Berlin's culinary landscape is known for its diversity. There are restaurants for every taste, from all over the world and in every price range. But the best places are sometimes the most hidden. That's why we've tracked them down for you. Because these culinary delights really shouldn't be withheld from anyone.
Tip 1: Ristorante Cumberland
The Haus Cumberland on Kurfürstendamm is a feast for the eyes. The listed building was designed at the beginning of the 20th century as an alternative to the luxury Hotel Adlon, which you will realise as soon as you walk through the magnificent entrance door: Elegant wooden counters, elaborate jewellery and three magnificent inner courtyards bring the old Berlin charm of the last century into the here and now. However, the former hotel lobby is no longer frequented by tourists, but by gourmets. Since last year, the Cumberland restaurant has been pampering Berlin's palates with sophisticated yet unpretentious Italian cuisine. Fine wine and homemade pasta included!
Where: Kurfürstendamm 194, Charlottenburg
When: Monday to Friday 12pm - 11pm, Saturday 1pm - 11pm, Sunday 1pm - 10:30pm
Tip 2: Bostich
The Bostich restaurant in the west of the city is not only impressive because of its interior - but it could hardly be more stylish: Massive crystal chandeliers sparkle on the ceiling, the antique tables really come into their own against the mint green wood panelling on the walls. And a real Picasso hangs in the toilet. In addition to the delicious French cuisine and excellent wine list, what makes this restaurant so special is its unique atmosphere. The Bostich exudes a casual yet luxurious cosmopolitan flair that is at home somewhere between Berlin, New York and Paris. See for yourself and be sure to try the Sun of Normandie on this occasion - a delicious cocktail made from champagne, Calvados, pear and Riesling.
Where: Ludwigkirchstraße 10A, Wilmersdorf
When: Monday to Friday 5pm - 0am, Saturday 4pm - 0am, Sunday 4pm - 9.30pm
Tip 3: Ora
Excellent European cuisine made from regional products and at fair prices - that alone would be three reasons to visit Ora. Then there's the unique location: Ora is located in the former Oranien pharmacy in the heart of Kreuzberg. Here, historic woodwork, towering pharmacy cabinets and high ceilings are reminiscent of a bygone era. The Ora team breathes new life into the historic rooms and serves gourmet dishes made from fresh, seasonal and sustainably produced ingredients. If you want to enjoy the special magic of this place without being hungry, you can make yourself comfortable at the long bar with small snacks and a good glass of wine.
Where: Oranienplatz 14, Kreuzberg
When: Tuesday to Saturday 5pm - 0am
Tip 4: Gendarmerie
Not far from the historic Gendarmenmarkt is the Gendarmerie. Or rather, the Gendarmerie is enthroned. The restaurant has a lot to offer in terms of size. The huge columned hall is spanned by an eight-metre-high ceiling, the wall is adorned with a 14-metre-wide work of art and the bar is one of the longest in the city. In the midst of this imposing ambience, the menu proves that great things can also be fine. The restaurant impresses with the finest French brasserie cuisine and new creations made from regional products every day. The food and drink here create the perfect capital city feeling. A place where Berlin can be felt in every detail.
Where: Behrenstraße 42, Mitte
When: Daily 11 am - 1 am
Tip 5: Château Royal
Homemade pasta and salsiccia, honey from the roof of the restaurant ... These keywords conjure up images of a small, rural restaurant in Tuscany. But you can also find all of this in Berlin: in the modern, stylish rooms of Château Royal. The restaurant serves Italian comfort food. It's the place to be if you fancy Mediterranean delicacies. In the warmer months, the Château Royal has a very special trump card up its sleeve with its charming inner courtyard, because no one can really resist this elegant Berlin backyard flair.
Where: Neustädtische Kirchstraße 3, Mitte
When: Lunch daily 12 - 2:30pm, dinner daily 6 - 10pm
Tip 6: Bieberbau
The Bieberbau is a rare gem where city history, Michelin-starred cuisine and a family atmosphere come together. If you take a look around, you might wonder why the bright, half-timbered dining room is named after a dark cave. The Bieberbau does not owe its name to the dwelling of an industrious rodent, but to the sculptor Richard Bieber. He built a new studio here in 1894 and decorated the rooms with his unique wall frescoes, which can still be seen above the tables in the restaurant today. And the food on the tables is also impressive: 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 5.30pm - 0am
Tip 7: Bonvivant Cocktail Bistro
In keeping with the Bonvivant's eponymous motto, the focus here is on the good life. Even from the outside, a richly decorated clinker façade flatters the eye, while inside you are greeted by soft shades of green and red. The perfect setting for the vegan and vegetarian delicacies served here. The chefs know how to be inventive and experiment, which allows them to rethink traditional dishes without meat. Bonvivant offers the right menu for every occasion. Whether for a relaxed brunch with your loved ones or a romantic dinner - you're in good hands here at any time of day.
Where: Goltzstraße 32, Schöneberg
When: Tuesday 6pm - 1am, Wednesday to Saturday 10am - 3pm and 6pm - 1am, Sunday 10am - 3pm
Tip 8: HeimlichTreu
In Berlin's backyards, a world of its own opens up, far away from the hustle and bustle of the capital's streets. What is hidden here needs to be found first. That's why you won't stumble across HeimlichTreu by chance, but once you're there, you won't forget the address. The stylishly furnished backyard restaurant is known for its unusual cocktail creations, upscale menu with international dishes and a dreamy garden. Out here, the treetops, charming brick walls and tasteful decorations create such a special atmosphere that the venue is often booked for weddings. And the creative menu also plays its part.
Where: Anklamer Str. 38/2, Prenzlauer Berg
When: Monday to Friday 12pm - 2pm and 6pm - 1am, Saturday and Sunday 6pm - 1am
Tip 9: Oh, Panama
Contrary to what the name suggests, Oh, Panama does not serve South American delicacies, but German cuisine with a little twist. The name of the restaurant comes from Janosch's famous children's book Oh, how beautiful is Panama, in which Little Bear and Little Tiger rediscover their own homeland on their search for the dreamland of Panama. The Oh, Panama also creates a connection between near and far, both in the kitchen and in its rooms. The bright dining room creates a friendly, cosy atmosphere and the spacious terrace is an absolute highlight, especially in the summer months.
Where: Potsdamer Straße 91, Tiergarten
When: Tuesday to Saturday 6pm - 1am
Tip 10: Lovis
The Berlin architects Armand Grüntuch and Almut Grüntuch-Ernst are experienced in bringing spaces steeped in history into the present with sensitivity and subtlety. They have proven this with the Jewish Girls' School in Auguststraße and now with one of the most successful restaurant spaces in Berlin: the Lovis, a former women's prison. Without ignoring the past, they have transformed the clear forms of the old Wilhelminian-style building into a place that is as aesthetic as it is poetic. And these qualities go well with the cuisine served here. There is always a vegan alternative to the traditional dishes. The ingredients are always of the highest quality. A restaurant experience like no other.
Where: Kantstraße 79, Charlottenburg
When: Tuesday to Saturday 6pm - 1am
Tip 11: Kink
The Kink is a young restaurant in Prenzlauer Berg that combines bar and restaurant in a cool way that is rarely seen outside of trendy districts and films. The bar is located under a huge red light installation by Swiss artist Kerim Seiler. The restaurant extends directly next to it over two floors. There you can watch the chefs at work in an open kitchen and see exactly how the dishes are prepared: with love, care and the very best ingredients. The dynamic restaurant works with international chefs and is constantly revolutionising its own menu. The bar is a little more unconventional: The Kink team uses its own rotary evaporator to produce distillates, oils and essences for its cocktails: flavour experiences like fresh from the lab!
Where: Schönhauser Allee 176, Prenzlauer Berg
When: Monday to Thursday and Sunday 6pm - 1am, Friday and Saturday 6pm - 2.30am
