Samido

These are the kind of venues that make you appreciate living in Cologne. I would have never discovered this bistro on my own, had I not met a friend there.

The bistro is relatively small, but cozy. I got the impression that most people who visit the place live around the corner and are almost daily visitors. Most take a quick delicious meal or stop by for an espresso or to chat with the chef.

Fridays are Chilli Con Carne days. Saturdays they serve variations of Persian dishes.

Awesome venue. I will become a regular.

Finally had the opportunity to try Samido.

At first when I walked in, I thought "This? This is the place I am reading all these great reviews for? This place?" Couldn't believe it. Because it's small and not what I expected at all.

Anyway then the owner who was very nice came out explained to me the food and how he makes a special everyday. The special was enchiladas. So I trusted him and ordered this. That also came with a salad. The salad was really good and refreshing and fresh. The enchilada I had was just WOW! Incredible really, I was actually in disbelief how good it actually was. I'm not sure what he made with it but I haven't been able to get it off my mind. I want another and another and another.

Also with every check in you get a desert. I had a warm piece of chocolate cake with chocolate icing. It was pretty good but free is for me.

So I had a good salad, a good desert and the best enchilada I have ever eaten for 6.90€. Can't beat that.

Absolutely worth all the hype!

I love this place more and more.
After going to other Coffee shops, i happen to notice how amazing this place is.
Not that i didn't notice it before, but it's exhausting to look around and not be able to truly enjoy a Coffee as you want it.
I once asked and explained Omid (the owner) how to do a Long Black, now every time i come here i get one. That's what i call customer service.
A happy customer is a returning customer.
He also gets everyday a different dish + the standard Panini's, Sandwiches and Salads.
I'm glad to have "my special place" where i can always go expecting great food, great coffee and great service and after every single visit i'm always beyond pleased to have been there.
Seriously, the only thing that would make this place even better is if they would accept credit cards, but, nobody is perfect.

Wait, why is this place 5 stars? I got a little social pressure here that I give it 3 stars. The staff is nice and speak English, which is a plus. That is one star. But beside that, I really didn't get it. The food is OK, not surprisingly good as the other reviews promised. Or maybe today's special is not that "special"? But I love the salad, fresh and perfectly seasoned. That is another star. The other star goes with the place decor and a cute dog. Besides that, the music here is a little bit weird, maybe it is just not for my taste. I mean it is kind of exotic, but weird for a cafe. Anyway, it is not my type.

This cafe has a bizarre atmosphere. It seems like it wants to be grandma's night club, with loud music and gaudy art and decor, but in reality it is a quaint cafe. However, the staff are friendly and speak English well which is nice.

I ordered a roast beef sandwich for lunch and it was a bit lackluster. The beef was tough and it was soaked in salad dressing but the ingredients were fresh and the bread was decent. It wasn't a terrible meal by any means but the atmosphere doesn't make a good dining experience.

Cozy place and super size Latte macchiato. I can say since the cafe is quite mini, it makes you feel like you own the place. It is definitely a nice place to meet and talk and for those who love puppies, there is always one gorgeous sweetheart who belongs to the owner that greets you when you come!

I was staying at Elizabeth Menke's airbnb to visit Gamescom and Samido was directly downstairs. The Panini and latte I had the first day was extremely good and Omid the owner was friendly. He suggested local places and helped me decide what I might like from his menu. I highly suggest asking after the dish of the day, because it was incredibly tasty! .

Maybe they were having a bad day, but coffee was average and service was almost non-existent.

Tasty sandwiches and breakfast, all for great value. This is a cool little spot in Cologne - I would definitely return.