15 years Ox&Klee

COLOGNE. 15 years ago, a small restaurant opened its doors in Richard-Wagner-Straße: Ox & Klee. What began as a bold experiment developed step by step into a culinary institution that radiates far beyond Cologne. After Daniel cooked up his first star in the first location, the following question soon became his focus: How do I create the best culinary experience for my guests? Years later - after Covid-19 - this search gave rise to the "Experience Taste" concept in 2020, which Ox & Klee pioneered throughout Germany. Over the years, it has been further developed, refined - and shaped in a very personal way. His time at the Villa Massimo in Rome was a particularly key experience for chef Daniel. There, in dialogue with artists and
thinkers, the idea of understanding flavour as art grew. The impressions of these months not only became the basis for the further development of the restaurant, but also found expression in the book "Grazie Roma".

Just in time for the 15th anniversary, the new concept "The Art of Taste" is now being finalised: an artistic manifesto that rethinks and expands the culinary space - sensually, intellectually, visionarily. It is complemented by the 5th Element Bar, which blurs the boundaries between culinary art, craftsmanship and art with its own signature style - but it is not only a story of successes, but also of resistance. In times when fine dining is under increasing pressure, it is important to find new ways. The Ox & Klee does not meet this challenge with retreat, but with radical creativity - for example with a "blatant curry vurst", which shows that star cuisine can also be thought of differently.

The anniversary on 28 September 2025 will be a feast for the senses - and an evening of friendship. On this evening, six exceptional guest chefs will present a unique kitchen party together with the Ox & Klee team: Frank Buchholz from Germany, Delfo Schiaffino from Italy, Heros de Agostinis from Italy, Grigoris Kikis with roots in Greece, Simone Lilliu with Italian-German influences and Marius Sprenger from Germany. They all share their culinary excellence as well as a personal history with the Ox & Klee. Together they epitomise the spirit of this evening: a look back, a look forward - and the celebration of a community driven by passion and creativity.

15 years of Ox & Klee - from Richard-Wagner-Straße to the international stage. From the search for flavour to the art of flavour. From difficult times to bold new beginnings. A restaurant that constantly reinvents itself - and always follows its inner compass.