maiBeck - Köln

Sitting outside, overlooking the Rhine, on a warm evening was a delight. The food at Maibeck is excellent. Fine cuisine to savour. Service often makes a meal. The waiters were very friendly and helpful but we must have had six different staff wait on us. No consistency, no way for them to build on a relationship with the client, know what wine or food we had chosen and thus what to recommend.At the end of the meal the ?sixth waiter took the money and that was that. When we left there was no "thank you for coming, i hope you enjoyed your meal" etc. No good-byes at all.A shame because the restaurant cares deeply about the food, its preparation and presentation. A little thought about service would help make this a very fine dining experience.We had both English and German menus. Ox was translated as Veal which could have caused embarrassment had it not been spotted. The chef owners need to think outside of the kitchen.

My wife and I visited Köln recently and so enjoyed our first dinner here that we returned on our last night in the city to repeat our dining experience. This is a bright restaurant near the river; the staff are friendly and efficient and the atmosphere is casual and relaxed. The food was excellent on both visits.

Made a reservation rather late and luckily managed to get in. We experienced a very pleasant and tasteful evening. Both inside and outside are well decorated, no cars in front of the terrace, just passing by pedestrians enjoying the waterside space. Inside a contemporary and well balanced decor but more important; the friendliness of the restaurant team makes you feel very welcome and at ease. So far the atmosphere, when we look at professionally and cuisine, both are at a very high yet approachable level. Food is well prepared, nicely presented and not over "worked". Very nice food, not overly crafted. Nice and tasteful. Small choice on the menu, enough to find something for all. The sommelier Sascha catered to our needs very well and followed up on the service of the wine perfectly. Not to fast nor to slow, ideal to keep enough in the glasses and keep the wine at a comfortable temperature. We received good advice on German wines in order to make our choice. We like to discover local producers when traveling. We certainly would return here when back in Cologne.

Had a very good meal here. The food is imaginative and we'll - prepared and the service good too. It is very central and has pleasant views towards the river.However, I am surprised it has a star. Not that this should put anyone off. It is good value, apart from the cost of mineral water (€6 for 750ml).

A great place for lunch ( or dinner ) with friends . Located at the river bank at a bit noisy boulevard . Choice of meals is excellent , worth it's price . I have choosen a hering as starter , and ox tongue for main dish . Both were tasty , nice served with interesting flavours . You may choose also a set menu - well composed 4 dishes . Choice of wine is very good , service is nice , quick and competent