Casa Morinello - Köln

This wonderful restaurant is one I'm not sure what to call. It goes by Al Capricio and also Casa Morinelli. This is confusing, and may be hard to find, and even harder to find, since it lies on the outer fringes of the right side of Cologne, but it is worth a trip, even from outside the city. And it is literally twenty steps from the tram stop Dellbrück Hauptstrasse on the 3 and 18 lines. It is the best Italian restaurant I have eaten in outside of Italy. I come from the States and am used to rowdy, enormous and kitschy Italian restaurants like those in Little Italy in New York, or big chain restaurants with photos of Italian-American movie stars.and gaudy trinkets. This one is thoroughly Italian in a much more refined way. I came here with my family after Christmas, and the decor was festive Christmasy, but not over-the-top. The white brick wall of the winter garden was curtained with white Christmas lights. It feels comfortable in here, a place you want to sit back in the comfortable chairs in, and relax. Fresh roses, cloth placemats and napkins were on the tables. In the background, there was soft Italian pop music playing, on the walls original art, not my taste, but oh, well. The waiters pepper their German with words like "Bon giorno", "prego" und "subito", and are very friendly.All this is very nice, but I haven't even mentioned the food. It is sublime! As usual, we were brought warm little pizza dough rolls that were warm, with excellent olive oila and balsamico, as well as home-made herb butter. For dinner, I had the most delicious porcino risotto ever, with fresh porcini. The waiter told me that all their ingredients are fresh. My daughter-in-law had penne amatriciana. I haven't tasted deeper, smokier, more delicious bacon anywhere outside of Italy. My son had tagliatelle with a generous portion of gray truffles. The waiter proudly informed us that in a few months they will be able to serve white truffles, the finest available. My son had previously ordered this dish and was hoping to find it on the menu again. He was not disappointed.The wine, a pinot grigio, was fruity and not too sweet. Despite the many guests eating at this restaurant, it was quiet enough to be able to converse easily. What was missing was the little amuse bouche they used to serve, but we left the restaurant absolutely full and satisfied. I have been to this restaurant many times, and intend to return.

Mein Mann hat mich hier her eingeladen, ich war sofort begeistert. Das Personal ist sehr freundlich und zuvorkommend. Haben alle unsere Wünsche erfüllt!Das Essen war unglaublich lecker. Und der Preis stimmte auch!

Wir wurden von Freunden hierhin eingeladen. Ein sehr nettes Ambiente mit südländischem Charme und sehr schönem Wintergarten. Das Restaurant ist in Familienhand und die familiäre Herzlichkeit spürt man auch. Zudem unheimlich kinderfreundlich! Der Salat war sehr lecker und die Pizzen sahen super aus, allerdings auch etwas teurer als vielleicht wo anders.