The story
In the quiet Rhine-side village of Köln-Porz-Langel, the house called “Zur Tant” has stood since 1849. It earned its name from the aunt who once ran it – and for more than 50 years it has been a destination for fine dining. In 2014, chef Thomas Lösche took over the kitchen, continuing a tradition that began when Franz Hütter earned a Michelin star here. Today, the restaurant’s Piccolo concept offers a lighter, more flexible approach to the same refined cooking.
The dining room is deliberately simple in white and grey, with every table looking out onto the Rhine. There is an outdoor terrace for warm months, and parking is available. The atmosphere is calm and unpretentious – the focus is on what arrives on the plate.
Chef Lösche describes his food as “light, modern cuisine.” It draws on Mediterranean and French influences, with an emphasis on regional ingredients. The kitchen buys in small quantities, changing the menu frequently according to season and availability. Vegetables, meat, and fish are sourced from local producers and, where possible, from sustainable fisheries. The result is a classic cuisine that feels fresh and precise.
The Piccolo menu changes regularly, so each visit offers something new. The cooking is matched by a carefully selected wine list, with a special focus on Austrian wines from the house’s own wine trade.
Piccolo at Zur Tant is listed in the 2026 edition of the Michelin guide as Recommended – a testament to the consistency and quality of Thomas Lösche’s cooking. The restaurant has been a fine-dining address in the region for decades, and this award confirms its place among Cologne’s notable restaurants.
Recognition
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