Anyone who only thinks of appetisers or a small greeting from the kitchen should urgently brush up on their aperitif knowledge. Because the meal before the meal should be celebrated at least as much as the main course in the restaurant.
An aperitif is more than just snacks and drinks. It is an almost magical time on the border between day and evening. You sit and relax with friends in chic bars or cosy pubs, have a drink, enjoy small treats and enjoy life.
We've taken a look around for you and present the 11 best aperitif bars in Berlin. So let's get going, otherwise the best places are already gone.
Tip 1: Frau Luna
At Frau Luna, you get an aperitif the way it should be. Lots of tasty treats on small plates and everything freshly prepared. Served with a good glass of wine, spritz or whatever else you fancy. Above all, you shouldn't miss out on the generously topped sandwiches with herbs and spices. Many of the ingredients used are grown on site in small pots. Mrs Luna conjures up what is probably the most regional aperitif in Berlin.
Where: Paul-Lincke-Ufer 44, Kreuzberg
Tip 2: Jane & the Jam
This small bar is an eye-catcher from afar: the façade of Jane & the Jam is reminiscent of a sparkling wine with its vibrant mix of orange and pink. The drinks menu is based on the seasons and offers you a selection of natural wine that you can enjoy with snacks, cheeses, dips and hot dishes. Fresh, cool drinks meet savoury or deep-fried delicacies.
If you prefer to picnic in one of Berlin' s many parks or spend a cosy evening at home, you can also order a cheese and sausage box to take away.
Where: Brunnenstraße 27, Mitte
Tip 3: Centopassibar
In the centre of Friedrichshain, Centopassibar invites you on a little culinary journey to Italy. Aperitifs, Italian wines and Sicilian antipasti and pasta can be enjoyed indoors and outdoors. The retro-style interior creates a particularly cosy atmosphere surrounded by colourful pictures and bookshelves, while you can watch the hustle and bustle of the neighbourhood streets outside.
Where: Krossener Str. 36, Friedrichshain
Tip 4: Vinoteca Berlin wine bar Aperitivo Weinhandel
Vinoteca Berlin is all about northern Italy: "Wines and products from Trentino and Veneto" is the motto. Accordingly, you will find everything here that can be savoured as an aperitif in Venice, Padua, Verona and Trento. These include Lagrein, Gewürztraminer and Trentingrana, the famous South Tyrolean hard cheese. And, of course, the Veneto region's most famous cultural export: Spritz.
Where: Windscheidstraße 22, Charlottenburg
Tip 5: Facciola
Hidden away in a small side street in Kreuzberg is Facciola - a charming wine bar with an Italian heart. Carefully selected wines, homemade antipasti and the warm atmosphere of owner Auro Facciola await you here. Whether inside by candlelight or outside at the tables on the pavement, you can enjoy a delightful evening just like in Bella Italia.
Where: Forster Straße 5, Kreuzberg
Tip 6: Tastavin
If you're strolling between fragrant stalls in the Arminiusmarkthalle and fancy an aperitif, i.e. the French version, you should stop off at Tastavin. Here you will find a large selection of wines, crémants and champagnes, as well as ice-cold beer fresh from the tank. Hearty cheese and sausage specialities from France as well as olives round off the taste experience. Sit back, enjoy - Santé!
Where: Arminiusstrasse 2-4, centre
Tip 7: Sicula Bar
In the middle of the lively neighbourhood around Boxhagener Platz , you can enjoy lovingly prepared focaccine, platters with sausage, cheese or vegetarian delicacies from chef and owner Giuliana at Sicula Bar. There are also aperitifs, wines, lemonades and beers. A new menu awaits you every week. Wine tastings and other events bring Mediterranean flair to Berlin.
Where: Scharnweberstraße 46, Friedrichshain
Tip 8: Vineria Gallina
After-work aperitif with good music - that's how Vineria Gall ina can be described in a few words. It is served with self-imported wine from small wineries in Italy. After a long day at work, you will find classic Italian antipasti with regional vegetables as well as cheese and sausages from Veneto, Campania and Apulia. All the ingredients you need for a relaxed aperitif with friends in a traditional setting.
Where: Pücklerstraße 20, Kreuzberg
Tip 9: Estelle Dining
Small plates, pizza and wine - Estelle describes itself as a neighbourhood bistro with an inviting terrace. Aperitif fans get their money's worth here. The beer, wine and cocktail menu fulfils your every wish. The food on offer at Estelle invites you to extend the typical aperitif hours. Who says aperitifs can only start in the evening? With selected dishes for lunch or brunch, platters and sweets, you can start your aperitif earlier with a clear conscience.
Where: Kopenhagener Str. 12A, Prenzlauer Berg
Tip 10: Hidden Boulevard Bar
Hidden away in the beautiful Crelle neighbourhood is the Hidden Boulevard Bar for cocktail lovers, where you can end the summer evening in a relaxed atmosphere. In addition to creative cocktails, you can enjoy wines, aperitifs, antipasti and sandwiches. You can settle down comfortably here , as the stylish atmosphere invites you to linger.
Where: Crellestraße 44, Schöneberg
Tips for a day out in Schöneberg
Tip 11: CinemAperitivo
CinemAperitivo combines two things that simply belong together: Cinema and aperitif. Always on Sundays, always in Italian and always good. Classic Italian aperitivo delicacies and wine are served. There are also classic films that have been specially selected for the weekly aperitivo events. The concept has been proving its worth since 2008 and is very popular in the Berlin food and film scene. Speaking of language: you shouldn't let a lack of language skills put you off a visit. There are subtitles for the films and food is a universal language anyway.
Where: Rosa-Luxemburg-Straße 30, Mitte
