Südstadt living

Deep in the heart of the Südstadt, behind Chlodwigplatz, is the cheery and friendly Ecco restaurant.  Daytime it’s full of bleary eyed Mum’s with sleeping infants in prams, sipping sneaky espressos and flicking through Gala mags.  Lunchtime it’s full of local business people, media types and creatives enjoying a healthy lunchtime snack, evenings the Südstadters come out in force to dine and enjoy the warm and friendly hospitality.  In the summer the broad terrace is always full, and even in the deepest winter you’ll find someone huddled up in a blanket in the wicker chairs outside.  I’ve been visiting this place on and off for the last eight years and have never been disappointed with the food or the service.  Indeed, unusually, I have been served by the same waiter nearly every time I’ve been - surely a sign of a restaurant that treats its staff well.  The menu changes regularly, but you should try Monday’s Flammkuchen menu – an Alsace dish which is a little like pizza in looks, but with it’s thin pastry base and toppings of either cheese and spinach or onions and ham, it has a very distinctive “alpen” taste.   The coffee’s are superb, the food is reasonably priced and always hearty and tasty, and the service is top notch – really – what more could you ask for?

Ecco restaurant, Kartäuserwall 7-11, Südstadt Cologne
T:  0221-8004111
www.restaurant-ecco.de