Casual fine Dining by Mirko Gaul
CALM PERFECTION
EAST ASIAN GOURMET CUISINE AT TAKU, COLOGNE
PRESERVE THE LIGHTNESS
The art of good cooking begins very simply – with outstanding ingredients. At taku, star chef Mirko Gaul shows what it can achieve with clarity, technical finesse and a bold combination of shape, colour, texture and temperature. Immerse yourself in a cuisine that delivers the maximum taste experience in an elegant setting.
STARS AND AWARDS
RESTAURANT TAKU IN COLOGNE
Guide Michelin: 1*
Gault-Millau: 16/20
Gusto: 8/10
PREPARED WITH Individuality
HOLISTIC STAR CUISINE
BETWEEN ASIA AND COLOGNE
STAR CHEF MIRKO GAUL
Our Head Chef Mirko Gaul regularly draws inspiration from Asia for his creations at taku, bringing back vivid impressions from Bangkok, Hong Kong or Tokyo to Cologne. In the preparation of his dishes, he uses various techniques of Western cuisine.
Born in Cologne, Mirko began his career in the cathedral city. After training at the Graugans restaurant and a stint at Da Damiano, he has been delighting taku’s guests with his signature dishes since 2011.
menu
Degustation
ROCK OCTOPUS & SHORT RIB FROM US BEEF
celery – green tomato – jalapeño
* SASHIMI OF WILD ROSÉ SEA BREAM
soy – wasabi – myoga
* KOMBUJIME OF BLACK COD
morel – sake – peas
SOT-L´Y-LAISSE & ASPARAGUS
green pepper – wan-tan – poultry broth
CHAR SIU OF IBERICO PLUMA
potsticker – pak choi – wild garlic
RHUBARB VARIATION
vanilla – ginger
6 courses – 165 EUR
wine pairing – 119 EUR
4 courses – 121 EUR
* without SASHIMI & KOMBUJIME
wine pairing – 79 EUR
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT TAKU!
EXCEPTIONALLY SPECIAL
WHAT’S ON AT TAKU
taku & friends no. 15
Michelin starred Kitchenparty
For the fithteenth time in a row, Michelin-starred chef Mirko Gaul opens the doors of his restaurant for his legendary Kitchen Party. Once again, top chefs from renowned restaurants will ensure an unforgettable experience. Get ready to experience an exciting evening with a star-studded line-up, great entertainment, and a relaxed atmosphere. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary culinary event!
Look forward to the following guest chefs:
Filip Czmok | Boutique Hotel Marielle | Bad Münstereifel
Frédéric Morel | Restaurant Cœur d’Artichaut | Münster
A further guest chef will be announced shortly.
The two sommeliers Lucas Wenzl and Dennis Ruhl will present their personal favorite wines from exclusive wineries, creating a truly unique wine experience.
Get ready to experience an exciting evening with a star-studded line-up, great entertainment and a relaxed atmosphere. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary culinary event!
tickets →
Guests wishing to extend the evening with an overnight stay at the Excelsior Hotel Ernst will receive 20% off the current daily rate when booking by phone at +49 221 / 270 - 3166 and quoting the keyword “taku Kitchenparty".
taku Winemaker's Dinner
WHERE THE WORLD OF WINE MEETS CULINARY EXCELLENCE
Embark on a sensory journey through the world of exquisite wines and fine cuisine. Under the culinary mastery of Michelin-starred chef Mirko Gaul, you will enjoy an unforgettable five-course menu at taku. Each dish is paired with carefully selected wines from the family-run winery Lackner Tinnacher in Gamlitz, Austria. Katharina Tinnacher, owner of the winery, will take you on a fascinating journey of wine discovery, sharing the stories behind the fine vintages while imparting her profound knowledge and passion for winemaking.
The event will take place at a shared table in order to encourage personal exchange and conversation about the presented wines in a pleasant atmosphere. Please be aware that we can only accommodate allergies and intolerances to a certain extent. Please contact us in advance regarding any concerns in this regard.
Date: 13th November 2026
Time: 7pm
Price: 269 EUR per person incl. five-course menu, aperitif, wine pairing, water and coffee
Tickets →
taku taste journey: italy edition
sapori di taku
Join us for five unforgettable evenings of flavor, passion, and the joy of Italian living – right here at taku. From 12th to 16th May 2026, Michelin-starred chef Mirko Gaul will take you on a culinary journey through Italy. In his private kitchen, he has long been devoted to Italian cuisine, inspired by its simplicity, vibrant flavors, and infectious zest for life. For one week, this passion comes to taku, inviting you to experience a journey filled with taste, emotion, and authenticity.
Savor genuine Italian cuisine in a carefully crafted four- or six-course menu – all without leaving your favorite restaurant.
Date: 12th – 16th May 2026
Time: from 6:30pm
Price: 165 EUR six-course menu | 121 EUR four-course menu
To make a reservation please call: +49 221 / 270 – 1.
Truffle Dinner at taku
A culinary journey into the world of truffles
taku invites you to an exclusive evening dedicated to one of the world’s most coveted delicacies – the Australian winter truffle. For this special occasion, Michelin-starred chef Mirko Gaul presents an exquisite five-course menu celebrating the truffle in all its aromatic depth. Each course will be finished tableside with freshly shaved truffle, creating a truly sensory experience for both the eyes and the palate. Throughout the evening, the taku team will share their passion for this exceptional ingredient and offer fascinating insights into the world of truffles. An elegant evening of remarkable flavors, inspiration, and refined culinary craftsmanship.
Date: 10th Oktober 2026
Time: 7pm
Price: 249 EUR per person incl. five-course menu, aperitif, wine pairing, water and coffee
tickets →
taku SOMMELIER BATTLE
SOUS CHEF VS. SOMMELIER
An unforgettable evening, two passionate personalities, and a love for wine like no other: To celebrate Sous Chef Nicolai Kais’ successful sommelier certification, he goes head-to-head with Sommelier Daniel Malskorn in an exclusive Wine Battle at taku.
Savor a five-course gourmet menu crafted by Michelin-starred chef Mirko Gaul. For each course, Daniel Malskorn presents his perfect wine pairing – while Nicolai Kais offers his own expertly chosen alternatives. Who will triumph and win your palate? Cast your vote at the end of the evening and immerse yourself in a thrilling, high-level culinary showdown – only at the Sommelier Battle at taku.
Taku POP-UP AT VILLA BODINUS
EXCLUSIVE MICHELIN-STARRED CUISINE IN AN EXTRAORDINARY SETTING AT COLOGNE ZOO
One summer, one special location, one exceptional culinary experience: From 24th June to 18th July, the Michelin-starred restaurant taku will move into the impressive Villa Bodinus at Cologne Zoo, bringing its multi-award-winning cuisine to a unique summer setting. In an elegant atmosphere, guests can look forward to an exclusive fine dining experience that combines outstanding cuisine with a truly distinctive ambience.
Far removed from the everyday, enjoy the cuisine of Michelin-starred chef Mirko Gaul in a remarkable setting. With its rich history, the neoclassical building lends a very special aura to the evening: for more than 150 years, it was home to the zoo’s directors. Especially on warm summer evenings, this venue reveals its very own charm when the 5-course menu is served on the terrace under the open sky.
Look forward to a limited summer edition in which the precise signature style of taku meets the unique atmosphere of Villa Bodinus. An evening for all those who love exceptional cuisine and want to experience summer at its most indulgent.
Please note: As Villa Bodinus is exclusively accessible to our guests on this evening, we will send you important arrival information together with your order confirmation by email.
Dates: 24th June - 18th July 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Price: 175 EUR including aperitif, five-course menu, water and coffee
To make a reservation please call: +49 221 / 270 - 1 or book online.
Michelin starred four-hands dinner
AN EVENING WITH MIRKO GAUL AND TOBIAS WEYERS
Two Michelin-starred chefs, six courses, one special evening: on Saturday, 7th November 2026, restaurant taku welcomes Tobias Weyers from Restaurant Hannappel for an exclusive four-hands dinner with Mirko Gaul. Together, the two Michelin-starred chefs will present a menu that brings together their individual signatures, creative ideas, and the highest culinary quality in a truly special way. Each chef will create three courses, bringing his own personal culinary style to the plate.
Tobias Weyers is no stranger to taku guests: he has previously appeared several times as a guest chef at past taku kitchen parties. Now, he returns for another special evening that combines exceptional enjoyment with refined culinary artistry.
Look forward to a carefully composed menu that unites creativity, precision, and the distinct flavour profiles of both Michelin-starred chefs in a truly memorable way.
Dates: 7th November 2026
Time: 6:30 pm
Price: 285 EUR per person incl. aperitif, six-course menu, wine pairing, water and coffee