Cologne’s gastronomy legend Latio” is closing – a new Italian is coming!

Cologne’s gastronomy legend Latio” is closing – a new Italian is coming!

An era is coming to an end in Cologne's southern city: the traditional restaurant “Latio” on Vorgebirgstrasse closed its doors on September 1st. After more than three decades of history, the last twelve of which were under the leadership of Almir “Aki” Sabinovic, the restaurateur is now drawing a line and would like to concentrate on his family and caring for his mother. “Latio” was not only known for its excellent fish dishes, but also a popular meeting place for many regular guests, including celebrities such as Markus Lanz and Annette Frier. Even if the regular guests are sad about the end, Sabinovic would like to thank everyone for their loyalty, especially during the difficult times of the corona pandemic. Cologne City Gazette reported.

“Latio” was a fixture in the Cologne gastronomy scene, where there were a total of 60 seats in the dining room and a comparable number in the garden on 100 square meters. The menu offered a variety of Italian delicacies that were not only appreciated by the people of Cologne. A special highlight was the award of the “Jode Lade” seal of quality from “Express” in 2021, which underlined the high quality of the fish dishes. “We had over 95 percent regular customers, which shows how much the ‘Latio’ has grown into people’s hearts,” continued Sabinovic. Day24 emphasizes that the restaurant was very popular for its fair prices and extensive selection of dishes.

A new wind is blowing in the “Latio”

Although the “Latio” is now a thing of the past, the location doesn’t stay empty for long. From December 1st, the restaurant “il Nido” will continue the gastronomic tradition there, but with a new concept. The operators of the new restaurant promise Italian-Mediterranean cuisine that combines fresh ingredients and creative dishes. Cologne City Gazette. It remains to be seen how the new operators will gain a foothold in the southern part of the city.

For many people in Cologne, one thing is clear: things haven't been easy for the catering industry. A survey of 146 companies in Cologne and other regions found that 72 percent of those surveyed feared for their existence. The pandemic has hit many restaurateurs hard, and support has often been slow and insufficient. The uncertainty led to some businesses, including “Latio”, having to close their doors. TH Cologne documented the challenges that many hospitality businesses faced during this time.

The farewell to “Latio” makes people sit up and take notice and gives reason to hope that “il Nido” will bring a breath of fresh air to the southern part of the city. The Cologne gourmet pulse will definitely be keeping a watchful eye on how the new restaurant will develop. A good knack for cuisine and hospitality are certainly required here.