Where to Get the Best Sushi in Cologne

With more than 100 items listed on the Okinii menu, ranging from classic sushi rolls to Japanese main dishes such as chicken teriyaki, no one will agonize over what to order. A flat fee of 16,50 € for lunch or 27,50 € for dinner allows patrons to order as much food as they’d like. And in order to avoid food waste, patrons can only order seconds if already finished with their first plate.

Dark wooden furniture, dimmed lights and glass windows create a pleasing atmosphere at Tokyo. The extensive menu leaves nothing to be desired. If the list of maki rolls, nigris, hand rolls, sashimi and inside-outs isn’t convincing enough, their warm dishes might be. Beef, scallops, chicken or seafood leave diners spoilt for choice. Or how about ramen or owan soup? There’s something for everyone on the 17-page menu.

The cosy Sushi deLux is a favourite in the south of Cologne. The menu is a mix of all-time classics from maki to sashimi and creative varieties like crispy deep-fried avocado and cheese balls. The main courses are composed of the best of Japanese and Thai cuisine. Think udon noodle soup, chicken satay and a Thai tuna salad.

Ask locals about their favourite sushi restaurant, and in no time at all someone will shriek “Daitokai!”. The restaurant has established itself as the spot for Japanese food in Cologne and also one of the more expensive. The minimalist interior seems authentic, and meals here are prepared the Teppanyaki-way, where chefs prepare dishes in front of awe-inspired patrons right at their tables.

A reservation at Momotaro comes about with luck. The small sushi bar only seats around 25 people and is usually fully booked. Although some may be put off by the restaurant’s decor, the food leaves people wanting more. With more than 30 different Maki rolls, sashimi, grilled eel, fried shrimp balls, soups and tempura, patrons have a lot to choose from. Struggling to decide? A four course meal could be the way to go.

The chefs at Zen have not only mastered the art of sushi but also know how to create an atmosphere in which guests can relax and enjoy their meals. Their whole concept, including the interior design, revolves around Zen philosophy. The food is downright delicious and combines traditional recipes with a modern twist. Next to the sashimi, maki and nigri rolls, the uri-maki are real eye-catchers on the extensive menu. Try the volcano roll (salmon, masago, spring onion, spicy mayonnaise and teriyaki sauce) or the cherry blossom roll with tuna, lettuce, yuzu and wasabi-mayonnaise.

Old meets new at the Tanoshii restaurant which is only a stone’s throw away from the central Rudolfplatz. A range of starters, soups and salads complement the menu of main dishes and sushi. All-time favourites mingle with fusion creations that give a welcomed variety. The Big Crispy Spicy is a futomaki roll with spicy tuna all dipped in a tempura batter and deep fried, while the Flaming Turf & Surf describes a mix of crab, salmon caviar, spicy mayonnaise wrapped into flambéed beef. Whatever the order, every plate will most likely look like a work of art and send diners into sushi heaven.