Koeln, Entree

 

Koeln - Entree (South Morning China Post, 2008)

Germany’s fourth largest city has a reputation for being its friendliest. It's densely-packed centre and intimate, cobbled Altstadt (situated on the banks of the Rhein) make a refreshing change from the formality of other German cities. Dining here ranges from the decidedly stately to the devastatingly chic.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Le Moissonnier
www.lemoissonnier.de
Krefelder Str. 25
50670 Köln
Tel: 00 49 221 729479
 
This two-Michelin-starred restaurant was founded in the 80s by Vincent Moissonnier, once voted Germany’s best sommelier (French wines and spirits). Moissonnier still takes care of the wines, but the food is prepared by talented young chef Éric Menchon, who creates playful yet rustic Francophile dishes from fresh, seasonal produce. The inviting Art Deco interior lends the venue a warm, nostalgic ambience that appeals to business diners and incurable romantics alike. Make sure you leave room for what is undoubtedly the best cheeseboard in town. Reservations necessary.

La Vision im Wasserturm
www.hotel-im-wasserturm.de
Kaygasse 2
50676 Köln
Tel: 0049 221 2008-0
 
Perhaps one of the best places to sample the ‘grand heights’ of Cologne’s culinary scene, La Vision is located on the 11th floor of the avant-garde Wasserturm Hotel - a 19th century water tower whose conversion a few years ago produced a cool $75 million price tag. The restaurant is helmed by Chef de Cuisine Hendrik Otto, who serves up world-class dishes best described as French-with-a-Med-twist. The elegant modern-classicist interior befits the energetic fine-dining on offer here, and comes not only with impeccable service but also five star views across the city.

Fischers
www.fischers-wein.com
Hohenstaufenring 53
50674 Köln, Germany
Tel: 0049 221 310847-0
 
Owned and run by Christina Fischer, TV star and one of the country’s leading wine connoisseurs, Fischers offers a gourmet experience in classy but relaxed surroundings. Staff in the open-plan kitchen work hard to create flavoursome Asian and European dishes that compliment the 700-strong wine list (over 40 varieties available by the glass). While the elegies to wine production that hang on the cream-coloured walls emphasize the restaurant’s focus on the vintner’s art, the food and service are nothing short of exquisite too.
 
Brauhaus Früh am Dom
www.frueh.de
2–18 Am Hof
Tel: 0049-221/261-3211
 
No visit to Cologne would be complete without a visit to a traditional Brauhaus, a type of brewery-cum-pub that can be found in every quarter. Früh am Dom is one of the city’s mainstays. Pull up a bench at one of the large oak tables and enjoy the convivial, semi-darkened atmosphere as waiters whisk back and forth carrying generous portions of traditional food like bockwurst, sauerkraut, pork knuckle and halven hahn (which sounds like half a chicken, but is actually bread and cheese). Make sure to sample some kölsch, the city’s preferred tipple: a pale, sweet lager served in cylindrical 20cl glasses.
 
Frizz +
www.frizz-plus.de
Ehrenstraße 43c,
50672 Köln
Tel: 0049 221 2589512
 
Currywurst is so ingrained in Germany’s national psyche that the legendary crooner Herbert Groenemeyer once felt compelled to write a song about it. Comprised of a sausage (often pork) chopped into slices and covered with dollops of curry sauce (ketchup mixed with curry powder), no-frills currywurst is usually served up on a paper tray at every street corner. Not at Frizz Plus though, where glass walls, high tables and a feng shui interior give this decades-old ritual an impressively chic tweak. Choose from a range of ‘wurst’ (chicken, beef, pork, even imported styles like chorizo) and sauces (chilli-mango-mint, honey-mustard), and snack-out in style with real cutlery, porcelain bowls and even a glass of sparkling wine.