DER VIERTE KÖNIG - Köln — Restaurant in Cologne

I already heard much about the new place. The indian chef, which speaks some German, worked at the Capricorn and had a nickname as the 4th king (der vierte König) at his station Vieux Sinzig which later on babtized as the name of his restaurant.

Not long after the opening and due to mouth to mouth propaganda as well as through his great connection with some wellknown chefs in the region, the venue managed to become popular. Probably it answered my question why the service was terrible. The waitress rejected to negociate ie. I cant stand lamb but it was the only option by the menu. Luckily it turned out in my favour. Or the other lady at our table (went there with a roundtable group) who tried to switch the dessert.

The menu is pretty interesting as well as the whole concept. Too bad the combination has less taste. Dont want to become rude, but the Amuse Gaule was weird (check the photo: bottom right). The sushi-like thing there tasted like nothing. The Steak was way too stringy or tough. The Tarte Tartin wasnt better. The dough was hard n the apple wasnt juicy enough. It was even too sour. The best part was the Fish Carpaccio with its refined taste and well presented.

The menu starts by 39 € for 3 courses. Water 6,50 €.

I wish the (humble) chef who greeted the guests by or after the dessert at their table much luck. I...

French cuisine, German ingredients, and Indian spices and dishes blended in masterfully. The place is charming, relaxed, and our 11-months old was entertained by the staff with great affection. The chef came visiting to ask about the food. It is very obvious the he enjoyed classical French training, and is deeply immersed in fusing German, Indian, and French cuisines. The food selection is limited. One can go with prechosen menus or combine appetizers with entrées and desserts. At our visit, the selection comprised 4 appetizers, 4 main courses, and 4 dessert choices. The offerings were one red meat, one poultry, one seafood/fish, and one vegetarian dish for each. Our party of 3.5 shared the meat options, and everything was excellent and highly interesting thanks to various dips and sauces, including with very potent flavors. The wine and cocktail selection is excellent and there are even alcoholfree choices that taste good. The staff is very friendly, attentive, and not stiff at all. All in all, one can feel the passion and positive climate between owner and wait staff (who btw are clearly professionally trained). The prices are very acceptable for the quality and uniqueness of the labor-intense food. BTW, dessert is a must. Sorbets and creme brûlée were so unique and wonderfully presented. And not...

This restaurant offers seasonal cuisine using local ingredients. And that is literally to take, because the chef picks up the ingredients in the forest and gardens nearby.

The Indian chef, who has learned at a French cuisine, convinces by creative combinations between these two cultures.

Money/value relation ist extraordinary, considering the effort and expense of getting the local ingredients, as well as the monthly changing dishes.

I highly recommend this fantastic restaurant, with unique dishes. It was not by chance, that "der vierte König" was selected by various newspaper (including Kölner Stadtanzeiger) as one of the top...