Where to Eat in Berlin

restaurant

Chipperfield Kantine

Berlin, Germany

This is not your typical canteen, but a well-constructed airy space attached to the David Chipperfield architecture office. Perfect for a relaxed but somewhat special lunch, the menu changes daily, offering a few simple and seasonal options, all beautifully presented. It’s also open for early dinner – be sure to leave room for one of their desserts

Address

Joachimstraße 11A 10119e

restaurant

Cocolo Ramen

Berlin, Germany

“Cocolo” means “heart” in Japanese and this diminutive joint will fill both your heart and your stomach. Opt for Berlin’s best ramen (we recommend tonkotsu) followed by green-tea ice cream and washed down with homemade lemonade. Due to its size and no bookings policy, the restaurant is better suited for smaller groups.

Address

Gipsstrasse 3 Mitte and Kreuzberg 10119

restaurant

Jolesch

Berlin, Germany

With a green-walled, candlelit backdrop, Jolesch arguably serves the city’s best wiener schnitzel, tafelspitz (boiled beef) and frittatensuppe (pancake soup). Don’t forget to try their Austrian strudel, sachertorte, or special Jolesch torte for dessert. They also do a decent home-brewed beer.

Address

Muskauer Straße 1 Kreuzberg 10997

restaurant

Katz Orange

Berlin, Germany

The regional slow-cooked food created by chef Robert Kettner always draws the crowds to this dynamic restaurant, situated in an old brewery within a dramatic Mitte courtyard. A combination of vintage and modern furniture makes for a warm, relazing interior enhanced by dishes like slow-cooked duroc pork – one of their signatures. Ideal for groups small and large, you can also pop in for small bites and killer cocktails at the bar. Keep your eyes open for live jazz acts and Sunday wine tastings.

Address

Bergstraße 22 Mitte 10115

restaurant

The Barn

Berlin, Germany

Berlin is heaven for coffee lovers, home to some of the best bean brewers in the world. The Barn, located in the Mitte gallery district, is a boutique coffee shop, offering a choice of brewing techniques and home-roasted beans. The fresh milk comes from local cows, and be sure to try their pastries, made according to the owner’s mother’s recipes. While you are spoilt for choice in other neighbourhoods, some our favourites include Bonanza Coffee Heroes, Companion Coffee and Silo Coffee.

Address

Auguststraße 58 Mitte 10119

restaurant

Lode & Stijn

Berlin, Germany

Right by the canal where Kreuzberg meets Neukoelln, a Dutch duo serves one of the finest contemporary cuisines in town. What may look understated to the eye amazes the palate with intricate, sophisticated flavours. Even the crusty sourdough bread before the main event is legendary. Explore the à la carte version or trust in the chefs’ and plump for the tasting menu — a good option if it’s your first visit.

Address

Lausitzer Strasse 25 Kreuzberg 10999

restaurant

Coda

Berlin, Germany

When it comes to Coda, you have to skip dinner and go straight for dessert. Berlin’s first dessert bar combines high-end, sweet concoctions with artisan cocktails. A six-course tasting menu might sound like a lot but the flavours are so delicate that they’ll leave you wanting even more. Lastly, the “bad guys” such as lactose, white flour and sugar are mostly expelled.

Address

Friedelstraße 47 Neukoelln 12047

restaurant

Sasaya

Berlin, Germany

Japanese cuisine tends to nail refined tastes, as its most noble purpose is to bring out the best elements of each ingredient. Sasaya excels at that; their sushi, sashimi and smoked fish dishes are impeccable. Yet what really steals the show are their little appetisers, such as sticky fermented beans, pickled vegetables, seaweed and spinach salad and a divine savoury tofu pudding

Address

Lychener Strasse 50 Prenzlauer Berg 10437

restaurant

Quà Phê

Berlin, Germany

This Vietnamese restaurant in the heart of Berlin feels like a welcoming oasis and instantly transports you to the streets of Hanoi. Their rice crêpes are filled with melty meat or tofu, while their glass-noodle salads and bánh bao buns are hard to beat. To top it off, order ca phe, a freshly brewed Vietnamese coffee served in a metallic filter pot that slowly drips into a layer of condensed milk.

Address

Max-Beer-Straße 37 Mitte 10119

restaurant

Transit

Berlin, Germany

Thanks to its lounge atmosphere – think slate and red walls and round wooden tables completed by colourful (yet empty) bird cages – and an excellent Thai menu, this place is always packed with locals. Pick from a variety of small dishes offering everything from satay chicken skewers to spicy papaya salad. Wash down with an ice-cold Singha or Tiger beer.

Address

Sonntagsstrasse 28 Friedrichshain 10245

restaurant

Mustafa's Kebab

Berlin, Germany

You can’t visit the German capital without having a Berliner kebab at Mustafa’s in Kreuzberg. Somewhat of an institution, this tiny shop is always rammed – and rightfully so. We’d usually judge someone who went veggie in a kebab shop, but their signature “gemuesedoener” is hard to beat.

Address

Mehringdamm 32 Kreuzberg 10961

restaurant

Eins44

Berlin, Germany

This stylised neighbourhood eatery is located in a former distillery tucked away in an art deco courtyard. The impressive menu is grounded in French flavours, updated with an international twist. Being Berlin, smokers can puff away in the smoking section, which is situated on top of an old turbine engine.

Address

Elbestrasse 28/29 Berlin 12045