Welcome to the culinary haven of Restaurant Appare 天晴 あっはれ, a true gem nestled in the heart of Cologne, Germany. Located at Balduinstraße 10, 50676 Koln, this Japanese restaurant invites you to embark on an authentic gastronomic journey, one that is steeped in tradition and crafted with care. Whether you’re a sushi enthusiast or an aficionado of washoku—the traditional Japanese cuisine—you will find your expectations not only met but exceeded.
From the moment you step inside, the ambiance envelops you in a warm and welcoming embrace. The tasteful décor is a harmonious nod to Japanese culture while providing a comfortable setting that allows you to savor each moment. As several diners have noted, the service at Appare is exceptional, with staff who are not only professional but also exceptionally considerate of your dietary needs. As described by Brandi Gulick, it’s not just a meal; it’s an experience crafted with thoughtfulness that leaves a lasting impression.
The highlight of your visit will undoubtedly be the remarkable five-course set meal, a culinary adventure that combines traditional Japanese flavors with subtle European influences. Reviews from delighted customers like D Kent emphasize that each course is a revelation unto itself. From delectable delights like the pumpkin and truffle soup to mindfully-curated pairings of high-quality sake, you’ll be introduced to a symphony of flavors that celebrate the essence of Japanese cuisine.
Customers rave about the authenticity of dishes served here, with many praising the meal's ability to transport them straight to Japan. As Luis Fuenmayor wonderfully articulated, if you yearn for genuine washoku, Appare is the place to be. The meticulous attention to detail in both presentation and taste showcases the chef's dedication to delivering an unparalleled dining experience that even the locals from Japan would recognize and appreciate.
Wine enthusiasts, too, will be pleased by the well-curated selection of alcoholic beverages available to complement your meal. The staff is knowledgeable and eager to assist in pairing choices, ensuring that every sip enhances the culinary experience. Customers have hailed this attention to pairing, with one recommending the Kirin vintage for its unique barrique aging process, adding depth to your dining adventure.
Ultimately, Restaurant Appare 天晴 あっはれ is not merely a place to eat; it is a sanctuary for those who cherish authentic Japanese cuisine in an intimate atmosphere. The shared whispers of satisfied diners echo a sentiment: you will not be disappointed. This restaurant stands not just as a recommendation from the Michelin guide but as a heartfelt suggestion from all who have had the pleasure of dining here. So, if you are ready for an unforgettable evening filled with exquisite flavors and warm hospitality, don’t hesitate to make your reservation. Embrace the joy of dining at Appare, where culinary excellence meets true Japanese tradition.
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Brandi Gulick
20/10/2025
We had an incredible evening! The food was simply divine, the atmosphere was very tasteful and comfortable, and the staff were warm and very considerate of my food allergies. I surprised my partner with a reservation for his birthday, and what a pleasant surprise it was! We will certainly be recommending this place to friends and family, it was an absolute pleasure! Thank you to the entire team, what a night to remember!
D Kent
05/10/2025
Absolutely incredible meal, for an unbelievably good price. Delighted to meet the chef at the end of our meal and tell him personally how much we enjoyed eating here! A quiet, relaxing restaurant, hidden away 15m from the centre of Cologne. Appare restaurant served us a set meal of 5 courses, each one a revelation. My partner is a very fussy eater and was unsure about trying things, but in the end loved everything she tried. Can't recommend the place enough. Also I have to specifically mention the pumpkin and truffle soup, divine. I could have eaten that all night long. Thank you for a lovely evening!
Rico Fidelak
05/10/2025
Amazing cuisine! A real Japanese gem in the heart of Cologne, as most proper Japanese restaurant are based in Düsseldorf. I was drawn here by a Michelin recommendation and a review of Gault&Millau. A highly professional service in German and English. Each course of the 5 course meal was as excellent as the next one. The meals were enriched by blending in European ingredients, wherever it suits. The wide selection of alcoholic beverages is compiled in broad range and high quality. Ask for a suitable pairing of sake to your chosen dishes. You will not be disappointed. I recommend the Kirin vintage, aged in a barrique barrel, as a digestive. Highest recommendation!
Luis Fuenmayor
11/09/2025
We had a fantastic experience at Appare last weekend, as we visited for the first time. If you are looking for the authentic Japanese washoku (traditional Japanese cuisine) then this is definitely the place for you. Here you can forget about sushi rolls and poke bowls plaguing the city - nothing of that cheap, mainstream trend to be found here. Lovely atmosphere, impeccable service, and true japanese food - or, to put it in the words of my girlfriend, who is Japanese, "you wouldn't be able to spot the difference between here and what you could find in any place in Tokyo". In her words not only the best washoku restaurant in Cologne, but the best one she has been able to find outside Japan thus far. Of course, prices are a bit on the high end, especially their dinner menu, but for lunch the prices, quality, and sizing was extremely appropriate. One can now fully understand why the Michelin guide recommends it, and in all honesty, so do we, much wholeheartedly. We will definitely come back for lunch again soon, hungry for more.
N.T.
18/08/2025
Wow. Do you like Japanese food? Do you want to feel transported to Japan for a night? Then come here - very authentic, delicious flavors. It’s a set 5-course meal for 65€ and was worth every cent. I will be back! „Arigato sogei-mas!“
R
11/08/2025
A positive dinning experience suitable for European expectations of Japanese cuisine. Reservations required, and can easily be made online or via phone, with enough anticipation. There is no AC, and it gets very hot in the summer. They do have regular Japanese fans you can individually use yourself at your table, manually. This is a refined dining experience with its multi-course menu and curated drink selection, as opposed to a typical ramen or sushi bar. I tried their 5-course meal along with several drinks from the menu. The quality of the dishes was good, and while each course was modest in size, the portions together left me satisfied. However, I found the overall approach leaning more toward catering to European palates while using Japanese ingredients and themes, rather than delivering something fully consistent with the traditional Japanese cuisine I’ve experienced in Japan. Bottom line: A well-prepared and enjoyable dining experience, but those seeking a more authentic taste of Japan may find it leaning toward fusion rather than tradition.
Dora Z.
31/07/2025
Superb Japanese restaurant, would give 6 stars if it was possible. It's rare to find such amazing food in this price range. The ambience is also relaxing with quiet piano music and the waitress is very sweet and accommodating. Lots of Japanese people were also eating there during our visit which is always a good sign. Definitely would recommend for anyone wanting to discover Japanese cuisine further than sushi.
Yoojin Ahn
27/06/2025
Great authentic Japanese restaurant tucked away in a corner street. Quite spacious, quiet ambiance, great service and the waitress was tri-lingual in Japanese, German and English. Very sweet and attentive. The lunch sets are a great deal for the quality and quantity you get, which includes a starter, salad, soup with main and dessert ranging from 16 to 27 euros. The place is not a place to go for a quick and fast lunch though. Had the Sashimi set. Simply amazing. Great quality, generous portion, delicious and beautifully presented. Their tea and sake selections are extensive too. Would love to visit again.