Rosticceria Massimo

If you've ever been to Italy, you know the Italian attitude to life that many people love so much: because it's all about enjoying life, friendships, family, joy, sun, passion, good food, being together, dancing, singing and talking about God and the world. It's like riding a Vespa through Rome in the red of the evening to the nearest restaurant, where lots of friends are already waiting for you with a glass of wine. Ideally, such an evening would end with a dip in the Trevi Fountain ... Joking aside - that was probably already forbidden with Anita Ekberg and has of course long been strictly forbidden today.

But - that's how typically Italian it still is today at the Rosticceria Massimo: it's crowded, loud, relaxed, lively, informal, delicious and extremely cosy. So much intimacy with strangers - it has to be said at this point - is not everyone's cup of tea. If you prefer a quiet meal, then Massimo is not the restaurant for you. But if you like it really Italian, then Massimo, the one-room restaurant with a bistro feel, is the place for you.

Inside at Massimo: the world and the people

At Massimo, guests of all ages - from young to old, from first dates to families or older couples - sit close together or on bar stools at the counter. It can get crowded - close together with strangers. There is little room for strangers here, unless you sit outside on the street terrace on the Alteburger. We recommend arriving early or making a reservation - after all, Massimo has been one of the most popular Italian restaurants in Cologne's Südstadt district for years. 

Massimo's menu

There is traditional Italian cuisine to eat: pasta "con", typical fish and meat dishes, some pizzas and also the classic antipasti such as bruschetta, focaccia, vitello tonato and dolci such as tiramisu are of course not missing here. The shop is also famous for its panzanella, the bread salad. Some of the wines that you drink here - and that you enjoyed - can also be ordered online for home later.

Massimo: a family business

Of course, there is an Italian family behind so much Italy - and still is today. In 2004, two restaurateurs and best friends - Massimo Zanchetti and Nanni Polzoni - opened Massimo. Massimo's son, Gabriel Zanchetti, who actually studied geography, joined them in 2006 and still runs the shop today. In addition to Rosticceria Massimo, Zanchetti opened other restaurants in the following years: Il Bagutta, Tanica and Restaurant Barile. Buon appetito.