Bunte Kuh Helgoland in Helgoland

Essen war sehr gut, Portionen waren uns zu klein. Personal sehr freundlich und aufmerksam. Gesamtnote 2+

Sehr leckeres Essen. Sitzauflagen wären hier schön, aber für ein "schneller" Essen, gehts. Wir waren hier 2x während unseres Urlaubes Essen. Nachtrag: Sitzauflagen werden bereitgestellt. Haben wir leider erst beim 2. Besuch beim verlassen mitbekommen, aber es gibt welche.

In der Woche abends 21:15 Uhr noch was zu Essen bekommen, top

Hatten einmal gebackenes Fischfilet mit Kartoffelsalat und Backkartoffel mit Sauercreme und Salat. War beides lecker , Portionen hätten aber etwas größer sein können.

Das Restaurant ist nichts Besonderes, ich kann die Begeisterung leider nicht nachvollziehen. Der Service hat zu lang gedauert. Das Preis-Leistungs-Verhältnis stimmt nicht. Salat ohne Dressing, Bolognese zu "braun"/verbrannt. Für eine mittlere Kartoffel mit unkreativem Salat 12€ ist zu viel.

Bei unserem ersten Besuch auf Helgoland 2014 waren wir abends mehrfach in der bunten Kuh und haben dort eine schöne Zeit verbracht. Nun ja, die Zeiten ändern sich und damit auch die eigenen Ansprüche, konkret: Kartenzahlung. Da man das hier auch im Jahr 2026 immer noch nicht anbieten will, kommt ein erneuter Besuch für mich vorerst nicht mehr infrage.

Waren mit Freunden dort essen ! Sehr gut! Zu empfehlen! Immer wieder gerne!

Ich bin absolut begeistert von diesem Restaurant und kann es mit bestem Gewissen weiterempfehlen. Besonders hervorheben möchte ich das unglaublich freundliche Personal – man wird herzlich empfangen und fühlt sich direkt wohl. Die Mitarbeiter sind immer für einen kleinen Schnack zu haben, aufmerksam und sorgen für eine angenehme Atmosphäre. Genau so stellt man sich guten Service vor. Ich komme auf jeden Fall gerne wieder!

Es war sehr kalt - da Tür ständig offen stand

Das Personal, besonders die blonde Kellnerin mit langen Haaren, war extrem unhöflich. Man hatte fast das Gefühl, dass sie die Gäste aus dem Restaurant werfen wollte. Von Kundenservice keine Spur. Das Essen ist teuer und nicht einmal besonders gut. Da hier wahrscheinlich ständig neue Touristen kommen, müssen sie offenbar nicht freundlich sein, weil die Gäste jeden Tag wechseln. Ich würde jedoch niemandem empfehlen, hier zu essen, wenn man seinen Urlaub nicht mit schlechter Laune beginnen möchte.

Der Fisch war sehr lecker und die Bedienung aufmerksam und freundlich. Unser Hund bekam noch vor der Bestellung eine Schüssel mit Wasser 👍

Die Bunte Kuh auf Helgoland ist definitiv einen Besuch wert. Direkt in den Hummerbuden am Hafen gelegen, bietet das Restaurant nicht nur ausgezeichnetes Essen, sondern auch eine wirklich besondere Atmosphäre. Sowohl der gemütliche Innenbereich als auch der schöne Außenbereich mit direktem Blick auf den Hafen sorgen für ein rundum gelungenes Erlebnis. Gerade bei gutem Wetter ist die Aussicht einfach fantastisch. Die Gerichte waren durchweg sehr lecker, hochwertig und ansprechend serviert. Besonders hervorzuheben ist zudem das ausgesprochen freundliche und aufmerksame Personal, das den Aufenthalt noch angenehmer macht. Wer hier in den Abendstunden essen möchte, sollte unbedingt vorab reservieren, da das Lokal sehr gefragt ist. Insgesamt eine klare Empfehlung für alle, die auf Helgoland gutes Essen, tolle Aussicht und freundlichen Service genießen möchten.

Sehr sehr freundliches zuvorkommendes Personal. Essen sehr lecker, auch für nicht Fischesser 😋 Danke 🫶

Wir sind enttäuscht. Wir kommen nicht wieder und empfehlen das Lokal auf keinen Fall. So eine unfreundliche Bedienung sind wir nicht gewohnt. Schade.

Uriges Restaurant im Kneipen Stil

Bin am 1.Tag eher zufällig dort gelandet. So viel Auswahl, spontan auf Helgoland um 17Uhr was nettes zu essen, hat man ja nicht. Und ich wurde total positiv überrascht! Tische ohne Reservierung bis 19Uhr, ab da wohl spontan eher nichts zu bekommen. Der Service sehr nett und vor allem auch total fix. Das Essen war sehr lecker! Ich war also auch an Tag 2 und 3 dort! Bei schönem Wetter auch Außenplätze.

Sehr aufmerksamer & freundlicher Service. Unser Fischgericht mit Bratkartoffeln schmeckte hervorragend. Gute Aperol Sprizz. Gerne wieder.

Einfach nur schlecht. Trotz kaltem Wetter musste die Eingangstür sperrangel weit aufbleiben "weil es so ist". Erst nach mehrmaligem Nachfragen wurde eine Heizung angemacht. Direkt vor der Tür wurde ständig geraucht, so dass der Gestank nach Innen drang. Die Portionen waren lächerlich klein, bei dem teuersten Gericht (FIschteller) kam nicht mal eine ganze Kartoffel mit. Ein Fischgericht wurde mit Fleisch serviert, ohne dass es in der Karte drin stand und die Bratkartoffeln waren schwarz verbrannt. Es gibt bessere Adressen auf der Insel.

Tolles Lokal! Immer wieder gerne.

Super Ort. Ich werd auf jeden Fall wieder kommen.

Es kann auch positiv sein, wenn man eine negative Erfahrung macht und daraus seine Schlüsse zieht: Einen zweiten Besuch werden wir nicht in Betracht ziehen. Unsere Erfahrung deckt sich mit anderen Rezessionen, die bereits umfangreich und detailliert beschrieben wurden. Insbesondere bei der Qualität und Größe der Portionen. Auch in Puncto Freundlichkeit ist viel Luft nach oben. Diese ist merklich wechselhaft wie das Wetter. Anhand (der hier nachlesbaren) Erfahrungen anderer Gäste, entsteht die Erkenntnis, dass man offensichtlich Kritik-Resistent ist. Und genau dieser Punkt ist verwerflich. Kritik, gleich welcher Art, sollte Ansporn für Verbesserungen sein.

Leckeres Essen, der Service typisch herzlich norddeutsch. In der Bunten Kuh gibt es lokale Spezialitäten und jeder bisherige Besuch bildete einen schönen Abschluss für einen herrlichen Tag auf dem Inselchen Helgoland. Vielen Dank

Extrem unfreundlich, geht schon Richtung arrogant. Nach der Begrüssung gleich wieder gegangen!

Das war für uns nicht das erste aber leider das letzte Mal. Die Portionen sind bei den Preisen unverschämt klein, die Schollen hatten die Größe von Mai Schollen, die Soße war lauwarm. Mein Partner hatte den Steakteller, auf dem unter einem Spiegelei versteckt 3 Gabelkopfgroße Steaks versteckt waren. Die Servicekräfte waren sehr nett und das Ambiente ist kaum zu toppen. Aber auch auf unseren Hinweis, das die Portionen ja doch sehr klein sind, gab es keine Entschuldigung, keinen Rabatt, gar nichts. Wir haben es dort schon anders erlebt.

Sehr unfreundliche Bedienung. Nicht kinderfreundlich.

Durch die Empfehlung eines Bekannten sind wir hier gelandet und was soll ich sagen, es hat sich absolut gelohnt...! Alles was wir probierten schmeckte 1a...! Die Lage, die Terrasse einfach toll... Und die Bedienungen, alle freundlich und vorallem sehr schnell... Kann man nur so weiterempfehlen - wahrscheinlich mit das beste was Helgoland an Restaurants zu bieten hat...!

Uns wurde die Bunte Kuh empfohlen und wir waren begeistert. Service, Einrichtung und Essen mege gut. Fisvh auf dem punkt gebraten, geschmacklich und optisch super. Auch der Salat und das Holzfällersteak sehr zu empfehlen.

Sturmfahrt ohne Fähre, ohne Tagestouristen. Sturm, Regen, wenige Leute um 16:20 unterwegs, alle Tische frei, leckeren Forsch und leckeren Panfisch gegessen. Personal sehr freundlich, bis eine einzelne Dame es wagte sich an einen Vierertisch zu setzen. Sie sollte sich an den ihr zugewiesenen Zweiertisch setzen. Sie wollte da aber sitzen bleiben. Die Bedienung nahm den bestellten Kaffee mit : Dann wird das mit uns hier Nix !!! Freundlichkeit nur für folgsame Gäste, Die Menschenmassen die wegen des besetzten Vierertisches das Lokal verlassen hätten blieben aus. Zur Hochsaison hätte ich das verstanden, aber unter den Bedingungen????

Ein kleines, uriges Lokal mit Wohlfühlcharakter. Eine sehr freundliche, aufmerksame und schlagfertige Service-Dame. Absolut wiederholungswürdig, leider war am nächsten Tag Ruhetag und somit kein zweiter Besuch möglich.

Rundum tolles Erlebnis mit gutem Preis-Leistungs-Verhältnis. Essen frisch und lecker, nicht zu große Portionen. Herzlicher Service. Kommen sehr gern wieder.

We received a very friendly welcome. Unfortunately, the "Knieper" season was already over. The food arrived quickly (plaice and a fish platter), and both dishes were delicious. We only had to wait a short time for them. Please note: EC payments are not accepted.

Eingangstür steht immer offen. Am Besten ist es für oben zu buchen.

So cozy and comfortable. Child-friendly and good service... Relaxing and delicious food and wine... We look forward to seeing the place again...

Although I didn't take advantage of the food at the Bunte Kuh, I'm giving it five stars because of the phenomenal 'Helgoland Eiergrog'. The Eiergrog is very well-balanced. The alcohol content and sweetness are in a reasonable proportion, tempting you to have more. But beware, the Eiergrog is quite strong and should be consumed with caution. ;-) Furthermore, the Bunte Kuh has a very unique ambiance, paying tribute to its namesake. The Bunte Kuh is a small, yet very quaint and cozy pub where you immediately feel at home.

Always a pleasure to visit. We were lucky and got a seat, because this restaurant is always very busy. From the service to the food to the drinks, everything was just perfect. The manager has everything under control, and you can feel that the work here is done with heart and soul. A big thank you to all the staff. We will gladly stop here again on our next visit to Heligoland.

We were on vacation on Heligoland and ate here. It was truly delicious. The fish was especially delicious. It's best to reserve a table. The staff deserves more than 5 stars 😊. We'll be back on our next visit.

Fast, attentive, and friendly service. Highly recommended.

Beautifully located right on the harbor. Very friendly staff, and the Heligoland pan-fried fish was excellent.

We had lunch here during our vacation. The staff was very friendly and accommodating, and they accommodated our needs. Since we were traveling with a 3-month-old baby, we needed space for the stroller and the child at the table. Everything worked out perfectly. We recommend reserving a table if you can. The food was delicious and arrived quickly. We were all very impressed and would love to come back on our next vacation. Thank you for this wonderful experience.

We had a delicious meal and drank plenty of Helgoland Aquavit. We love the colorful cow. See you soon, Susi, Frank and Piet.

Nice little harbor restaurant on Heligoland, definitely worth a visit, best to reserve a table in advance

We stopped at the Bunten Kuh on short notice for a bite to eat. Luckily, we spontaneously got the last table because the restaurant was very busy. The schnitzel and potato salad were delicious, and with the broccoli, they made a pleasant change from the usual "schnitzel with fries." The food arrived very hot and, above all, very quickly! The waiters were also very prompt and friendly!

Anyone looking to lose weight is in good hands there. All the plates that go back to the dishwashing area are definitely empty, down to the last lettuce leaf. Children's plates seem to be standard fare there these days. I've known the restaurant for years. So far, the dishes have been plentiful and delicious. The food is still delicious, but the average customer weight urgently needs to be reduced. Profit optimization is now the priority here. The staff is still very nice and friendly. Hopefully, the apparently ongoing cost-cutting measures aren't affecting them as well!!!

After the "lumberjack steak," three out of four visitors had stomach problems the next day. The location is very nice at the ferry dock, but a bit "touristy." Probably unavoidable on Heligoland...

Very good fish, very cheerful and friendly service, and the fish sauce is delicious. We'd be happy to come back, thank you and best regards.

Small amount of food. Long waiting times.

The location was truly beautiful and tastefully decorated, with attentive and very friendly service! The quality of the products was good, and the idea was basically the same! But our fear that the scallops would have been cooked for 9 minutes over a fire was definitely too long! The tuna was excellent quality, but the recommendation to place it "on the edge of the hot stone" after briefly searing it on both sides would have definitely been too hot! Luckily, we placed it on the board next to the lamb. It would have been better to have a separate plate, otherwise it would have overcooked. The lamb was similar; the pieces were quite different, and therefore the doneness was too well done according to the "instructions." It would have been better to revise it for the different cooking levels! Overall: good, but room for improvement!

Delicious food and very friendly service. We visited every day on our second visit. Reservations are recommended. We'll be back in 2025.

Good food and very friendly service

Quaint pub right next to the lobster shacks

NO THANKS!!! Not recommended with children. It was warm and sunny. The children were very hot. When we asked for a parasol, we were told, "No, I'm not opening a parasol today." We were then immediately told to put all our bags under the table, even though there wasn't really any room. The service was generally very unpleasant. Since there were no fries for the children instead of fried potatoes, and the children were feeling very sick from the sun, we left as quickly as possible.

Well attended. I'd be happy to come again.

Friendly and humorous service. Delicious food. The ambiance is beautiful, located by the harbor. The plaice with crab ragout was truly delicious. Prices are reasonable for the location.

Food was okay, not very special. Lack of communication in advance, because I myself and many other tourists don’t know that you can’t pay by card. Tip: write it on the menu and tell it the customers beforehand.

Next time I would try a different location, food was not as good as one would have expected

Yes. The food is delicious and plentiful.

A lovely restaurant right on the harbor. We sat outside in beautiful weather. The food (fish platter and lobster and crab stir-fry) was delicious and cooked to perfection. The service was very prompt and friendly. A visit to the Bunte Kuh is highly recommended.

The service was fast and friendly, and the fish dishes were super delicious. However, you shouldn't come hungry. A portion of four small pieces of potato barely filled me, and neither did my husband.

Unfriendly service, dog-unfriendly. We left without food.

We weren't told until we were paying that card payments were only possible here for orders over €100. When we pointed this out, the server said that perhaps this should be clearly marked, as it would be on the signs. He looked around and realized he couldn't see a sign. His voice became increasingly quiet. He probably noticed it himself. I would have liked this detail to be posted somewhere easy to see. On the menu, for example, and not just in what felt like a size 10 on the far left by the door, where it's neatly hidden. Or they'd tell you before ordering. We were sitting outside; we couldn't get past the door. If you don't specifically look for the information, you won't know. An unpleasant experience, very unpleasant.

Rather unassuming from the outside, but incredibly cozy on the inside. A restaurant that invites you to stop by. Here you can sit comfortably outside and sample the countless cocktails while gazing out at the sea. These cocktails are incredibly delicious and generously portioned. Always with a cool saying, the service is very friendly. We were so impressed that we returned to the Bunte Kuh that evening to eat there. Without a reservation, we immediately got a table for two. The food arrived very quickly and blew us away. Even today, back home, we're still raving about the absolutely fantastic food. Many thanks to the entire team at the Bunte Kuh. It was wonderful. ❤❤

We had a drink there since we didn't have time to eat. The young man, Keller, was quite rude. I was curtly told to put my bag under the table. What was that all about? He refused to allow a family with an elderly man in a wheelchair to choose their own seats. The elderly man stood there for about 10 minutes and was ignored. I find that a bit discriminatory. My quote: Mass processing!

Update 2025 - Our positive experience from last year has been confirmed. The food is extremely delicious and served promptly. Only the casual tone of the service staff isn't to everyone's taste 🤷🏼‍♀️ We'd still love to come back in 2026. We really enjoyed it. After the "rustic" tone of my phone reservation, I was skeptical... Reserving a table for dinner is recommended. A very friendly welcome and attentive service with casual remarks that may not be to everyone's taste, but were well received by us. The ambiance is cozy and maritime. The drinks were served promptly, and the extremely delicious food arrived quickly. The portions were plentiful and the prices were reasonable. Conclusion - we'd love to come back!

Delicious food. Cons: I was there for dinner after the day trippers had left. It was empty inside, and the tables outside weren't fully occupied. I was tempted by a drink I'd seen at the next table. When I asked, the waitress said it was alcoholic. I stated that I don't drink alcohol. The waitress's response: "What a shame." Later, the same waitress handed me a cocktail menu with non-alcoholic options at the next table. Couldn't they have told me that?

Initially inconspicuous from the outside, this small but fine restaurant is located in a blue lobster shack on Heligoland. The food is quite good (especially the fried potatoes, which many people can't do!), the place is very clean and quaint, and the staff is friendly and humorous without being intrusive. Surprisingly, it's one of the few that's open for lunch. It's important to note that the Heligoland ferry arrives around 12:15 p.m. and departs around 4:30 p.m. Day trippers therefore have the chance to enjoy a stewed meal between these two times and find two types of restaurants: overcrowded and closed. If I see this as a restaurateur, why am I closing my shop?

Great service, we went there twice because it was just amazing!

Good and fast food right on the pier. Typical service for Northern Germany. They're probably struggling with poverty here right on the harbor, because card payments aren't accepted, as is so often the case on the coast. The higher the turnover, the more every last percent counts... It's backward Germany, after all. But enough people think it's good...

I'm thrilled. As a solo traveler, I was seated immediately and without any hassle. Thank you so much. The food came quickly and was excellent. I chose cod fillet with fried potatoes and salad. Almost too much for me, as an almost 80-year-old. Senior portions are available at lunch upon request. A huge thank you 😊

The drinks were nothing special, the dishes were very small and tasteless, sometimes burnt or completely overseasoned. Refills or compensation for the extremely small portion were charged in full. The child and stroller posed a major problem for the restaurant's employees. The server apologized several times, saying that such complaints had been coming in for years. The manager didn't care.

Very unfriendly blonde lady who doesn't even let a small child go to the toilet!!!!

I didn't eat anything here, just had a drink. The staff were very friendly and quick. The place itself is really cute.

The most delicious herring with fried potatoes I've ever eaten! 😋😋😋

Wonderful view, and if you book a table before the Halunder Jet docks, there's no problem getting a seat.

Nice place, tasty food. View of the pier, port and ships. A bit disappointed, the so-called "lobster" turned out to be a big shrimp. But it was tasty.

Anyone who is on Heligoland and doesn't go to the Bunte Kuh has not lived life properly - or at least left the island hungry. This rustic restaurant looks like the cozy interior of an old sea dog cutter: wood, sailor charm and a touch of adventure. You almost expect Captain Iglo to come around the corner. And then there is the owner – Börner! She is a mixture of captain, hostess and mind reader. With eagle eyes and super ears, nothing escapes her. She practically read our wishes from our lips before we even knew we had them. The food? Solid as an anchor. Prices? Fair as the wind in your sails. Conclusion: If you stop here, you get an all-round carefree package with Nordic charm, seafaring flair and a pinch of madness (in the best sense of the word). A must on Helgoland!

Great crew, the food is great, I can only recommend it to everyone. Me and my wife like to come and it is always the first port of call when we are on Helgoland. Thank you Colorful Cow

Mixed fish plate was very tasty Unfortunately, cash payment is only possible from EUR 100 and we didn't have any cash with us. I had to search the island for an ATM... it's a shame that they didn't kindly turn a blind eye here

The food was super tasty. But the only option to pay with cash these days is unfortunately not possible at all... cards are only accepted from EUR 100 onwards. Unfortunately that only gives 2 stars.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The food was really excellent, well prepared and tasteful. The real highlight of the day, however, was the waitress Jasmin ^^: attentive, courteous and personable. Her warm way of looking after the guests was exceptional and made our visit particularly pleasant. A big compliment to the entire team :-) I'll be happy to come back!

Cult pub on Heligoland, especially for the Rock'n'Roll Butter Ride!

Friendly, good food. Portions but rather small

Spent a lovely evening here. Rustic food, reasonable prices and a young cellar that spread a good atmosphere with pithy sayings. Was fun!

The fish dishes are recommended. The service is super friendly. A completely different atmosphere. It's nice to sit outside

Cool Kaden with funny staff. Rarely have I laughed so much. The grilled cod was great. There is still some room for improvement with the fried potatoes.

We ate there yesterday, my husband's fish was great. But the fried potatoes with my Wienerschnitzel weren't good. They weren't fried potatoes, they were mashed potatoes, a shame. No apology, nothing. The service, a young man, was very nice, but that was it. We've been coming here for years, but not anymore. Colorful Cow has slacked off a lot

We spent a nice and wet evening with friends. The food was very tasty. The portion, however, was small, too small for the price. The service was very attentive, so the drinks were rarely empty... but our wallet was empty :-)

Rustic and quaint. We felt comfortable here. Fast service despite the well-filled restaurant. The waitress with a quick saying on her lips was exactly our thing. 🫶 The food was extremely delicious. The next time we're on the island we'll definitely stop by again.

Very very unfriendly service. My daughter was sent away because she ate food from the restaurant next door. The food otherwise was ok. Card payment is only possible from €100.

A very nice little restaurant with very friendly staff and excellent cuisine. The fish was fried to perfection and the prices are great. Will definitely see us again, thank you very much ❤️

There were six of us and we made reservations by phone. We all enjoyed it. The food and also the cocktail for dessert. At the end of the season everything is no longer there. E.g. no hot cherries with ice cream. And no cocktails with cream. But we all want to be more sustainable, so totally OK. The waitress is in a good mood and has fun at work. We will come back.

Nice little restaurant at the inland harbor. Staff super friendly. Price/performance okay.

As day trippers, we stopped at the Bunte Kuh before the ship left. We just had a drink and drank matjestatar. That was fine too. At 4:30 p.m. we wanted to pay and the somewhat aggressive waiter rudely told us that card payments were not possible, only for orders over €100. But I could have €100 booked and he would give out the rest. I wanted to do that, but the internet apparently didn't work. So I had to rush to the savings bank and get cash for a €4.75 fee. We just made it to the ferry at 5 p.m. What if we didn't order the bill until 4:45 p.m.? The waiter said that the cash payment was at the entrance. But we sat outside and didn't see it. Perhaps this regulation, which is customer-unfriendly and, in my opinion, conducive to tax fraud, should be announced verbally with every order or there should be a notice on every table.

Very friendly team. Ate deliciously and enjoyed a great Absacler. Super nice team. Greetings to Christoph, Fu, Andres and love Jasmin. If we sail to Heligoland again, we will always come back to you. Greetings Roger

Only recommended. Fish dishes are a dream

We spontaneously got a table there, even though it was very busy. Nice service. The food was also very tasty.

Food nothing special. Service inflexible. If I wanted a different sauce for the pan fish, the waiter wanted to discuss it. Atmosphere appealing, seating tighter and tighter. Wasn't my world. But that's a matter of opinion and just my personal feeling.

Unfortunately, the service was cheeky and didactic; I have to agree with previous reviews. Guests are viewed as a burden. It should probably be better called “Stupid Cow”.

Leider sehr freche und belehrende Bedienung. Die blonde Kellnerin sollte eventuell nicht mit Gästen arbeiten. Gab dann auch entsprechend Trinkgeld..

Heute wurden wir ohne weiteren Grund verbal angegriffen, weil die Angestellte „angenommen“ hat, dass wir Essen vom Nachbarrestaurant mitgebracht haben. Trotz des guten Rufs dieses Restaurants Bunte Kuh haben wir es verlassen. Beim Durchlesen der Bewertungen auf TripAdvisor hat sich leider bestätigt, dass ihr Ausraster sowie ihr schlechter Charakter dem Standard dieses Restaurants entsprechen.

Early afternoon, it was raining. We just wanted to have a quick beer. Unfortunately we didn't get a place. Empty tables are only for eating!