From our expansive menu to the exclusive merchandise in our Rock Shop®, Hard Rock Cafe Cologne has something to offer everyone. After enjoying your meal, don’t forget to stop by our world-famous Rock Shop®. This is the only place you will find exclusive Hard Rock Cafe Cologne apparel and merchandise.

Top review

Scott

Dined 3 days ago

Great portions and great service, food had great portions, although festive dinner could have been a little nicer the food overall was good with great service

Wilma Wunder Köln

4.1

4.1 (703)

€30 and under

German

Altstadt/Nord

About the restaurant

Küchentradition gepaart mit zeitgenössischer, moderner Küche und einer Prise Kreativität - dafür steht Wilma Wunder!

Top review

carl

Dined on Dec 5, 2024

A pleasant meal at this restaurant. It was very busy but the staff were helpful, friendly and attentive. The evening meal menu is rather limited so all four of us opted for the Sauerbraten, which was fine if a little sweet for our tastes. Carl Wood (+3)

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