The story
Schmidt Z&KO brings Mediterranean cooking to a quiet courtyard off Rheinstraße. The concept emerged as a joint venture between wine merchants Anja and Carsten Schmidt alongside television chefs Ralf Zacherl and Mario Kotaska. Their shared aim was to merge professional gastronomy with accessible education. The resulting space operates as both a functioning restaurant and a hands-on culinary school.
Guests enter a room defined by an industrial aesthetic and exposed structural elements. Natural light fills the central area during daylight hours, while the evening service shifts focus to the adjacent show kitchen. The menu leans toward Mediterranean cuisine, emphasizing seasonal produce and straightforward techniques. This layout allows visitors to watch preparations unfold without disrupting the dining flow.
The establishment maintains a curated cellar featuring more than five hundred labels. Glassware and decanters sit alongside operational wine racks that staff actually use for service. This practical approach earned the venue two spoons in the 2026 Schlemmer Atlas guide. Reviewers highlighted how the wine program pairs seamlessly with every course at the Mediterranean table.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
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