Cup of coffee latte with design art in froth, on a wooden table ()

When the weather is chilly, nothing can seem nicer than going inside a welcoming cafe for a nice hot cocoa. But what are the best cafes in Germany? I found dozens of digital results that spammed me with lists of the best cafes in Berlin alone. The more I thought about it and researched, it seemed hard to qualify what makes a cafe “the best.” So, rather than creating a list based on internet reviews, I figured I’d tell you my five favorite cafes in Germany.

1. Kaffeesaurus | Bonn and Cologne

While I was initially drawn into this place because of the name, it is the fantastic matcha latte and banana-topped, chocolate-drizzled toast that brings me back. With one location in Bonn and one in Cologne, it is perfect for those visiting the Haribo Factory Outlet or the Lindt Chocolate Museum (more on that later). You can even take a little piece of the shop with you in one of their logo-branded triceratops espresso cups.

Toast covered with banana, citrus, apple and chocolate drizzle (Tamala Malerk)

2. Das Ludwig Kaffee Bar | Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Those stationed in Garmisch or visiting Edelweiss Lodge on vacation can enjoy this spot in town featuring delicious cakes, coffee drinks, and hot chocolate. I discovered this place when a light rain sprinkling on the historic and beautiful Ludwig Street quickly became a storm, and I wandered inside to stay dry. The double-walled cup ensured my drink stayed nice and hot, but my hands didn’t get too warm. Now, I make it a point every time we visit Garmisch to stop in for a slice of cake and a hot cup of coffee.

3. Chocolat Grand Cafe | Cologne

With its famous Dom and Chocolate Museum, many people find themselves visiting Cologne. While you are there, make sure to stop at the Chocolat Grand Cafe. It is conveniently located at the Chocolate Museum. After touring the museum, I had worked up an appetite, and of course, wanted to sample more chocolate treats. You can visit the cafe without paying for admission to the museum so repeat visits are not an issue. My partner tried the hot chocolate with Baileys, but I stuck to a regular hot chocolate with whipped cream. I recommend both.

4. Cafe Zeitsprung | Trier

One of the first places we visited after moving to the Kaiserslautern area was Trier. We found this cafe attached to the State Museum which had a beautiful view of the Electoral Palace and Palace Garden. It was the first place that I experienced the German style of offering a variety of dips and jams for one croissant, and it was quite tasty. I enjoyed breaking apart my croissant and trying it with citrus jam, Nutella, butter and more. For great food and views, make this cafe a stop on your next visit to Trier.

Croissant with jam and marmalade | basket of bread | plate with cheese (Tamala Malerk)

5. Coffee Fellows | Over 200 locations across Germany

I love supporting mom-and-pop shops and one-off cafes; but when asking about “the best,” Coffee Fellows has never let me down. Whether I am rounding a corner on a street in a new town in search of caffeine, or running into an Autohof to pay 75 cents to use the restroom, Coffee Fellows has been there to provide a delicious croissant, bagel sandwich or a delicious, sugary coffee drink that rivals Starbucks. In fact, Starbucks has never topped my mocha with marshmallows. For those who enjoy a more traditional latte or espresso, they have those as well.