Tacos Los Carnales in Köln

Food: 7.4/10. A cool restaurant near the Rhine with good food (although the tacos were a bit below average and expensive), friendly staff, and good coffee. I found the baked potato with Thousand Island dressing and the baby vegetable salad with Caesar dressing (?) a bit unusual.

If you’re craving authentic Mexican food that packs a punch of flavor, this restaurant is absolutely worth a visit. From the moment the food hits the table, it’s clear that this place knows what it’s doing in the kitchen. Every dish we tried was bursting with bold, traditional flavors – from perfectly seasoned meats to fresh, vibrant salsas and handmade tortillas. It’s the kind of food that makes you slow down and savor each bite. That said, be prepared to spend a bit more than you might at your typical Mexican spot. The prices are definitely on the higher side, but in this case, you truly get what you pay for. The quality of the ingredients, the portion sizes, and the richness of the flavors justify the cost. It’s a splurge that feels earned and satisfying. One important tip: make a reservation in advance if you can. This place gets busy — very busy. By the time we arrived, there was already a line out the door, and we were lucky to get seated without too much of a wait. The atmosphere is lively and energetic, which adds to the experience, but it can also mean long wait times if you don’t plan ahead. As for the service, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. The staff isn’t particularly warm or welcoming, and they seemed a bit rushed or inattentive at times. However, they do move fast. Our food came out quickly, and everything arrived as ordered, which was appreciated given how crowded the place was. It’s not the most personable service you’ll ever get, but it’s efficient, and when the food is this good, it’s easy to overlook a few rough edges. All in all, this is a fantastic spot if you’re looking for high-quality Mexican cuisine that delivers on flavor. Just be ready to spend a bit more, book ahead if possible, and don’t go in expecting five-star hospitality. Go for the food — it won’t disappoint.

We were there on June 18, 2025. The restaurant was highly recommended to us. We have to say, we weren't disappointed. Everything was great. Food: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We had the Caesar salad with chicken, sweet potatoes, and guacamole. For dessert, we had a caramel dessert. Atmosphere: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Great. We sat outside on the terrace in the beautiful weather, overlooking the Rhine. Service: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2 We received a great welcome. And after a short wait, we were assigned a free table. It was cleaned immediately, too. Unfortunately, the food arrived before the cutlery, and the cutlery was missing knives. Hence a 1/2 ⭐️ deduction.

Friendly service, a great location right on the Rhine, and good food, albeit lukewarm. The portion sizes aren't generous, and I needed dessert. The prices are a bit on the high side.

I LOVE IT! The tacos are super good 😍😍 1000% recommended

The location on the Rhine and the terrace are great. The service is friendly, but unfortunately a bit underrated on the evening we were there. The food was delicious, and the value for money was appropriate for the location.

Typical Mexican street food Good cocktails and great service. Sit outside and look out over the Rhine. 👍top

Once and never again. I've never experienced such bad and unfriendly service. The food was tasteless and the meat was tough, especially the steak. The waitress didn't accommodate our requests, let alone my wife's allergies. Even though we repeatedly stated that she wasn't allowed to eat certain things, we received the response: "If the kitchen is too busy, they can't accommodate it." That's completely unacceptable, and then the unfriendly staff who then acted rudely towards us, so it's a real no-go. Please don't go there just because celebrities or influencers eat there.

Beautiful on the Rhine, around 6.30pm but in the shade, very friendly staff

It was ok but Max went way overboard!

The waiter was so friendly and the food was A1!!

As a Mexican from a region with the most diverse and delicious cuisine, I went in with high expectations. I was really excited to try the michelada with German beer and wow, it was delicious. Just one note, micheladas should not have ice. Ask for the beer and the frosted mug and enjoy it without ice. The tacos were okay, a bit too salty for me, but the salsas were good. The atmosphere was very pleasant and the service was really good.

Very nice place, extremely attentive service, nice decor. Sensational nachos! I wasn't so lucky with the main course. But I'll definitely try it again!

Traditional Mexican food with a touch of European twist

The 4 hours of queuing were not worth it, it tastes like goulash and hard as a shoe sole

The location and music were good but we waited too long and the food was not that good either

Absolutely amazinggg mexican place in Cologne! The vibe is amazing as it is right next to the Rhine River! Recommend chorizo vegetarian nachos!

Super delicious! Best Mexican food in town. Highly recommend.

The team was super nice and started serving us 10 minutes before the kitchen closed. The food (tacos and side dishes) was delicious, and I'll be back next time I visit Cologne.

Went here at opening time on a Sunday. I got the Soja al pastor (vegetarian) tacos, and my partner got the Birria tacos! Along with it there were three different salsa options as well. We both thought it was well-made, authentic and delicious! The waitress was also super nice and accommodating! All in all a very good experience!

The waitress was out of it! They didn't really care about the guests. Unfortunately, the food was cold and arrived late.

Even the Coke wasn't tasty I think that says it all

Excellent quality food near the river. I would, if weather allows, recommend to use the terras!

The food was good. Vegetarian options are available. The view is beautiful. Eating outside is recommended.

Mexican food very tasty. Quesadillas, tacos, salads, everything. Both with meat and vegetarian. If you can sit outside you of course have a view of the Rhine. So the restaurant is worth a visit.

Very nice atmosphere and very kind staff. If it comes to the food tacos were quite tasty but pork was too dry.

Great staff, that's what you want! Every table is occupied and you can tell that people are working as a team here. We were amazed at how everyone took care of everything👍 that's how gastronomy works. Of course the food was great too. People were happy to wait for the next available space here. 🏅

Very tasty food and great drinks with a direct view of the Rhine. However, you have to bring a lot of time

Unfortunately, food has nothing to do with authentic Mexican cuisine... The tortilla chips are from Chio!!!! Dips and guacamole are rather sobering… what a shame! Only the ambience and location scores.

The food is so delicious! A tip from me: always reserve in advance, it's so good that it's always full!

Food was very tasty, unfortunately a bit expensive compared to the portion.

Great for enjoying authentic Mexican food with a Mexican beer or cocktails by the river. Very good atmosphere and music, which is not common everywhere.

Everything super delicious! As a Mexican I can say that it is delicious! Authentic taqueria! I loved everything! Thank you, I felt at home 🇲🇽🌮❤️

I am a long-time customer from the taco truck period. It is great that one can enjoy a taco dinner at the table. Fresh tortilla and tacos. High quality potatoes and vegetables, and salsa! Authentic Mexican menu. The taste at this restaurant is slightly milder and adjusted to the European customers compared to the taco truck style. I do miss the taco lengua on the menu and possibility to ask for extra coriander and lime. As with the taco truck, vegetarian tacos and quesadillas are offered and they are scrumptious. Friendly and fast service. Best to visit this eatery with friends to enjoy the drinks and the scenic view at Rheinauhafen.

Disastrous service, very incompetent employees. Waited 1 hour for food for 2 people. Prices impossible.

Real mexican food. Delicious vegetarian options. You should try agua de horchata! The staff was super kind!

We ate at the Taqueria Cologne and had a really nice evening. The shop is located directly on the Rhine and offers a great view - perfect for sitting outside when the weather is good and enjoying the ambience. The food was really tasty – fresh, authentic and with a lot of taste. The selection on the menu was varied, and each of us found something that excited us. The cocktails were also great! The service was friendly, attentive and in a good mood, which underlined the relaxed atmosphere. Overall, we felt very comfortable and would definitely like to come back!

Authentic, high quality and delicious food. Ambience great! Friendly and fast staff.

Normally I really like to eat there, but now they have changed the menu, the ingredients and made it more expensive. I understand that prices go up but the quality should at least be the same as before.

Fantastic food, reasonable prices, food took a while to arrive but was to be expected with a full restaurant.

Very casual! Location on the Rhine with delicious Mexican food and drinks, top! The tacos Birra are world! The service is good and quick.

I had this taqueria on my list for a long time, so we immediately ordered the 10-piece portion of tacos to try different versions... I had to ask twice about the status of the order before we received our tacos after an hour of waiting. The order wasn't even correct, but the waitress simply told us that it was given out that way. The tacos were no longer warm at that point and the taste was really sad. When I complained about the long wait, the waitress offered us a round of drinks on the house. We went for a second round of the drink we initially ordered. She left the table and came back after a short time to tell us that she had spoken to the manager and it wasn't working. We could have soft drinks/beer/shots or a bedside table. From that point on I felt completely ripped off. We were then told that the manager would come to the table, which he did, so I guess no one really cared. Overall a very unpleasant experience and will not visit this restaurant again. Also because of the service and the quality of the tacos. There are definitely better places in Cologne.

It's a shame that there is no disabled toilet. Especially in such a large restaurant with a beer garden.

Seldom eaten so badly! The food was totally bland and apart from the vegetarian “meat” there was nothing in the tacos, which looked like they came from the microwave…

The food was okay... if you don't have any expectations. However, anyone who knows what good Mexican food can taste like will be disappointed here. It lacks freshness, depth, care...in fact, everything is missing. Neither mass nor class. You eat, you don't get full, and it's not really satisfying either. In the end you pay and ask yourself: what for? Unfortunately, the price has absolutely nothing to do with what is offered in terms of performance, taste or service.

Very bright restaurant with a great view of the Rhine. The tacos 🌮 are very authentic and the sauces are nice and spicy.

Went there spontaneously and got a table for two. You should definitely book a table just to be sure to get a place. During our stay people had to wait outside to get a table. I've never had Mexican before, should have tried it sooner. Their dishes are very tasty. Staff is friendly and they also speak english. I'll definitely go there again

Very tasty food - both with and without meat. The food is also ideal for sharing. However, the portions are rather small, so I almost always order twice. This affects the price. You have to expect 40-50 euros per nose. But it's worth it

Tasty food, great drinks. The Mezcal Margaritas were really good. On the more expensive side

More appearance than reality Unfortunately my expectations of Los Carnales were not met. There were some disappointments with both the food and the service. I was there with my girlfriend on my birthday and wanted to sit at a free table that didn't have a reservation sign. But instead the waitress seated us directly at a darker table at the edge - complete with dish containers on the floor as questionable decoration. After we ordered, my friend was served an appetizer instead of the main course. When we pointed this out, the responsible service person had to be called first. Her explanation then left us feeling like we were responsible for the misunderstanding - even though my friend had specifically pointed to the tacos she wanted. A simple apology would have been enough here. Then the appetizer with the salsas for my tacos was cleared away, which didn't necessarily help the situation. Shortly afterwards, another waitress offered us to move to the table we had originally requested. Since my food was already served, I continued eating while I was there. Meanwhile, my friend's dish sat on the counter for about five minutes before the waitress brought it to the wrong table - our old spot. After indicating with hand signals that we had now moved, the food was finally brought to the correct table. Why the waiter didn't remember it even though he had noticed the change himself remains a mystery. At the end we were charged for the starter that we hadn't ordered. Only after asking did it turn out that it should have been removed from the bill long ago. Instead of simply correcting the error, an internal investigation was carried out. Ultimately we were supposed to get €6.70 back, but only received €6.20. The food tasted good, but for just under €18 per dish I would have liked a larger portion. Overall, unfortunately not a recommendation.

Of course, I recommend this place. Despite the restaurant being a private party, 14 of us were able to find a nice spot by the window and enjoy the view of the Rhine and the surrounding area. The staff pushed tables together for this. The non-alcoholic cocktails were delicious, and the other soft drinks were also good. The service was relaxed, friendly, and prompt. So, all good. The restaurant is colorfully decorated, creating a lovely, pleasant, Mediterranean atmosphere. When the weather is a bit warmer, there's also a lovely outdoor terrace to relax on. The nacho platter as an appetizer was plentiful. And all the dishes were delicious and filling. The espresso was okay, but it could have been a lot warmer. Overall, we were very satisfied, and as we were leaving, the private party came in. Perfect timing

The staff was great, and so was the location, but I didn't find the food particularly great compared to other Mexican restaurants. However, the drinks are good :)

Not the best tacos I had but worth to visit one time

A very typical Mexican restaurant, with very friendly staff and super delicious food. And with an ideal location right on the Rhine. We'll definitely be back.

I have never had better Mexican food in Germany. Everything was extremely tasty 😋

Service was a bit slow but we got the 10 meat tacos and they were very good. High quality meats and tasty flavours. Salsas were also good.

Really good and very original. Great drinks and service was friendly and fast.

Something different. The free dips aren't quite as tasty, but the nachos, quesadillas, and guacamole are very tasty. Tacos are also delicious. The location is also nice.

Best Mexican food I've eaten in Germany so far. A bit expensive… chairs not particularly comfortable

Extremely tasty and authentic Mexican tacos - get the mix plate and you'll be happy! Highly recommended.

The food was very tasty and the atmosphere was really nice. I would recommend reserving a table. The staff was very friendly. However, the portions were very small and none of us were full. That was a shame but we were also very hungry. For the price I wouldn't go there again.

Very nice staff and delicious soft shell tacos with pulled beef.

If you want to eat tacos in Cologne, then here! They taste like they are in Mexico. The service and the employees are super friendly. The outdoor restaurant with a view of the Rhine is also an absolute recommendation.

A quick preface; I'm an American travelling abroad. I have a lot of experience with Mexican & Cuban food (authentic and the offshoots). Food: This was delicious authentic Mexican food! The serving sizes were large for the cost. The flavors were even bigger. Especially some of the salsas and sauces. Service: Quick to seat and regular follow-up in-between ordering. The staff was friendly and we even got to meet one of the owners. He told me about the care and attention to detail behind the food (sourcing and preparing). It was great! I like to know where my food comes and how it's treated. Now I understand what it takes to make those delicious flavors. Location: Also this place is right on the Rhine with lots of walkability and parking nearby. Huge outdoor seating perfect for Sunny days. The inside was nice too. Very clean and comfortable modern Mexican vibe with a stage and live music. I don't live here but I'll come in when I visit 👍!

Waited 1.15 hours. Starter after 30 minutes. It wasn't tasty either. Drinks Tinto de Verano probably from the tetra pack.

Perfectooo 👍🏾👌🏿 i recommend it good vibes, delicious tacos

Thank you very much for the evening with you Everything was great from start to finish Food very very tasty Starter, main course and dessert They were so tasty The waiter was super friendly and did everything right quickly, thank you We'll be back

One of my absolute favorite restaurants in Cologne! Beautiful ambience with friendly staff and authentic tacos right on the Rhine. I'm particularly pleased that there's also a great selection of vegan tacos that don't disappoint. 5 out of 5 stars. Tip: On weekends or in the evening it's worth making a reservation to be on the safe side :)

Delicious beer in bright sunshine.

A very nice location directly on the banks of the Rhein. The food, including the vegetarian options, is very delicious. The quesadilla dish comes today quite well served with tortilla chips and sauces. For a dinner it is more than enough. The Tacos, however, I do not recommend if you come hungry, they always seemed like very little quantity for the prices they have, which unfortunately, like almost everywhere, have risen considerably again.

Six of us had dinner here on Saturday early afternoon. It's not wrong to book a table. Even this early in the day the store is busy. We were warmly greeted and served wonderfully throughout our visit. The service was super attentive and friendly. The food was really tasty and definitely recommended. It's definitely not the last time I've been here.

Authentic Mexican food located on the Rhine River!

There were 5 people there to celebrate our birthday on February 7th, 2025. The service was very attentive. Since we had brought fresh flowers, the waitress immediately brought a vase of water for the flowers. We were extremely satisfied with the service. Everything went very well from ordering the food to the end. The food was delicious and very well decorated. The birthday child received a free dessert with a candle. It was a completely successful evening. I can highly recommend this restaurant. Parking is a bit more problematic and lower area is quite expensive.

Very kind and attentive people. Very delicious food, good location and also a good atmosphere. Recommended!

Super delicious food, very attentive, friendly service. The ambience, like everything, is a matter of taste. But I will definitely come back

Stopped here today after a leisurely walk along the Rhine for something to drink. There is a really nice selection of beer and it's worth a visit

Very tasty food and lots of choice, something for everyone

Food was tasty, service was good, and the place had a nice atmosphere.

Very nice restaurant, I have eaten Mexican cuisine several times. This restaurant really ranks high up there. Taste, dips and seasoning as you would expect and know from Mexico. Really highly recommended.

Tastes great, price is on the upper limit

Disappointment across the board! We were there with a group today and got exactly 3 rounds of drinks in 3 hours because the service was so inattentive. There wasn't a lot going on, but neither service staff had any ambition to come to the table and ask if we would like anything. Even though we were sitting in the middle of the room, we were simply ignored. I had to go to the bar and give special notice. We would have drunk twice as much! What's much worse, however, is that after our visit we smelled like a rancid chip shop. All clothing, including jackets, smelled of burnt cooking oil from the kitchen. An absolute disgrace! Who pays for the cleaning of unwashable jackets? The customer of course! The ventilation in the open kitchen is either defective, undersized or simply not turned up enough. You could see the smoke with grease particles moving past the hood into the guest room. I'm really mad that my clothes are completely messed up and even my hair smells so bad that I have to take a shower late at night! The atmosphere is nice, but not cozy and far too bright. The portions are so small that if you eat normally you won't get full and you'll pay exorbitant prices. The food was mediocre and there were uneaten plates at the neighboring table. The second and last time for me in the store. There are much better and more authentic Mexicans in Cologne, without all of these negative points. I just hope the tenant reads this and does something about these grievances.

Highly recommended. The restaurant is simply great. It's not cheap, but it's not outrageously expensive either. The food is top class. Really very tasty. I recommend ordering tacos for two or three people. There were three of us boys and all three of us realized that we would have liked a little bit more. But we didn't have a starter or dessert either. Really worth a visit.

Loved it The decoration, the friendly service, the prices, the option to book online, the food It was really nice to have good Mexican tacos once again I would strongly recommend it

Starting because I can speak in Spanish with the employees, even when we call to reserve, I really like the place. The Mexican food is very delicious, a little lazy with the guacamole, something that would improve. They also play a lot of Argentine music, so I feel at home. There is a little corner with drawings and pencils for the kids to entertain themselves.

Good food, not amazing, but enjoyable. Service was fine, and they were kind enough to find us a seat despite not having a reservation. It gets quite crowded, so I’d recommend booking in advance.

Super tasty! The food is really top and authentic. The restaurant is furnished with great attention to detail. There is a large terrace that we will visit in the summer. Definitely worth a visit.

Very tasty, but don't trust the waiters when they say the food isn't spicy. It's damn spicy and delicious. The tacos are really recommended, very authentic.

Strong shop, food, great conditions, nice atmosphere, colorful and inviting. All in all cool

I thought it was expensive for what it is. I didn't like the meat in the al pastor tacos and it's normally one of my favorite tacos...I didn't think it was of good quality. The birria tacos and vegetables were good. The drinks are expensive.

The atmosphere is so great there, you feel like you're in Mexico. The music fits everything in a colorful way, I love it! The waiter was very nice. The main course was ok… we found the side dishes rather tasty… there is a photo booth at the entrance, a cool idea in itself but the quality for the price was unfortunately more of a star deduction. It feels like only 2 people fit in the photo and they are extremely close...

Unfortunately very variable quality. Service is always very nice and helpful, but today the food wasn't as good as usual. Unfortunately, the oyster mushroom ceviche was a complete failure and we had to send it back for the first time. The acidity was inedible and unpleasant. Tastes like vinegar essence or lemon concentrate. You really need to rework it. Tacos solid, but nothing more. It's a shame, we were much better used to it with you.

Great tacos & drinks. Good service though a bit sleepy. Seating is suboptimal, you basically sit on the lab of your neighbors if you’re unlucky

Delicious authentic Mexican food right on the Rhine. Cool location, our favorite tacos were unfortunately sold out.

Very good food, some dishes compared to other Mexicans In my opinion 2-3 EUR more expensive, but very well seasoned and good portions. We sat in the entrance area. Sitting at the back in the main area is more comfortable.

As far as I know, Los Carnales Taqueria is the only place in Cologne where you can get authentic tacos and other Mexican dishes. The food was really excellent and the ambience was also very successful. The sharing plate, the “MENÚ ESPECIAL”, is particularly recommended. All the top sellers are available here and you can try them out. The price of just under €50 for two people (without drinks) is, in my opinion, a bit too much for what you get. Still highly recommended

Not worth it, you get 10ml of sauce, an 8th of a lime and 10 tacos for just under 50 euros. 5 tacos are less filling than a kebab. Food quality OK but not a game changer

What an incredible place. Very delicious food, margaritas made to order. Today there was karaoke and we had an incredible time. 100% recommended

There is only Fritz Cola there. Not enjoyable for Coca Cola drinkers.

Was craving some TexMex and this place was recommended. It's delicious, without a doubt. The sizes are generous and the food is well made and presented. Sauces go from mild to hot and there are plenty of side dishes. There are also vegetarian, fish, and meat options. The atmosphere is open, lively, good music, and clean. The service is prompt and friendly. I started with the nachos for the taste of back home, the US, but it just isn't the same. Although the nachos were a great dish, and I would absolutely get again, cheese and chip texture is slightly different. No fault of the restaurant due to local sourcing and local tastes, but I had something else in mind. All in all, it's a wonderful place with delicious food, great service, a pleasant atmosphere, but not quite the same as the TexMex across the Atlantic. With that being said, I will absolutely go back again.

Best tacos in Cologne! authentic and simply delicious! Varied menu. Margaritas awesome! Very nice staff. Todo maravilloso!