A Local Place

Sometimes you don't realize that you are missing something until you find it. Since moving to Bonn I've eaten a number of restaurants, almost always pleasantly surprised with the food. But there was always something missing . . . . The food was good, but too fancy and/or expensive to visit regularly, too heavy to eat often, or the atmosphere wasn't right. Every time I want to go out I find myself wondering were.

Last night we decided to Kratz in Südstrat (Lennéstraße 61), the southern part of Bonn. With no more then 15 tables and space to sit at the bar, the restaurant feels cozy and intimate. Stark white walls decorated with a few black and white photos and black tables make the space feel elegant but not fussy. The deep black leather banquette, adorned with aqua and sea-foam-green pillows, makes it the kind of place where you can settle in. (The couple at the table across from us sat together on the banquet after finishing their coffee to perused a magazine.)

The mainly Italian menu offers a selection of pizzas, pastas, grilled meats, and salads. There is also an Indian influence making an appearance in a few curry dishes and a selection of crapes. We started with a salad with sautéed mushrooms, eggplant, and tomato dressed with honey balsamic vinaigrette, which was great. Kevin had pizza with mushrooms and Gouda cheese. I had basil and tomato pasta with stake.

The service was friendly and the bill was under €30. We both walked out saying we'd come back again.