Bei Oma Kleinmann

Bei Oma Kleinmann is a schnitzel restaurant at Zülpicher Straße 9 in Cologne's Neustadt-Süd, in North Rhine-Westphalia, in the student quarter around Zülpicher Platz. It is known throughout the city for very large schnitzels, which cover most of the plate and are offered in many variations. The cuisine is German and centres on breaded and fried cutlets. The Wiener Schnitzel, a thin veal-style cutlet fried in breadcrumbs and served with lemon, is the classic, and variants with mushroom sauce and other toppings are common alternatives. Because the cutlets are oversized, portions are generous, and a single main dish is usually enough for a full meal, with sides such as potatoes or salad on the plate. The dining room is informal and busy, with a student and local crowd, simple furnishings and a high noise level in the evenings. There is no dress code, and the atmosphere is friendly and unpretentious, with a nostalgic grandmother's-kitchen theme implied by the name. Prices are mid-range ($$) and the portion size gives good value, though current prices should be confirmed with the venue. Opening hours are not verified online, so it is wise to confirm on site or through the restaurant website at www.bei-oma-kleinmann.de before travelling. Booking is advised for evenings because tables fill quickly, and weekends can mean a wait for walk-ins. Beer, including local Kölsch, is the usual accompaniment. The location on Zülpicher Straße is reached by tram to Zülpicher Platz and sits close to the Belgian Quarter and the university area, so it combines easily with a night out in the Neustadt. It is a practical choice for groups of friends who want a filling, informal meal at a reasonable price.