Small local restaurant with fresh hand made pasta. It’s off the beaten path, so take a taxi. Surprisingly good Italian food and wine in Cologne, especially if you are looking for an alternative to beer, brats and schnitzel.
One of my highlights when visiting Solingen is dining at Scarpati's. (And one of the biggest excitements is successfully parking!) I wish that it were closer to my home. The food is always good. The staff is always accommodating. The atmosphere is always warm and pleasant.