Zur Tant

There are places where there’s plenty of space, time, and tranquility to enjoy a truly special meal and a truly special evening—one that goes beyond the ordinary. If that’s exactly what you’re longing for—in an age of space efficiency and strict dinner time slots—head to Port-Langel during your visit to Cologne, to the gourmet restaurant Zur Tant.

Here, in a well-maintained historic half-timbered house situated directly on the idyllic banks of the Rhine, food lovers from near and far have been gathering for about 50 years to let themselves be whisked away to the stars through culinary delights. In the summer, dining is also available on the terrace.

Gasthaus Zur Tant: From a Gray Bun to Stars, Caps, and Diamonds

At first glance, “Zur Tant” sounds old-fashioned—and the name does indeed have its roots in an old story, for the inn—first mentioned in records as early as 1849—was once run by a single woman, perhaps even one with a gray bun. So the saying in the village went: “We’re going to Tant’s.” Owners have changed since then, but the name has remained.

In 1976, Franz Hütter took over the restaurant and turned it into a well-known gathering place for gourmets with his Austrian-French-Mediterranean cuisine. A Michelin star soon followed. In 2014, the Hütters handed the restaurant over to their longtime executive chef, Thomas Lösche, who has since made a name for himself in the gourmet world by earning two red toques in the 2023 Gault&Millau guide and three diamonds in the Varta Guide. In 2017, he also regained the Michelin star that the restaurant had previously lost.

Seasonal, meticulous, sensual: cuisine with character

Zur Tant offers a rotating French-Mediterranean à la carte menu as well as a tasting menu featuring four, five, or six carefully paired courses. The restaurant uses select ingredients based on seasonal availability. The cuisine, which is traditional yet creative, focuses on fish and meat dishes. However, vegetarians will also find options on the menu—at least upon request.

History of Porz-Langel: The Zur Tant Inn

The Cologne neighborhood of Porz-Langel lies directly on the Rhine and has retained its village-like character to this day. First mentioned as “Langalon” as early as 965, the town’s history dates back to late Roman times. Once a wine-growing village with its own windmill, Langel is known today for its idyllic natural setting with riparian forests and flood control basins—and, of course, for its gourmet restaurant Zur Tant. Here, you can perfectly combine both nature and the culinary delights of Cologne’s top-tier gastronomy.

Piccolo

In the same building and under the same management, you’ll also find the gourmet restaurant Piccolo Rheinterrasse, which offers a slightly different culinary experience: classic, simpler dishes like wild garlic or fish soup, free-range chicken, as well as Berkshire pork and semolina pudding with sorbet—all at a more affordable price.