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Europe Germany Cologne Cafés Café Reichard

Overview

Café Reichard

The guide was updated: 2025-06-27

Just steps from the Cathedral, Café Reichard is a spacious, long-standing spot perfect for people-watching—and cake. Split between an airy interior and a terrace with direct views of the west portal, it’s a popular pick on sunny days. The pastry team bakes a wide range of homemade cakes, pralines, truffles and Baumkuchen, and there’s a small savoury menu too. It feels proper rather than trendy, so expect generous portions and a steady stream of locals and tourists. It’s not cheap, but a seat here offers one of the best views in town.

Useful Information

Address: Unter Fettenhennen 11, Cologne
Opening hours: Daily 8:30am–7pm
Website: www.cafe-reichard.de/index.html
Phone: +49 221 2578542

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Café Reichard

Café Reichard

Just steps from the Cathedral, Café Reichard is a spacious, long-standing spot perfect for people-watching—and cake. Split between an airy interior and a terrace with direct views of the west portal, it’s a popular pick on sunny days. The pastry team bakes a wide range of homemade cakes, pralines, truffles and Baumkuchen, and there’s a small savoury menu too. It feels proper rather than trendy, so expect generous portions and a steady stream of locals and tourists. It’s not cheap, but a seat here offers one of the best views in town.

Fassbender

Fassbender

Fassbender is one of Cologne’s oldest coffee spots, originally opened in 1830. Rebuilt in the 1950s after WWII, it still wears that retro look: rounded hall, cushioned walls, sofas, cocktail chairs—the kind of setting you'd expect from a classic European café. These days, it’s more pâtisserie than breakfast bar, specialising in pastries, cakes, quiches and sorbets. There’s a sense of timeless elegance, and it remains a favourite among both locals and visitors.

Restaurant Café Feynsinn

Restaurant Café Feynsinn

Tucked just off Rathenauplatz, Feynsinn is a cosy, lived-in spot with high ceilings, a touch of vintage charm, and a mix of regulars and brunch-goers. The menu leans creative and seasonal—vegan pancakes, shakshuka, fresh salads, and organic wines feature prominently. There’s a leafy terrace out front when the weather’s nice, and the place shifts easily from morning coffees to relaxed evening meals.

Café Sehnsucht

Café Sehnsucht

Café Sehnsucht has been a staple in Ehrenfeld since 1982, running on a simple idea: regional, organic, seasonal—and homemade. They bake their own bread, cakes, jams and chocolate spreads, and keep things fresh with breakfasts inspired by the slow-food movement. Expect hearty sourdough toast, French toast, quiches, salads and daily savoury specials. There’s a cosy café area out front and a quiet winter garden out back that turns into an intimate restaurant at night.

Miss Päpki

Miss Päpki

Miss Päpki feels like stepping into a pastel daydream—vintage white chairs, delicate crockery, and soft floral details give it a light, romantic vibe. This quaint café serves seasonal homemade cakes (like brownie cheesecake or lemon tarts), sandwiches, quiches, salads and even house-brewed iced teas and lemonades in summer. You can grab a seat inside or head out to the terrace to watch the lively square unfold around you.

Salon Schmitz

Salon Schmitz

Right in the heart of the Belgian Quarter, Salon Schmitz is part café, part bar, part patisserie—and utterly Cologne. Housed in what used to be a butcher’s shop, the space has 1950s–60s design flair with exposed brick, chandeliers, and a relaxed lounge feel. During the day, it serves breakfast dishes, quiches, salads, cakes and ice cream; evenings bring wine, cocktails and Cologne’s own Schmitz Kölsch beer on tap.

The Coffee Gang

The Coffee Gang

This speciality brew bar nails what good coffee should be—bright, unpretentious, and expertly made. They serve a crisp house blend alongside rotating filter roasts (V60, AeroPress, Syphon), plus a handful of sandwiches and seriously good in-house cakes— the NY cheesecake comes highly recommended.

Schamong Kaffee

Schamong Kaffee

Tucked away in Ehrenfeld, Schamong is Cologne’s oldest coffee roastery, in business since 1949. It’s not a trendy hangout but a proper working roastery where you can sip a freshly brewed cup while beans are being roasted in the background. Their coffee is fair trade, and the focus is on quality over hype—expect strong, classic flavours and staff who know their stuff. It’s a bit outside the city centre, but worth the detour if you're into coffee done right.

Cafecafe

Cafecafe

Cafecafe is a bright, laid-back spot known for its creative breakfasts, hearty bagels, and fresh salads. It’s colourful and cosy inside, but if the weather’s nice, grab a seat on the shady terrace out front. It’s cash-only, so bring some euros, and if you go at peak time be ready for a bit of a wait—it’s popular for a reason.

Funkhaus

Funkhaus

Funkhaus is a relaxed all-day café, bar and restaurant just a few minutes from Cologne Cathedral. Inside, it has a retro-modern vibe with plenty of space, and in summer, the outdoor terrace is a great spot for views of the spires. Breakfast is served daily until midday with hearty options like scrambled eggs and pancakes. Later in the day, the menu switches to German staples like currywurst, soups, and simple cakes, plus drinks in the evening.

Café Hibiskus

Café Hibiskus

Just off Hansaring in the Old Town, Café Hibiskus is a cozy, fully vegan café that feels like someone’s living room. They bake everything in-house—from raw cheesecakes to sweet and savoury pastries—all made with fresh, local ingredients and various plant-based milks.

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