Think of German food, and the first things that will likely come to mind are sausages, beer, meat and sauerkraut. Yeah, to two almost vegetarians, this doesn't sound like the most appetising combination (beer aside of course - team Along Dusty Roads will always go for a swift half!).
Yet, it appears that Düsseldorf is having a bit of a revolution, with dozens of places that we desperately wanted to visit and/or eat everything on the menu.
Of course, no matter how organised a plan, or how many pins are placed on a google map, little legs can only move so fast and only so many cups of coffee can be drunk (trust us, we tried). Still, here are nine places we absolutely loved and think you will too!
Yomaro Frozen Yoghurt
It appeared that Düsseldorf was having a bit of a springtime heatwave during our short stay, which in our book can only mean one thing - ice cream! Or because we're sort of still on a diet, frozen yoghurt. Quite possibly we removed the healthy factor by topping it with brownie, chocolate sauce and nuts, but hot damn (cold damn, surely?), it was delicious!
FYI, they also do a dairy free version.
Find out more on their website or check out Tripadvisor.
Address: Lorettostraße 17, 40219 Düsseldorf
Schicke Mütze
Over the last few years, cycling has become quite the thing in the UK. Take to the roads on a weekend, and you will discover all manner of individuals lycra'd up atop some seriously fancy bicycles. And then there's the hipsters on their array of two-wheeled statements dotted around every city.
Continental Europe however, has always been streets ahead of us in this regard and we loved Düsseldorf's very own own cycling cafe - Schicke Mütze.
Aside from every expensive cycling gizmo known to man, a fantastic workshop and an array of kitsch and cool cycling memorabilia scattered around the place and on the walls to put a smile on any Tour fan's face, they also happen to have a very cool coffee shop. Whether it's trying to be cool, or simply just is, it's definitely one to check out, even if you've only a passing interest in all things two-wheeled.
Visit their website for more information
Address: Talstraße 22-24, 40217 Düsseldorf
Suli's
In Düsseldorf on a sunny day? Then we strongly recommend Suli's.
Whilst the inside is delightfully cosy (and even has a 'computer area' for the digital nomad), it's the outside space that really sells this place. Choose from either the side-walk front yard or the small terrace and enjoy a damn fine breakfast from the well thought out menu or one of their excellent coffees.
Check out their website for more information or check out Tripadvisor.
Address: Tußmannstraße 5, 40477 Düsseldorf
Green Trees - Juicery
The five days we spent in Düsseldorf were amazing, but after too much fancy, rich food and way too many altbiers, we were in desperate need of a detox.
Thankfully, that's when we discovered Green Trees. Inspired by the Australian health food craze, this minimalist juice bar serves up the sort of cold-pressed juices that make you feel like you can take on the world, as well as great coffee, excellent smoothies and guilt-free brunches.
Check out their website for more information or check out Tripadvisor.
Address: Münsterstraße 149, 40476 Düsseldorf
Lina's Coffee
This one of the few spots that we didn't actually mean to visit - but it was so darn cute that we couldn't possibly walk by!
Open only for the last two months, the contemporary design is all sparkly and new, the place is flooded by beautiful natural light (it would be a wonderful place to work), there's delicious cakes on sale and they make the best soya latte we had during our entire stay. Our only regret? That we couldn't visit more than once!
Check out Lina's facebook page to find out more
Address: Fürstenpl. 1, 40215 Düsseldorf
Takumi
In a city with a Japanese community of more than 7,000, it would be scandalous to visit and not eat at least one amazing bowl of ramen - the difficulty you'll find is limiting it to just that one bowl!
Whilst Na Ni Wa is the most highly recommended (with queues around the block, even on Sunday mornings), it was unfortunately shut on the day we made time for noodles. Thankfully, there's another in the running for the best Japanese restaurant in town - Takumi.
Whilst only providing one veggie ramen bowl, it was perhaps the finest veggie ramen bowl we had ever tasted!
Don't just take our word for it - check out their Tripadvisor!
Address: Immermannstraße 28, 40210 Düsseldorf
Covent Garden
We know, we know - we went all the way to Germany, and ended up in a coffee shop named 'Covent Garden'. In our defence though, the coffee was superb!
Whilst a little more London, and a little more stylish, this cafe feels distinctly 'Central Perk' (and if you don't know that that is a 'Friends' reference, keep it to yourself - we feel old enough as it is). Comfy sofas, exposed brick, succulents galore, it's understandable why this is a neighbourhood favourite and attracts hipsters like moths to a flame.
Want to hear ore great reviews? Check out Tripadvisor.
Address: Bilker Allee 126, 40217 Düsseldorf
Laterne im Schlossturm
Sitting at the very top of the palace tower (the lower portion is a popular shipping museum) is the Laterne im Schlossturm. Now, this isn't the sort of place that we'd usually recommend - it's simply a little too fancy. That said, the view is truly exceptional - probably one of the best in the city - and should you visit on a fine day, this would be an excellent place to pop in for a cup of coffee and a cake!
Find out more on their website or just hit up their Tripadvisor page.
Address: Burgplatz 30, 40213 Düsseldorf-Altstadt
Opening times: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tues - Sun
Café Velo
Continuing with the bicycle theme (well, Düsseldorf is hosting the Grand Depart - the beginning of the Tour de France for those not clued in to cycling lingo - this summer!), we're happy to recommend Cafe Velo.
Located in the heart of Altstadt, this pop-up cafe is awash with all things cycling. Vintage bicycles mounted on the wall, wheels turned into lights, famous jerseys, some original art work and a Francophile menu.
Allez!
Check out their Facebook Page for more information
Address: Marktstraße 11, 40213 Düsseldorf
Disappointed we didn't tell you more about places with that beer Düsseldorf is so famous for? Then, don't dismay - read our post on the best things to do in the city!
