Ristorante Etrusca

Cologne is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities of Germany. It lies on the River Rhine and is a major cultural centre of the Rhineland. With institutions like the University of Cologne, one of Europe's oldest, a vibrant arts scene and celebrations like the Cologne Carnival, the city that lies on the River Rhine attracts millions of visitors and is home to friendly and welcoming people who make the most out of life.

Food gives them a reason to celebrate and so the city has a wide variety of restaurants, both German and others. Etrusca is a stylish little haven that serves tasty Italian cuisine, so if you wish to sample something other than typical Rhineland dishes, pop in to this rustic and intimate restaurant in Zülpicherstraße, a street that is full of lively bars and restaurants.

Wrought iron furniture, bare brick walls and chequered table cloth make Etrusca the perfect place to enjoy a lovely candlelit meal in classic Tuscan style.

Customers are given an opportunity to taste carefully selected Italian wines and the numbers there will not disappoint you. Carlo and Filippa Padiglia, the owners of Etrusca make sure there is always a good display of some of the tastiest regional Italian dishes on huge blackboards around the restaurant. You could visit them for a leisurely lunch, a family meal or catch up with friends over dinner.

Favourite dishes include wild salmon in chive, orecchiette pasta with homemade sausages, veal slices with gorgonzola and sea bream with herbs. The antipasti at Etrusca encompass carpaccio with rocket and Parmesan, fresh shrimp salad, and small plates of tempting bite sized delicacies that can be shared. Amongst the main courses expect to find choices such as duck breast in balsamic caramel sauce, rosemary lamb, lemon sole as well as a selection of fresh pastas.

For those wanting to satisfy their sweet tooth, there is tiramisu, an authentic Italian dessert with light sponge soaked in espresso and rum, layered with mascarpone cheese, eggs and dusted with cocoa powder; wonderfully light and fluffy zabaglione made with liquid custard, eggs and Marsala and served with fruit and ice, and almond parfait.