Nothing conjures up that feeling of a holiday by the sea quite like sitting down to a meal of fresh seafood, a crisp glass of wine in hand. Berlin may be landlocked, but the city has no shortage of great seafood restaurants – from traditional taverns to contemporary eateries. So, whether you're in the mood for hearty comfort food or a modern take on an old classic, we've got you covered with a list of 11 of the best fish spots in Berlin.
Tip 1: Fishmonger meets contemporary dining at Funky Fish
Funky Fish boasts a contemporary interior that mirrors the restaurant's cooking style – light, creative dishes that blend different culinary traditions and incorporate Asian flavours. From ceviche and poke bowls to prawn taquitos and tempura battered squid, the modern menu offers something for every taste. But the highlight is undoubtedly the large display case in the centre of the restaurant showcasing the day's selection of fresh seafood. Choose your favourite and watch the chef gut, portion and grill it in the open kitchen. A generous assortment of sides and sauces rounds out the menu at this popular Charlottenburg seafood spot.
Where: Kantstrasse 135-136, Charlottenburg
When: Tuesday to Saturday 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Tip 2: Fresh fish and seafood at Seaside - Fish & Seafood Bar
Seaside is one of the top seafood restaurants in Berlin. Dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients and no additives. A handful of menu staples are complemented by a variety of fresh fish and seafood that changes daily. And the chef creates 2 different lunch specials each day. Enjoy your meal with a glass of wine from the restaurant's extensive wine list or try a homemade non-alcoholic lemonade or iced tea.
Where: Mohrenstraße 17, Mitte
When: Monday to Thursday 12 p.m. - 10 p.m., Friday 12 p.m. - 11 p.m., Saturday 1 p.m. - 11 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Tip 3: Comfort food with a maritime twist at Fischer & Lustig
Fisher & Ludwig redefines the traditional seafood restaurant, reinterpreting classic dishes with modern flair. The menu focuses on regional cuisine using seasonal ingredients and includes contemporary seafood dishes as well as a handful of meat dishes. The charming nautical décor creates a cosy atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a drink or two from the bar with your meal. And if you visit in summer or autumn, be sure to check out the restaurant's beer garden. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a pint and a plate of fish and chips.
Where: Poststraße 26, Mitte
When: Tuesday to Saturday 11.30 a.m. - midnight (kitchen closes at 10 p.m.), Sunday 11.30 a.m. - 11 p.m. (kitchen closes at 9 p.m.)
Fischer & Lustig
Tip 4: Light meals with Mediterranean flair at Sardinen.Bar
As the name suggests, Sardinen.Bar celebrates the humble sardine, serving innovative dishes prepared using tinned fish. But these aren't just any old tinned sardines from the supermarket. This gourmet bistro sources all its fish from small family-run businesses in Portugal and France. The menu includes delicacies like vintage sardines, hand-processed and pickled within hours of being caught, smoked mackerel, line-caught tuna and more. Each dish comes with a side salad and bread and is served on a custom-made wooden board. Selected wines and spirits are available to complement your meal. And if you're not in the mood for fish, try one of Sardinen.Bar's sausage specialities or cheeses.
Where: Grunewaldstraße 79, Schöneberg
When: Tuesday to Saturday 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Tip 5: Traditional Turkish fare at Ergüns Fischbude
A laid-back atmosphere and hearty seafood dishes make Ergüns Fischbude a stand-out favourite among locals. This lively tavern-style eatery is tucked away in the S-Bahn arches near Berlin Central Station. Guests can choose from a menu of freshly prepared seafood dishes, as well as a selection of salads and soups. The colourful interior is decorated with a jumble of handwritten notes left by past patrons, a collection that new visitors are encouraged to add to.
Where: Lüneburger str 382, Mitte
When: Monday to Saturday 3:30 p.m. - 11 p.m., Sunday 3 p.m. - 11 p.m
Tip 6: Modern, upscale dining at Fishermans
Fishermans - Das Fischrestaurant is a popular seafood restaurant located on the shores of Lake Tegel in Berlin-Reinickendorf. The menu features refreshingly modern dishes that combine German and Mediterranean traditions. Guests can look forward to specialties like the Fisherman's Fish Stew and Tender Maatjes Fillets. The interior space is simple, with clean lines and a contemporary feel that reflects the food on offer. And if you're visiting in summer, the restaurant has a spacious outdoor terrace offering a view of the lake and the passing boats as you dine.
Where: Eisenhammerweg 20, Reinickendorf
When: Wednesday to Sunday 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Tip 7: Waterside dining at Raymons
Raymons offers a wide range of seafood dishes with a focus on quality and sustainability. Menu items range from rustic classics like fish and chips to modern poke bowls and more sophisticated creations like the baked red fish. Located in Spandau, this popular restaurant offers indoor seating as well as a comfortable outdoor space overlooking the water. Take advantage of the lunchtime specials on weekdays or visit in the evening and enjoy the full range of seafood, tapas and more. A generous drinks menu offers a choice of wines, cocktails and spirits to complement your meal.
Where: Frieda-Arnheim-Promenade 7, Reinickendorf
When: Monday to Sunday 12 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Tip 8: Fresh fish in the old town at Fisch Frank
A small family-run eatery, Fisch Frank has been a local favourite for over a decade. The restaurant serves fresh fish and seafood dishes in the historic centre of the Spandau borough. Highlights on the menu include a hearty serving of fish stew and the Norwegian salmon fillet served with a side of crispy fried potatoes. Daily lunch specials and takeaway herring specialities round out the offering.
Where: Charlottenstraße 7, Reinickendorf
When: Monday to Saturday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Tip 9: Montenegrin cuisine at Lesendro Seafood & Tapas
Head to the Arminius Halle in Moabit to visit Lesendro Seafood & Tapas. Here, head chef and owner Vladimir Kosic prepares dishes inspired by traditional Montenegrin cuisine. Expect to find fresh fish prepared with little fuss and lots of flavour. The menu includes wines from southern Germany, Georgia, Serbia, Croatia and Hungary, cocktails, beer on tap, tapas and a small selection of mains. One of the highlights on the menu is the Special Catch of the Day, a whole grilled fish served with grilled vegetables. But be advised that you'll need to make a reservation at least a day in advance to enjoy this specially prepared meal.
Where: Bugenhagenstraße 19, Arminiusmarkthalle Markthallen Bar, Mitte
When: Monday to Friday 4 p.m. - 11 p.m. and Saturday 12 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Tip 10: Fresh seafood and a lively atmosphere at Atlantik Fischladen
A seafood lover's paradise, the Atlantik Fischladen boasts an extensive menu with up to 70 different seafood dishes to choose from. The understated interior features a nautical theme with a large fish counter displaying the fresh seafood available on the day. Try the fish stew based on a family recipe or savour a plate of crispy fried anchovies. And of course, no Turkish seafood meal would be complete without a glass of raki or Anatolian wine.
Where: Potsdamer Straße 166, Schöneberg
When: Monday to Friday 12 p.m. - midnight, Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. - midnight
Tip 11: Der Fischladen – fish shop, restaurant and takeaway
From leisurely dining to on-the-go fish sandwiches, Der Fischladen delivers high-quality, fresh seafood in the popular Prenzlauer Berg neighbourhood. This trendy eatery is made up of 3 distinct but connected areas. In the centre is the fish shop itself with a display counter showcasing fresh fish and seafood. Here you can buy fish to cook at home or enjoy takeaway classics like a fish sandwich or fish and chips. To the left is the restaurant "Links vom Fischladen". This dining space is characterised by its elegant maritime décor, accentuated by the chandelier lighting the space. To the right, a cosier space named "Rechts vom Fischladen" offers diners a more laid-back atmosphere with a large window to watch passers-by. Every dish is freshly prepared once you place your order. So, sit back and enjoy a leisurely glass of wine or a refreshing beer while your food is cooked.
Where: Schönhauser Allee 128, Prenzlauer Berg
When: The restaurant is open Monday to Sunday 12 p.m. - 9 p.m., the fish shop is open Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
