In Berlin there are plenty of options when it comes to restaurants. There are restaurants of all types and all prices. There are restaurants of authentic German food, as well as international food such as Vietnamese, Thai, Turkish, Argentine, among many others.
From hundreds of restaurants in Berlin we have chosen the following, however, that does not mean that the others are not good, because there are plenty of good restaurants in Berlin.
1. Das Lokal
This eatery has a good heritage, it used to be the Canteen, a sort of cult pop-up housed in a space slated for demolition by David Chipperfield’s architectural firm. The seasonal menu changes weekly and offers pigeon with chestnuts, mussels in broth or asparagus croquettes as starters, all with bold, local flavors in abundance.
2. 893 Ryotei
Duc Ngo, who’s also behind the popular Cocolo Ramen in town, knows what he’s doing. The hybrid Japanese-Peruvian cuisine at 893 results in dishes that, while certainly pushing boundaries, are also just plain delicious. Highlights include the veal heart skewers, grilled octopus and sashimi moriawase platter. Of course, a bottle of sake for the table is a must.
3. Coda
Concept restaurant Coda, whose menu consists entirely of desserts and drinks, earned its first (long-awaited) Michelin star in 2019. Under the direction of chef Rene Frank, dishes are artfully composed, only the freshest ingredients are used, and there’s a lot of emphasis on experimentation. Stop by for the grand six-course tasting menu, which pairs desserts with drinks. Alternatively, you can treat yourself to a top-notch cocktail at the bar.
4. Tim Raue
Unlike many other Berlin fine-dining establishments, this small restaurant prides itself on its informality, despite being ranked 37th on the list of the world’s best restaurants. The tasting menu can include amuse-bouches of spicy cashews, shrimp sashimi and marinated pork belly before main courses of wagyu beef, lobster, Australian winter truffle and tofu. Everything is Japanese-inspired and served with blobs, blobs or foams of contrasting flavors and colors. Make reservations in advance.
5. Eins 44
Fancy a slice of history with your main course? Eins44 serves exquisite cuisine in the industrial setting of a former liquor factory. The restaurant proves that there’s a place for upscale cuisine even in run-down Neukoelln and offers lunch and dinner. Lunches tend to be classics, while in the evening you can choose three or up to six courses from flexible menus with seasonal dishes like venison with shiitake mushrooms and shrimp with vermouth and yellow beet.