Cologne, as a cultural city in Germany, has rich historical sites and modern attractions. In this vibrant city, families traveling with children can not only enjoy the ancient cathedral and the beautiful Rhine scenery, but also experience a rich and diverse dining culture. For family travelers, choosing a restaurant that is suitable for children is crucial. Many restaurants in Cologne not only offer delicious traditional German dishes, but also have rich children’s menus, a warm atmosphere, and an environment suitable for family gatherings.
1. Overview of must-try restaurants in Cologne
Cologne’s dining culture is rich and diverse, from traditional German flavors to innovative international cuisine to menus suitable for children. There are almost all kinds of restaurants. Whether it is the history and culture of the restaurant, the seating layout, the menu variety, or the atmosphere and service quality of the restaurant, it provides a perfect dining experience for the family.
Here, you can not only taste authentic Cologne cuisine, but also a variety of meals suitable for children to meet the taste needs of all ages. Whether it is simple German sausages, golden and crispy fried chicken, or creative children’s special meals, restaurants in Cologne can always satisfy children and parents.
2. Restaurant style
2.1 “Traditional German restaurants” with a historical atmosphere
“Traditional German restaurants” often focus on classic German dishes, such as German sausages, sauerkraut, stew, roast pork knee, etc. This type of restaurant not only serves traditional local dishes, but also has high historical and cultural value. Many traditional restaurants are located in the old town of Cologne. Their buildings themselves exude a strong historical atmosphere, often with a history of hundreds of years, and will show Germany’s unique dining culture.
For families, the biggest feature of this type of restaurant is that the dishes are diverse and the portions are sufficient to meet the different dietary needs of the whole family. The children’s menus provided by the restaurant are usually very creative, and children can enjoy traditional food while experiencing interesting table culture.
2.2 Modern innovative restaurants
Compared with traditional German restaurants, modern innovative restaurants focus on the diversity and creative combination of dishes, using local fresh ingredients and combining innovative dishes with a variety of flavors. Such restaurants often have an environment designed specifically for families, with a game area or parent-child activity area suitable for children, ensuring that parents can have fun and comfort while their children dine.
3. Must-eat restaurant recommendations
3.1 Restaurant “Zum Alten Brauhaus”
Restaurant history: “Zum Alten Brauhaus” is a historic restaurant with a history of more than 100 years, deeply rooted in the cultural and culinary traditions of Cologne. The restaurant has always been committed to providing authentic German-style meals, adhering to the traditional German cooking techniques and service concepts. It not only attracts local residents, but also is an ideal place for many tourists to come and experience authentic German dining culture.
Location and booking platform: “Zum Alten Brauhaus” is located in the center of Cologne, just a 15-minute walk from Cologne Cathedral. It is surrounded by a lively pedestrian street with shopping, dining and entertainment facilities. Reservations can be made through Booking.com to ensure smooth reservations during peak tourist seasons or holidays.
Cost: The average cost per person is about 25-40 euros, and the price of children’s meals is usually less than 10 euros.
Food characteristics and taste: Zum Alten Brauhaus’s specialty is beer-braised pork. This classic German dish is very popular. The meat is tender, the sauce is strong, and it has a strong beer aroma. It is served with sauerkraut and potato dumplings. The taste is rich and very local. The restaurant’s sausages are full and firm, and the unique sauce makes the taste even more colorful. The restaurant also specially designed small portions for children, including stews and German sausages.
3.2 Café Rico
Restaurant history: Café Rico is a cafe that combines modern style with a family atmosphere, offering fresh local ingredients and a creative menu. The restaurant was founded in 2008. Although it is relatively young, it has been loved by families and children for its exquisite desserts and warm environment.
Location and booking platform: Café Rico is located in the city center of Cologne, close to Cologne Railway Station. It can be booked in advance through booking platforms such as Tripadvisor.
Cost: The average per capita consumption is about 15-20 euros.
Food characteristics and taste: Café Rico is characterized by its various desserts, especially their chocolate mousse and cakes, which are deeply loved by children. In addition, the restaurant also provides healthy and delicious salads and sandwiches, which parents can share with their children. The restaurant’s environment is full of modern sense and is a good place for family travelers to relax and rest.
3.3 Restaurant Die Chronik“
Restaurant history: Die Chronik is a very popular family restaurant in the city center of Cologne, dating back to the 1980s. The restaurant is elegantly decorated, full of the perfect combination of modern and traditional, creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere, which is very suitable for family gatherings. The restaurant focuses on carefully cooking German and Mediterranean dishes, using fresh, local ingredients.
Location and booking platform: Die Chronik restaurant is located in the center of Cologne, very close to Cologne Cathedral and can be reached on foot. It is recommended to make advance reservations through the Tripadvisor platform.
Cost: The average per capita consumption is about 20-40 euros.
Food characteristics and taste: The menu provided by the restaurant includes a variety of options suitable for children, such as small portions of German sausages, chicken pieces, mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables. The most popular is their roasted pork knee, which has a crispy skin and tender meat, and is very suitable for the whole family to share. For children, the “children’s platter” provided by the restaurant is a good choice, which contains colorful small meals, which are both healthy and delicious. Desserts are also very popular with children, especially their homemade brownies and strawberry milkshakes.
3.4 Brauhaus Sion
Restaurant history: Brauhaus Sion is located in the old town of Cologne and is a traditional German brewery restaurant with a history of 100 years. The restaurant offers authentic Cologne-style dishes and is famous for its home-brewed beer. Since its establishment, Sion has become one of the most popular restaurants in Cologne and is loved by local residents and tourists. The restaurant has a strong historical atmosphere, with historical photos and artworks hanging on the walls, giving people a sense of both tradition and modernity.
Location and booking platform: The restaurant is located in the old town of Cologne, within walking distance of Cologne Cathedral. The restaurant is very spacious and can accommodate a large number of family tourists. It is recommended to book in advance through Booking.com.
Cost: The average per capita consumption is about 25-35 euros.
Food characteristics and taste: Brauhaus Sion is characterized by its classic Cologne-brewed beer and German cuisine. The restaurant offers a rich children’s menu, including sausages, fried chicken and German classic sauerkraut stew. The most popular dishes are roast pork knee and traditional German sauerkraut, which are large in portion and rich in flavor, suitable for family gatherings. The restaurant has specially prepared a children’s menu with small portions for children, and there are special child seats and high chairs to ensure that children can also eat comfortably. After the meal, don’t forget to try their homemade desserts, such as hot chocolate brownie and crispy apple pie.
4. Child-friendly environment of the restaurant
In Cologne, many restaurants pay special attention to providing a warm dining environment for family tourists, ensuring that children can have fun while enjoying the food. Many restaurants have a special children’s menu, which provides small, healthy and creative food, such as children’s version of burgers, noodles or small meals, with a mild taste suitable for children’s appetite. In addition, restaurants often add colorful decorations on the plates, using interesting shapes and colors to attract children’s attention and make them interested in eating.
Some restaurants also have a children’s play area or provide toys and painting tools to allow children to play during the meal. In this way, children can release energy while enjoying the food, while parents can enjoy a quiet meal without worrying. Some restaurants also provide convenient facilities such as children’s chairs and tableware to ensure that the dining experience of family tourists is more comfortable and enjoyable.
5. How to choose a restaurant suitable for children
Child-friendly menu: Choose those restaurants that provide special children’s menus to ensure that children can find their favorite dishes while enjoying their meals. Many restaurants also include children’s favorite foods such as fried chicken, pasta, hot dogs, etc. on the menu, which are delicious and not greasy.
Restaurant atmosphere: Choose a restaurant with a warm environment and suitable for family gatherings. Restaurants with comfortable seats and friendly service can make parents and children feel happy.
Moderate price: For family travel, it is very important to choose a restaurant with high cost performance, so that you can enjoy delicious food without incurring too much expenses.
Cologne is a city with a deep historical background and modern culture, and its dining culture is so rich and diverse. Whether it is traditional German cuisine or modern creative meals, restaurants in Cologne can provide a wealth of choices for family tourists. Traveling with children, spending a good time in these warm and delicious restaurants will definitely become a good memory of the trip.