Hello dear
Welcome to Bennyssimo La Trattoria, a hidden gem nestled in Cologne's Christophstraße. This unassuming eatery, managed by the warm-hearted Toni and his son Francesco, excels in delivering authentic Italian cuisine that resonates with the flavors of Puglia. Guests rave about meticulously crafted dishes like Vitello Tonnato and the handmade Gnocchi. The inviting ambiance, complemented by soothing Italian melodies, creates a cozy dining experience perfect for any occasion. While starters and mains shine with rich flavors, desserts may not impress as much. With a friendly atmosphere and an occasional surprise dish, Bennyssimo promises a memorable culinary journey worth savoring.
About
Tucked away on Christophstraße in the heart of Cologne, Bennyssimo La Trattoria is an Italian delight waiting to be discovered. Though its exterior may seem unassuming, stepping inside reveals a warm, inviting atmosphere, perfect for any dining occasion. Managed by the congenial Toni from Puglia and his talented son, Chef Francesco, this trattoria brings the essence of Italian hospitality to every patron.
The menu at Bennyssimo is a carefully curated selection of authentic dishes, with prices ranging from 16 to 40 Euros. Guests rave about the complimentary bruschetta, hailed as one of the best starters you'll ever have. Each dish comes alive with the flavors of Italy, from the rich Vitello Tonnato to the satisfying Spaghetti Vongole. The culinary artistry extends even to the local specialities, ensuring that there's always something to captivate your palate.
One dish that stands out is the lamb with rosemary and sage, delicately prepared in a buttery sauce with fresh vegetables—each bite is a celebration of flavor and freshness. Reviewers consistently mention the fresh ingredients, with handmade pastas and pillowy gnocchi that can rival those found in Italy itself. Although desserts and the wine selection may be more modest, they are still appreciated for their quality, creating a well-rounded dining experience.
The atmosphere enhances your meal, with soothing Italian tunes in the background allowing for easy conversations across the table. It's not uncommon to find regulars engaging in friendly chatter, adding to the sense of community that Bennyssimo fosters. This cozy trattoria manages to combine gourmet fare with the warmth of family-run service, where every guest feels cherished.
If you’re seeking an authentic Italian experience in Cologne, look no further than Bennyssimo La Trattoria. Whether it’s for a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or a special occasion, this quaint restaurant promises exceptional food accompanied by heartfelt hospitality.
“ Very nice coasy little place with outstanding food and good wine selection. They serve business lunch. Prices are pretty high, but worth it. ”
“ Excellent food and a very entertaining waiter. Cozy atmosphere, Italian tune gently in the background so you actually can have a conversation across table. ”
“ The people that work at and own this restaurant could not be any warmer and inviting. They bent over backwards to make sure we enjoyed the food and experience. All of the dishes I have had there rival even the best Italian restaurants I have eaten at in Italy. All of the pasta is handmade and the Gnocchi is to die for. They seem to go out of their way to use only the freshest ingredients. Sadly I am only able to eat there while I am in Koln for business. ”
“ You’d hardly notice this inconspicuous restaurant from the outside. Yet within this nondescript building lies a highly recommended and definitely one of the best Italian restaurants in Cologne. Offering a select repertoire of professionally prepared delicious dishes ranging from 16 to 40 Euros, you’ll find this place great for a wide range of occasions. The complementary bruschetta starter is one of the best you’ll ever eat. Vitello Tonnato, Spaghetti Vongole and a bunch of regional specialities are always on the menu. Fish and meat are exceptionally prepared and offered with simple but savory sauces. Lamb with rosemary, sage, butter sauce and veggies is one of my favorites. Beyond the select repertoire there’s always a speciality surprise. In comparison to the exceptionally prepared starters and main courses, the dessert is quite regular. The wine selection is OK. The restaurant feels very friendly. It’s run by Toni who hails from the Puglia region, and his son Francesco, who is the cook. Also, there are always a few regulars around who, in established Cologne tradition, never fail to extend conversations beyond their own table. ”
“ The food was cooked well and was very tasty, but the portion was very small. I read in some reviews that other guests found the owner very rude, we didn't experience this. ”