TEXMEXNATION in Erfurt

The service was unfriendly and seemingly completely overwhelmed trying to prepare two hot drinks. They were only lukewarm—just like the place itself...they should definitely turn up the heat in winter...and I seriously doubt it's normal for spoons to simply be placed on the counter without napkins or coasters—that's hardly hygienic. Our conclusion: We went there twice—the first and the last time!!!

The value for money is terrible. If I'm paying €20 per person for self-service without table service, I expect much better food. Not stale rice and a 40-minute wait in a half-full restaurant with a full staff. It's also dirty, and the tables aren't cleaned.

Friendly but incompetent. We waited an hour for our fast food! After asking several times, I received the wrong (small) burger for €16. Never again.

We visited this otherwise beautifully located café today with my mother. The staff were very friendly and really tried their best, but there were far too few of them. The cake was so dry that we decided to try a warm meal instead — but unfortunately, none was available. All in all, we won’t be returning.

The place was almost empty at lunchtime. The staff (1-2 food preparers) were overwhelmed. The soup was good, but the burgers took forever. Not fast food at all. Burger + drink (no fries) almost €23, a bit steep.

The staff is super polite, especially Aami, who served me very nicely.

The food was very good. The staff was helpful, but unfriendly at times.

Cognito is a cozy place for a relaxed breakfast or coffee break.

disgusting. cheap and way too expensive, what a load of crap

The prices are outrageous. 14 euros for a measly panini or a small burger that's barely enough to feed a child. Elsewhere, you can get a proper meal with sides for that amount. Pure rip-off. This place should be boycotted until those responsible for the prices come to their senses.

The food is absolutely okay and exceptional.

The ambiance and coffee were good, but the wait was far too long, especially considering we were practically the only customers. The food is okay, but not worth the rather expensive price. I wouldn't go there again.

I used to come here quite often and have been a regular since it opened (around 2009 or 2010). I still remember the days when they served penne with truffle sauce and Oreo shakes, and the front part of the first floor was a sort of balcony overlooking the ground floor. Since the pandemic, I've been here less often, and each time I've been a bit disappointed by the selection and quality of the food and drinks, the service, and the atmosphere. And each time, something else is wrong (parts of the order forgotten, some orders incorrect, new employees who don't even know what they're doing, etc. This time, they shouted from one counter to another, discussing problems). It's generally getting more expensive and worse. It's a shame.

Too expensive for self-service; drinks alone, including a tea, cost around €5 in a glass (too hot, without a handle). The food tastes good, with something for everyone. Beautiful location

Please note: breakfast is not gluten-free. Gluten-free options are available starting at lunch.

The ambiance and the staff are friendly but the food is inedible. What saved it was my iced tea… End of comment

We stopped here for coffee and tea. Both were overpriced.

The food was of very high quality, we didn't have to wait long, and we were able to enjoy the cozy atmosphere in peace. Highly recommended!

Indian dal tastes sour with lots of coconut, has little to do with Indian cuisine. Tourist prices, although coriander is pictured on the menu, upon inquiry, I'm told it's not there, it's just for the photo. No cash payment accepted, no risk of repeating.

The service staff were very attentive, but unfortunately far too few. The atmosphere is really nice, especially on the second floor. I'd rather not rate the food. That would only work with negative stars.

Great restaurant, very good food, and a fantastic play area for the kids upstairs! Since the food is freshly prepared, it unfortunately takes a little longer.

Fresh products, super friendly staff, just sit down and enjoy the surroundings.

We had to wait over an hour for two breakfasts, even though it wasn't busy. Also, the prices are very high: €4 for a 0.33 liter of water! The food was average; it wasn't worth waiting that long for.

No. The lentil curry contained neither lentils nor coconut milk; it just tasted sour. The chai latte is a cheap, powdered mess. The staff is slow and unmotivated, and if the kitchen looks like the restrooms, then I can only advise against it.

This restaurant benefits primarily from its location. I find it annoying that the prices for most drinks aren't displayed on the menu or anywhere else in the restaurant. Considering that it's a purely self-service establishment, the food isn't worth the price in terms of quality and quantity. The staff doesn't seem friendly.

Nice, modern restaurant. First of all, there are no strings attached. You go in to order, pay (when I was here, they only accepted card payments; I don't know if that's always the case), get a guest pager, and then pick up your food. The food was very tasty. I had the Insider Burger, which I highly recommend; you almost don't notice it's meatless. Unfortunately, there was no list of drinks. The prices were perfectly reasonable in my opinion; it's significantly cheaper than in a restaurant, which is probably due to the self-service nature.

Very good gluten-free dishes, great selection

Super long wait and unfriendly staff.

Unfortunately, unpacking the goods was more important than serving the guests! I left after 5 minutes without any food! Why is this review being reported as "defamation" on Google? I can only describe my experience here, even if it was negative. Surely this should be allowed in Germany in 2025!

Delicious bowls with fresh ingredients, a lovely ambiance at the Krämerbrücke, and unbeatable Aperol at a great price...🥗🍹👍🏼

Very tasty food and great service.

Great location and delicious apple pie.

"I waited over half an hour for my order because the staff apparently forgot to prepare my food. Only after I asked did they start preparing it."

This afternoon, we visited Cognito with our children. We all found something we liked. All fresh and good food at reasonable prices.

Nothing justifies these above-average prices: neither the service (self-service and extremely slow, to boot) nor the food. A lot of marketing for little substance.

Very friendly staff who are happy to fulfill individual requests. Delicious breakfast.

The staff is really very nice. 👍 Unfortunately, the 50-minute wait for a €17.95 bowl was too long for me when the crowds were low.

We couldn't order anything at first because the young, numerous staff were overwhelmed. Unprofessional and unfriendly, snippy behavior. Self-service restaurant. Tables are dirty. The food is okay, but quite expensive for what you get. Card payments only. The restaurant has really gone downhill. The worst part is, the staff gossips in front of the guests. Not recommended.

At first glance, Cognito is a really nice place – stylishly furnished, with a pleasant atmosphere; there's nothing to complain about. You can tell that a lot of emphasis has been placed on a well-thought-out concept here. A modern, trendy restaurant that also offers breakfast – basically a place where you could feel at home. What I don't like at all, however, is that they only accept card payments. I don't think it's right to take away the choice from guests and completely ban cash. For many, cash is simply a given – whether out of habit, for better control, or for data protection reasons. The fact that it's no longer an option here is a step in the wrong direction for me. As much as that's a shame, I'll avoid Cognito until later. An attractively designed store is of no use to me if I feel restricted when paying. Perhaps the operators will reconsider this at some point.

The food always takes a while, since it's freshly prepared. That's okay. Unfortunately, the black tea isn't that well prepared; you don't know how long it's been brewing. There was very little butter at breakfast. Tea and latte macchiato were a shaky affair due to unsuitable saucers. Not so good because it's self-service. The table outside was also wobbly. A folded tissue helped.

The location in Erfurt is good, centrally located yet relatively quiet. The ambience is also perfectly fine. The selection of food and drinks is good. Unfortunately, you quickly notice how inefficient the crew's work processes seem to be. Waiting times for breakfast are 30 minutes or more on weekends. (We waited 50 minutes for drinks and 1 hour for food) This is not generally a problem, as you are informed directly when ordering. However, it seems as if the staff are trained to repeatedly point out the long wait, which gives the impression that you are a burden as an additional guest. While you are waiting for your order, it is also not possible to get your drinks. The orders are processed mindlessly from top to bottom. This also makes the staff seem constantly stressed and under pressure, which does not exactly make you feel welcome as a guest.

We've been sitting for an hour waiting for our food. Apparently, we were told how long it would take. Guests who were getting burgers, bowls, and soup all got their turn before us... What a pity...

I recently returned to Cognito after a long time... and what can I say: I used to like the place, and this time my companions and I were all disappointed... I ordered an "Iced Latte" (listed under "Iced Frappe"!!). The medium size costs €6.99. What I was expecting was, of course, a frappé (please google the definition). After the pager beeped (after a long wait), I was told matter-of-factly, "It's been ready the whole time... Apparently I pressed the wrong number." I was then given a latte macchiato with three ice cubes. Aside from the fact that the waitress took a while to even find the "Iced Latte" at the register and didn't even know it was available... the medium latte macchiato costs €4.99, so I paid an additional €2 for the three extra ice cubes. After I went back and pointed out that I ordered an "Iced Frappe," which is actually mixed with ice, she looked at me confused and said, "I can mix it again for you if you want." She mixed it, and out came a glass of foam, which I left in disappointment for a moment. And after a short while, the foam gradually disappeared, leaving me with half a glass of cold milk with a hint of coffee. And all that for €6.99... That was really disappointing. I didn't go back because the waitresses seemed very stressed (and sometimes unfriendly) and apparently didn't really know what they were doing... Also, no one would have believed me that the full glass of foam would suddenly turn into half a glass of milk (I can hardly believe it myself)... I've attached a photo. (At the time of the photo, I had taken ONE sip and waited a few minutes.) I've had iced frappés there several times in the past, including the Oreo frappé (which was still available at the time)... and they were so good! But I can only advise against the so-called "iced latte." Perhaps it would make more sense not to list the iced latte (if it's actually served as a latte macchiato with three ice cubes) under frappés, and especially not to charge €2 more than for a regular latte. Well, that's it for now. Sorry for the long review, but that was very disappointing... for me and my wallet.

It's very nice and cozy there. I remember the place from before, though, and one of the delicious bowls was quite filling. Unfortunately, these now cost €15, and the few vegetables and the small pile of rice aren't really filling. It could be a bit more substantial for the price. Otherwise, the staff is very friendly and it's a nice place for a coffee.

A really nice place that I used to recommend - but there are now many other locations that are not only as charming, but above all culinary much more convincing. Panini with three forks Salad (including spoiled arugula) for € 13.59 plus uncoordinated service - that just doesn't fit anymore.

Disappointing visit – poor quality, even less dialogue On June 12, 2025, I visited Cognito Erfurt with friends. For €14.49, I received a small bowl with five mini falafels, some green salad, some overripe old cucumbers – and no side dish at all. No bread, no filling meal. My politely expressed criticism was ignored and not taken seriously by the staff. I subsequently contacted management by email – but there, too, instead of a genuine discussion, I received more defensiveness: My comment was downgraded due to its anonymity. It's a shame – a restaurant that calls itself "conscious" but blocks feedback falls short of its goal. We won't be back. #FalafelFail #DisappointedByService #FeedbackIgnored #SustainabilityWithoutAttitude #PricePerformanceIsNotRight #RestaurantWithRoomForUpgrade #CriticismIsNotHostility #CustomerServiceCanBeDifferent #NeverAgainCognito

Schnelle Bedienung mit leckerem Thai Food aus dem Thermobehälter. Günstiges Essen was nicht schwer im Magen liegt

Be careful with the prices. I ordered an Aperol Spritz for the Krämerbrückenfest, which the menu said was €6.90. I was charged €7.49. After asking, I was told that the early shift hadn't changed the price. I couldn't get a refund because they only accept card payments and don't have cash. 🤔

Very delicious breakfast. Both vegetarian and vegan. We had the sweet breakfast and both bowls. Unfortunately, the bowls only come with regular yogurt, not soy yogurt. I could have had that if I had asked, but I opted for the milk version instead. The bowls cost around €10, and they're VERY filling and filling. I've never had such large bowls for breakfast anywhere else. Therefore, I found the price reasonable. Unfortunately, the fruit wasn't in season (we were there at the end of May), so I would have preferred strawberries instead of orange slices with peel and very large banana pieces. It's self-service here with a "table timer," which was fine in our case. You also clear away your used dishes yourself. The service was friendly and flexible. You can have breakfast both inside and outside in a lovely setting.

Price/performance ratio is a complete disaster! Where do the reviews come from? See photo: that's supposed to be 6 eggs? Something that doesn't even taste like eggs? And then the price? When I asked, why are there 2 eggs? I wanted my money back... Of course I didn't get it! The coffee was completely ripped off... More show than substance! You're being ripped off here, and deliberately so.

Sunday morning, May 25, 2025, around 10:30 a.m., we're in the mood for breakfast. Three employees ignore you in the store, and you're ignored. The wait in the store is about 15 minutes. The employees at the snack bar are particularly disinterested and ignore you. Requests for seating are answered reluctantly and unfriendly. Fun at work and with customers, almost zero. We leave the café. CIAO

Four slices of bread, three bowls of spreads, yesterday's salad, and a fried egg – charging more than €13 for that is pretty cheeky. The drinks are also overpriced. If you need more than five minutes in the bathroom, the lights simply go out, leaving you sitting in pitch darkness. The motion detector is outside by the sinks. All in all, very disappointing. A tourist trap, after all.

If you want to watch people starve and die of thirst, come to Cognito! It's actually a nice place, and the food seems delicious, too. If you can get it, that is. Two of us waited almost an hour and a half (!) on a Sunday after ordering our food at the self-service counter. There were three staff members (all friendly), and it was moderately busy (a few tables were free). On top of that, you only get drinks with your meal. I would probably have been on my second coffee by now. So my advice: don't come hungry or thirsty. I won't be coming again.

Delicious, but pricey. Friendly, but self-service. They also offer vegan options. ❤️ We'd love to come back; the atmosphere is appealing and the location is great in the old town.

Unfortunately, I had a very unpleasant experience there and later spent some time in the bathroom because of it. There were reasons for this, too: there were hygiene issues and a pest problem a few years ago, which resulted in several chefs leaving.

Actually, we are used to something completely different from the Cognito!! The service on our visit today was extremely frustrating. Although we had reserved several places for Mother's Day (and even had them confirmed by phone the day before), we were told very rudely that there were no places available for such a large group of people. The waiter had a very ignorant demeanor and didn't even bother to check the appointments. As a result, our initially very happy mood was completely ruined. Only the waitress behind the counter tried to somehow save the situation and assigned us a table. There were still a few tables available in the restaurant anyway and they weren't occupied later during our visit. The waiter's behavior was absolutely detrimental to business!!! Unfortunately we didn't have the name given to us.

Absolutely no recommendation. An “okay selection” of “so-so food” to fill you up. But “holla the negative forest fairy prices”. The crowning achievement: catastrophic service and the unfriendly and most ignorant staff I have ever experienced in a restaurant. Absolutely zero points!!!

Got breakfast even though breakfast time was over. Simply great!!!

Great restaurant! There are super delicious (gluten-free, vegan) cakes here. The chicken burger can also be recommended. Everything is freshly prepared and you can even keep an exclusive eye on your food preparation. The staff is friendly and you are served quickly. The fact that the restaurant is taking part in the “friendly toilet” project is just another plus point. Everything is fine, gladly again!

The shop is very nice and the atmosphere is nice, but 30€ and 45 minutes of waiting for two burritos that mostly consisted of unseasoned rice is cheeky. Employees can have their shoes soled while walking

It's a really nice café in itself, but the drinks are super expensive. And somehow the few servants can't keep up. It's a little incomprehensible that I couldn't find my last review when I had already stated that. But apparently that's a scam in this establishment

Simply recommended, super tasty there😊

Yes, food very good, friendly staff

Employees extremely unfriendly, whether on site or when ordering - no attempts to resolve errors that they made themselves. Prices are high, food quality fluctuates greatly. Biggest problem: the operator regularly has justified negative reviews removed.

I have repeatedly had negative experiences at this restaurant - both on site and for delivery. Despite the low occupancy, I was not served for a long time on several occasions, even though the staff had obviously noticed me. A part of the order was missing from a delivery; When I politely asked, I only received the answer that nothing could be done here. A solution like those seen in other restaurants (e.g. a credit note or subsequent delivery) was not offered. Based on these repeated experiences, I have decided not to visit or order from the restaurant in the future. I would also like to note that a previous factual review of mine was removed - apparently at the request of the restaurant. I find this worrying, as constructive criticism can contribute to improvement.

Had breakfast there and it was really delicious. Top vegan and vegetarian selection, not just for breakfast. Food is ordered at the counter and picked up. Staff friendly. Cozy atmosphere, seating outside with blankets available. Child-friendly restaurant with a play area upstairs. Price-performance is right. Gladly again!

Pleasant, informal atmosphere; delicious breakfast; gladly again!

The location and the location of the self-service restaurant are actually not bad but you could do more with it...especially in terms of order and cleanliness.

We discovered “Cognito” on our first day in Erfurt and grabbed something for lunch. The soup and sandwich could have been a little bigger, but they satisfied the hunger for now. It was all delicious; especially the smoothie! The location is nice and the service is friendly. We'd love to come back :)

Received the wrong order and then the extremely unfriendly service was unwilling to exchange the food or refund the money. Never again.

We ate breakfast here. The staff was very friendly and the food tasted really good.

Very nice and inviting atmosphere, the service staff is just as friendly and accommodating:) The food is also a 10/10. We'd love to come back.

Great breakfast with delicious spreads and jams, lovingly prepared.

Breakfast and also the homemade cake are simply delicious

Very friendly Delicious Cozy atmosphere

The food looks very good, but unfortunately, we couldn't get in because the waiter was very unfriendly and immediately told us not to order anything because it would take too long (50 minutes for a soup). A very nice place, very nicely decorated. If the staff hadn't been so abusive and the food and drinks hadn't been so expensive, it would have been highly recommended.

I had dinner there for the first time today with my daughter. The location is a bit too dim/dark for eating for my taste. We didn't know how the ordering system worked, but no one spoke to us. So we stood there uncertainly for 10 minutes. Both employees were too busy with cleaning work. When asked, they said unfriendly “Order at the counter!”. The food was okay, but nothing more. (1x curry, 1x bowl for approx. 14-15 euros each) Plus a small bottle of water “Viva con Aqua” and a “Proviant Limo” When I paid I was taken aback: €39.90! When I asked irritably, I found out that a cold drink costs just under €6!!! I was then offered to bong it out again. Since we were thirsty, we left it alone. That's really cheeky and I've rarely felt so ripped off! There is NO price display! Neither on the menu at the table nor on the large boards behind the counter. Only warm drinks and cocktails are available there. Nowhere in Erfurt have I ever paid such an outrageous amount for water/soda. What's that supposed to mean? (You should donate at least 2 euros per water bottle to "Viva con Aqua"...) Summary: Never again.

The Thai curry was really great and it was super tasty, had a slight spiciness but was pleasant because I don't eat spicy very often or at all and in terms of price it was also completely okay

Very tasty food - whether curry or breakfast. Location, staff and atmosphere great!

Great coffee and great location!

The shock comes when it comes to the drinks at the checkout... almost €6 for 0.33 liters of apple spritzer. That's not possible, especially because there's nowhere to find a price label for the drinks at the counter.

Cozy breakfast with gluten-free options✅delicious coffee specialties, everything freshly made and delicious 👍

Delicious, healthy breakfast, made with a good mood. Special requests are also met in a friendly manner. Our child was able to play upstairs. That made it even more relaxed. Always the first choice for us when we travel as a family.

Food wasn't fresh, way too expensive, tables were unfortunately dirty

I had a burger that was one of the best I've had and the service was very friendly. I can only recommend it, you shouldn't miss the jam either 🫶🏼

Very delicious and plentiful breakfast. As a vegan, I'm absolutely thrilled. We'd love to come back ☺️

Unfortunately it has diminished significantly. It's very expensive and the tables aren't cleaned that often. The food wasn't really warm and there was also a side salad once in the past. You can get a lot out of the store if you make sure that everything doesn't go to waste

Great service, delicious food, nice atmosphere

You come in, no form of politeness (hello, good day, etc.), only card payment possible and the toilet is broken. Monday in a review.

Cognito offers a wide selection of healthy and delicious dishes that can also be ordered for various occasions such as birthday parties, corporate events and weddings. The Cognito focuses on fresh food, as I was able to see for myself. The Cognito is ideal for catering or pick-up. Particularly noteworthy is the range of healthy meals such as burritos, burgers, curries and salads. For coffee lovers, there is also a large selection of coffee, tea and smoothies. I would particularly like to emphasize that everything is freshly prepared such as burritos, burgers, curries and salads. The combination of fresh ingredients and healthy food makes it very attractive for me and for anyone who wants to eat more consciously. For me, Cognito is an excellent option for healthy and delicious food that you can enjoy - whether on-site or conveniently delivered to your home. In addition, the modern and cozy ambience of the Cognito ensures that families with children can feel comfortable. Cognito offers child-friendly menus and composition options tailored to children's preferences and nutritional needs. However, the best way to convince yourself is to visit the site. For me one of the best locations in Erfurt where you can eat healthily and consciously.

Even if negative reviews are regularly deleted by the operator: despite all understanding for the tense price situation and the city center location, the price-performance ratio has not been right for years. The portions are far too small for the not exactly affordable price. If this is due to high-quality products, it is not recorded anywhere. The service is anything but customer-oriented and friendly - a shame!

Super tasty. Fresh ingredients and simply something different than the run-of-the-mill offerings. Thank you!

First review was removed by owner. Was there twice and both times were bad. The crowning glory: my burger cost 15€ and was 90% rocket. Service way down Go to all the other shops nearby but not this one.

We had dinner here with friends. Very nice atmosphere, delicious food and friendly staff. We'll definitely be back.

Very tasty breakfast! Also great vegan food!

Centrally located in the old town of Erfurt, right next to the Krämerbrücke. Very cozy, food is very tasty and freshly prepared, food is ordered at the counter. Only card payment possible.

Prices a bit too expensive for the size of the plates. Poor room layout as the tables are all far too close. Food OK but nothing more.

I am always satisfied in Cognito. The food is tasty, the prices are reasonable, the atmosphere is pleasant and there is also a play area upstairs for families. However, I have to say that the quality has not always been completely convincing the last few times. Salad (side dish at breakfast) completely unseasoned and without dressing is unfortunately a bit boring. But these are isolated cases and overall the Cognito is still convincing and I like coming here.

We tried the gluten free cake. Cherry chocolate and apple almond. Very, very tasty and perfect for people with and without celiac disease. The pieces are also very large and fill you up.

We've been going to Cognito for years, delicious food and a cozy atmosphere. Keep it up!!!