Gourmet Restaurant

Cologne’s salon par excellence

HANSE STUBE GOURMET RESTAURANT

In times gone by, the salon of a grand house was used only for special occasions. But ours is open every day. Here, our head chef Lars Wolf adorns French haute cuisine with Rhineland accents – turning every business lunch or family dinner into a special event.

50 YEARS OF HANSE STUBE

FROM GRILL ROOM TO A COLOGNE INSTITUTION

Since its opening on 12th January 1976, the Hanse Stube has been the culinary heart of the Excelsior Hotel Ernst – a place where tradition, craftsmanship, and elegance meet at the highest level.

What began as a modest grill room has, over the years, evolved into a restaurant, renowned for exceptional hospitality, exquisite cuisine, and unforgettable moments. Mahogany paneling, fine English furniture, priceless paintings, and custom-made porcelain and cutlery continue to define the restaurant’s unmistakable atmosphere. Today, the Hanse Stube stands as a symbol of the highest quality, tradition, and hospitality, far beyond Cologne’s city limits. In the anniversary year of 2026, we celebrate 50 years of Hanse Stube – shaped by tradition and hospitality.

Gourmet means memorable

For us, being a gourmet restaurant means creating memorable experiences that you’ll never forget. It could be a taste or a texture that takes you by surprise, or a fish that’s being filleted right in front of you. Or it might be a new take on some well-known ingredients. Whatever you’re looking for, our team will do its best to fulfil your wishes and turn your visit into a real experience – from the moment you walk through the doors of the Hanse Stube.

Good taste in good hands

The Hanse Stube wine cellar

The right wine can intensify tastes, tease out new aromas and harmoniously round off a dish. The historic wine cellar of the Hanse Stube, in existence since 1910, boasts over 6,000 wines und champagnes, from which our sommelier selects the right one for every plate and palate.

Exclusive treats

Book or gift a gourmet experience in the Hanse Stube

Looking for that special venue for smaller banquets or parties? Our “Spiegelsalon” and “Fischsalon” side rooms at the Hanse Stube are reservable for private events. You can even send someone a Hanse Stube gift voucher for a gourmet dinner in Cologne’s salon par excellence.

Haute cuisine the Rhineland way

Lars Wolf

Head Chef Lars Wolf’s culinary signature is defined by a seamless fusion of tradition and modernity. His philosophy: contemporary cuisine with classic influences – defined by top quality, artisanal precision, and refined sophistication. After various positions in high-end hospitality, he now brings his experience and creative passion to the Rhineland. Since 2025, he has been heading the Hanse Stube at the Excelsior Hotel Ernst – where he reinterprets French haute cuisine with a Rhenish twist: elegant, innovative, and surprisingly familiar.

Lars Wolf Chefkoch der Hanse Stube im 5 Sterne Hotel Excelsior Hotel Ernst in Köln

A culinary experience with intense FLAVORS from the kitchen of head chef lars wolf

Signature Menu

HAMACHI & CALF’S HEAD F GF LF

apple | tarragon | voyage caviar

***

VELOUTÉ OF WILD GARLIC F GF

trout tartare | green asparagus | grapefruit

***

WILD PRAWN “4/6” F GF

lobster bisque | pea | morel

***

Salt marsh lamb T GF

madeira jus | asparagus | beet

***

JARDIN DE RHUBARBE LO

rhubarb texrutes | vanilla créme | almond | lime | strawberries

and / or

CHEESE SELECTION LO

from “Maître Affineur” Volker Waltmann from Erlangen

V – Vegetarian ; VG – Vegan ; GF – Glutenfree
LF – Lactosefree ; LO – Local ; F – Sustainable fishing

4 Course-Menu – 125 EUR
(without velouté of wild garlic & cheese)

wine pairing – 79 EUR

5 Course-Menu – 145 EUR
(without cheese)

wine pairing – 89 EUR

6 Course-Menu – 155 EUR
wine pairing – 99 EUR

Enjoy your evening at Hanse Stube!

EXCEPTIONALLY SPECIAL

WHAT’S ON AT THE HANSE STUBE