Berlin’s culinary scene is renowned for its diversity. There are restaurants here to suit every taste, from all over the world and in every price range. But the best places are sometimes the most hidden away. That’s exactly why we’ve tracked them down for you. Because these culinary delights really shouldn’t be kept from anyone.
Tip 1: Bostich
The Bostich restaurant in the west of the city captivates with its décor, which could scarcely be more stylish: massive crystal chandeliers sparkle from the ceiling, whilst the antique tables are shown off to their best advantage against the mint-green wood panelling on the walls. What makes this place special, apart from the delicious French cuisine and the excellent wine list, is the atmosphere: Bostich exudes a relaxed yet luxurious cosmopolitan flair that feels right at home somewhere between Berlin, New York and Paris. Be sure to try the Sun of Normandie – a delicious cocktail made with champagne, calvados, pear and Riesling.
Where: Ludwigkirchstraße 10A, Wilmersdorf
When: Monday to Friday 5pm–midnight, Saturday 4pm–midnight, Sunday 4pm–10.30pm
Tip 2: Ora
Excellent European cuisine made from regional produce at fair prices – three good reasons to visit Ora . Add to that the unique location: Ora is situated in the former Oranien Pharmacy in the heart of Kreuzberg. Here, historic woodwork, towering pharmacy cabinets and high ceilings evoke a bygone era.
The Ora team serves gourmet dishes made from fresh, seasonal and sustainably sourced ingredients. Those who wish to enjoy the special magic of this place even without an appetite can make themselves comfortable at the long bar with some light snacks and a good glass of wine.
Where: Oranienplatz 14, Kreuzberg
When: Tuesday to Saturday 5pm – midnight
Tip 3: Gendarmerie
Not far from the historic Gendarmenmarkt lies the Gendarmerie. Or rather: the Gendarmerie stands majestically: the vast columned hall is spanned by an eight-metre-high ceiling, a 14-metre-wide artwork adorns the wall, and the bar is one of the longest in the city.
Amidst this impressive setting, the restaurant delights with fine French brasserie cuisine and daily new creations made from regional produce.
Where: Behrenstraße 42, Mitte
When: Daily 11am–1am
Tip 4: Château Royal
Homemade pasta and salsiccia, honey from the restaurant’s roof... it conjures up images of a small, rural restaurant in Tuscany. The restaurant serves comforting Italian cuisine, perfect for anyone in the mood for Mediterranean delicacies. In the warmer months, Château Royal offers a charming courtyard.
Where: Neustädtische Kirchstraße 3, Mitte
When: Lunch daily 12 noon – 2.30 pm, Dinner daily 6 pm – 10 pm
Tip 5: Bieberbau
At the Bieberbau , city history, Michelin-starred cuisine and a homely atmosphere come together. Anyone looking around here might wonder why the bright, half-timbered dining room bears the name of a dark earthen cave. The Bieberbau owes its name to the sculptor Richard Bieber: in 1894, he built himself a new studio here and decorated the rooms with his unique wall frescoes, which can still be seen today above the restaurant’s tables. And the food on the plates is nothing to be ashamed of either: the Bieberbau was awarded a Michelin star in 2015 for its modern, seasonal cuisine.
Where: Durlacher Straße 15, Wilmersdorf
When: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 5.30 pm – midnight
Tip 6: Bonvivant Cocktail Bistro
True to its name, the Bonvivant is all about the good life. Outside, there’s a richly decorated brick façade; inside, you’re greeted by soft shades of green and red. The perfect setting for the vegan delicacies served here. The chefs are known for their creativity and love of experimentation, and Bonvivant offers the perfect menu for every occasion. Whether for a relaxed brunch with loved ones or a romantic dinner – you’re in good hands here at any time of day.
Where: Goltzstraße 32, Schöneberg
When: Tuesday to Thursday 6pm–11pm, Friday and Saturday 9am–3pm and 6pm–11pm, Sunday 9am–3pm
Tip 7: HeimlichTreu
This stylishly furnished courtyard restaurant is renowned for its unusual cocktail creations, its upmarket menu featuring international dishes, and its idyllic garden. Out here, the treetops, charming brick walls and tasteful décor ensure that the venue is frequently booked for weddings. And the creative menu certainly plays its part too.
Where: Anklamer Str. 38/2, Prenzlauer Berg
When: Monday to Friday 12 noon – 2 pm and 6 pm – 1 am, Saturday and Sunday 6 pm – 1 am
Tip 8: Pars
Restaurant Pars boasts a unique interior: the high-ceilinged rooms, adorned with beautiful reliefs from the Royal Prussian Porcelain Manufactory, invite you to enjoy a refined and carefully curated menu. Don’t miss out on the incredibly delicious, handmade pralines for dessert. Are you tempted? Then you can also buy them at Pars during the day.
Where: Grolmanstraße 53, Charlottenburg
When: Wednesday to Saturday 7pm–11pm, praline collection on sale: Wednesday to Saturday 2pm–4pm or from 7pm
Tip 9: Lovis
Berlin architects Armand Grüntuch and Almut Grüntuch-Ernst are well-versed in bringing historic spaces into the present with sensitivity and finesse. They proved this with the Jewish Girls’ School on Auguststraße and now with what is arguably one of Berlin’s most successful restaurant spaces: Lovis, a former women’s prison. Without erasing the past, they have transformed the clean lines of the old Wilhelminian-style building into a space that is as aesthetically pleasing as it is poetic.
There is always a vegan alternative to the traditional dishes. The utmost attention is paid to ensuring the highest quality of ingredients.
Where: Kantstraße 79, Charlottenburg
When: Tuesday to Saturday 6.30pm – 10pm
Tip 10: Kink
Kink is a new restaurant in Prenzlauer Berg that seamlessly combines a bar and restaurant: the bar is situated beneath a huge red light installation by Swiss artist Kerim Seiler. The restaurant extends right next to it across two floors. There, you can watch the chefs at work in an open kitchen
Things are a bit more unconventional at the bar: using their own rotary evaporator, the Kink team produces distillates, oils and essences for their cocktails: taste experiences straight from the lab!
Where: Schönhauser Allee 176, Prenzlauer Berg
When: Monday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday 5.30 pm – 1 am, Friday 5.30 pm – 2.30 am
Tip 11: Tulus Lotrek
At Tulus Lotrek, you can enjoy fine dining in a stylishly restored Berlin building in the heart of Kreuzberg. The venue combines a romantic atmosphere with creative spaces, plenty of wood and a terrace that becomes a pleasant spot surrounded by greenery in summer.
In the kitchen , Maximilian Strohe blends French influences with international touches to create menus that will surprise you with their distinct flavours and exciting combinations. You can choose between a vegetarian and an omnivorous menu and discover the depth of the sauces, stocks and subtle details. This turns dinner into a real experience, where you take the time to consciously savour every course.
Where: Fichtestraße 24, Kreuzberg
When: Monday and Thursday to Sunday, 6.30pm–11.30pm
