Berlin is a city of contrasts, where history and modernity collide, from the beautiful Brandenburg gate to the techno beats of Berghain
While the German capital may have been slow off the mark in embracing a diverse culinary landscape, its dining scene is finally picking up speed. Thanks to an ever-growing mix of international influence, spurred by its visa programmes, and a surge of local creativity, Berlin’s dining scene is finally a reason in itself to take a trip to the city. Here’s where we’d recommend you spending your Euros…
Food Material
It might seem unusual to recommend a Spanish bar in Berlin, but Food Material imports natural wines and foods directly from Spain, ensuring top-notch quality. It’s the perfect little pit stop for a glass and a snack. They also host cool pop-ups – check out their Insta to stay in the loop – and offer masterclasses on natural wines.
Wax On
Having opened in 2021 and jumped onto the World’s 50 Best Bars list at No.29 in 2023, Wax On is a standout in Berlin’s cocktail scene. Located in Friedrichshain, this intimate bar is the brainchild of industry veterans who focus on expertly crafted familiar drinks. The menu is innovative but unpretentious, featuring seasonal ingredients, house-made infusions, and well balanced flavours.
Otto
This tiny restaurant punches well above its weight, thanks to chef Vadim Otto Ursus and his thoughtful, farm-to-table approach. After honing his craft at Noma in Copenhagen, he returned to his German roots to create a menu that changes daily, celebrating seasonality with sustainably sourced meats, vibrant produce, and house-fermented ingredients. The dishes may appear simple, but the flavours are anything but – standouts like mushrooms in honey with whey and egg yolk or beetroots in brown butter with labneh were among the best things we ate in Berlin.
Nobelhart & Schmutzig
Nobelhart & Schmutzig, led by Proprietor and sommelier Billy Wagner and head chef Micha Schäfer, was a pioneer in the farm-to-table movement in Germany, with a strict commitment to locally sourced ingredients since it opened in 2015. The ever-evolving menu showcases the best of the region, highlighting seasonal produce, sustainably raised meats, and artisanal products from small-scale farmers and producers. Not only do we love sitting at the counter and watching the chefs work their magic, the brilliant wine list and delish food, the company ethos is super inspiring as they try to improve the industry for all involved.
House of Tandoor
This modern Indian restaurant is a sister brand of Tandoor Chop House from London. The restaurant serves up great tandoor meats and veg, punchy curries, fresh breads, huge thalis, very good spins on German dishes – hello Tan-Doner – and Indian-spiced smash burgers. They also do an Indian-inspired breakfast and brunch, including bacon-filled naans and cardamon French toast.
Barra
This is neighbourhood restaurant with its stripped-back interiors, seasonal ingredient-led sharing plates and natural wines could be in any city in the world. In fact, some chefs compared this to Lyle’s of London, in that it’s reliable when it comes to food, drinks, and service. What’s more, it’s an excellent option for a Monday night when many other restaurants in the city are closed.
Sathutu
This hipster Sri Lankan restaurant serves up beautifully presented flavour bombs, primarily featuring Sri Lankan influences with the occasional German twist. Modern dishes like ceviches, crudos, and tartares are a great way to awaken the senses, as are the fruity cocktails, such as the pineapple bourbon sour and miso banana espresso martini. It’s a perfect example of how “no rules” cooking can lead to incredible dishes and drinks – and who cares if it’s not entirely authentic? Bringing bold, big-boy spices to Berlin was a daring move, and it has certainly paid off.
ITA
No one really knows what type of cuisine ITA serves – and that’s exactly how they like it. In their own words: “We believe in our culinary freedom. We are not confined by labels or traditions. We believe in celebrating the diversity of flavours.” What we do know, however, is that everything is cooked over a wood fire. And while a no-rules approach can sometimes lead to a mismatch of dishes, we’re always up for experimenting with flavours. Grab a seat at the counter, order a “Corn Fashion” cocktail made with Nixta Corn Liquor, and watch the magic unfold, in the kitchen and on the plate.
Acid
We’ve been longtime fans of the original Acid Bakehouse in Madrid, so we were thrilled to see them land in Berlin. This cool bakehouse brings Nordic vibes to Mitte thanks to its interiors design by Copenhagen studio Frama. The bakery serves up brilliant sourdough with cheese and butter for a trad German breakfast, alongside their signature cinnamon and cardamom buns. Add to that some of the best coffee in the city, and you’ve got a spot that’s quickly become a must-visit for Berlin’s pastry lovers.
Grill Royal
Grill Royal is Berlin’s go-to destination for indulgent dining, attracting a stylish crowd with its top-tier steaks, fresh seafood, and effortlessly chic atmosphere. Nestled along the Spree River, this upscale steakhouse is as much about the scene as it is about the food, with dim lighting, plush banquettes, and walls adorned with contemporary art. The menu features premium cuts of meat from around the world, alongside decadent sides and an extensive wine list. A fave among celebrities, creatives, and in-the-know locals, Grill Royal is the place to see and be seen while enjoying one of the best steak dinners in Berlin.
Izmir Kofte
This old-school Turkish institution, which opened in 1993 serves incredible köfte, both in bread or on a plate. We love the sandwich loaded with meat, salad, and condiments in crispy bread. A great grab-and-go lunch or late-night snack to soak up the beers.
Liu Nudelhaus
If you’re looking for authentic Sichuan food that’s wallet-friendly, then LIU Chengdu Weidao is a great choice. It’s a no-frills spot that’s only open on weekdays. And in line with the German palate, the spice levels can be adjusted to suit your preference.
Madame Ngo
There’s a lot of Vietnamese places in Berlin, and many of the best spots are located in the Charlottenburg neighbourhood. Madame Ngo is our go-to for fresh, light dishes and hearty banh mi sandwiches. It’s also a great place to enjoy a restorative pho if you’ve overdone it in the club.