The story
taku at Trankgasse 1 in Köln is an Asian fusion restaurant that earned one Michelin star in 2026. The kitchen serves Asian-inspired fine dining, with Japanese, Chinese and Thai flavours worked through European technique.
Mirko Gaul was born in Cologne and trained at Graugans and Da Damiano before returning to the city. He has been adding his signature dishes to taku since 2011. Trips to Bangkok, Hong Kong and Tokyo bring ideas back to his kitchen, which he cooks with methods from the Western repertoire.
The menu has included grilled Japanese eel (unagi) with leek and beech mushroom, and Icelandic cod in a silky sake beurre blanc. A chocolate and banana dessert, refined with miso and coffee, closes the meal. Diners can choose a six-course or four-course menu, with wine pairings available.
Minimalist design and soft lighting give the room a calm, quiet tone. Service is attentive without hovering. The wine list is international and includes a notable selection of sake, with expert pairings for each course.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
History
High quality cooking
Head Chef Mirko Gaul combines delicate fine dining and an uninhibited enthusiasm for experimentation at the restaurant taku into exciting, Asian-inspired compositions. Directly opposite Cologne Cathedral.
Concept A destination for lovers of Asian-inspired fine dining. Cuisine Style For 15 years, Mirko Gaul has been captivating diners with delicate creations that blend Japanese, Chinese, and Thai flavors with European techniques. Clear structure, subtle intensity, and perfect balance characterize each course: The grilled unagi (Japanese eel) combines gentle smoke and sweetness with earthy notes of leek and beech mushrooms. A silky sake beurre blanc lends a fine acidity to the translucent Icelandic cod. The chocolate and banana dessert, refined with miso and coffee, provides a striking finale. Wine An extensive international wine list featuring a remarkable selection of sake. Expert pairings. Atmosphere Minimalist design and soft lighting create an almost meditative ambiance in the cellar of the Grand Hotel. Attentive yet unobtrusive service. Concept A destination for lovers of Asian-inspired fine dining.
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