Best Falafel
Dada Falafel Linienstrasse 132 (Go to Page)
Best Riverside Dining
Patio Helgoländer Ufer/Kirchstrasse (Go to Page)
Best Splurge
Vau Jägerstrasse 54 (Go to Page)
Best Skyline Views
Solar Stresemannstrasse 76 (Go to Page)
Best for Families
Ampelmann Restaurant Stadtbahnbogen 159/160 (Go to Page)
Best Spicy Sausage
Curry 36 Mehringdamm 36 (Go to Page)
Best for Chocolate Indulgence
Fassbender & Rausch Charlottenstrasse 60 (Go to Page)
Best Alpine Flavors
Schneeweiss Simplonstrasse 16 (Go to Page)
Best Old-World Tavern
Gasthaus Krombach Meinekestrasse 4 (Go to Page)
Best Gourmet Vegetarian
Cookies Cream Friedrichstrasse 158 (Go to Page)
Best New York-style Deli
Mogg & Melzer Auguststrasse 11 (Go to Page)
Best Authentic Anatolian
Mey Bleibtreustrasse 47 (Go to Page)
Best French Brasserie
Entrecôte Schützenstrasse 5 (Go to Page)
Best Budget
Henne Leuschnerdamm 25 (Go to Page)
Best Austrian Fare
Riehmer’s Hagelbergerstrasse 9 (Go to Page)
Best Berlin Soul Food
Marjellchen Mommsenstrasse 9 (Go to Page)
Best Pizza
Il Casolare Grimmstrasse 30 (Go to Page)
Best Black Forest Flavors
Schwarzwaldstuben Tucholskystrasse 48 (Go to Page)
Best American-style Breakfast
California Breakfast Slam Pflügerstrasse 19 (Go to Page)
Best Pan-Asian
Nu Schlüterstrasse 55 (Go to Page)
Best for Culinary Adventures
Jules Verne Schlüterstrasse 61 (Go to Page)
Best Swabian Specialties
Maultaschen Manufaktur Lützowstrasse 22 (Go to Page)
Best Italian
Vino e Libri Torstrasse 99 (Go to Page)
Ampelmann Restaurant MITTE ITALIAN Under the S-Bahn arches, this bistro pays homage to Berlin’s legendary traffic light icon. The wood-fired pizzas are large and tasty, or go for spot-on Italian entrees like tagliatelle with roasted pumpkin, onions, and anchovies. Stadtbahnbogen 159/160. 
030-84-71-07-09. www.ampelmann-restaurant.de. Entrees 8.50€–17.50€. MC, V. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. S-Bahn: Hackescher Markt. Map.
Anna Blume PRENZLAUER BERG DESSERTS Named after Kurt Schwitters’ romantic poem, this bijou cafe and florist always offers floral-infused specialties like moist poppy cake and Chinese rose tea. The terrace is a fine spot for people-watching amid the blooms. Kollwitzstrasse 83. 030-44-04-87-49. Snacks 4€–8€. No credit cards. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. U-Bahn: Eberswalder Strasse. Map.
Anna e Bruno CHARLOTTENBURG ITALIAN Chef Bruno Pellegrini puts a modern spin on Italian cuisine at this contemporary restaurant that celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2013. Dress up to join smart diners for signature dishes such as octopus carpaccio with saffron fennel and chocolate lasagna with kumquats. Reservations recommended. Sophie-Charlotten-Strasse 101. 030-325-71-10. Entrees 22€–35€. MC, V. Dinner daily. S-Bahn: Westend. Map.
Atame MITTE TAPAS Chilies hang above the bar at this high-ceilinged tapas haunt, where the walls are plastered with posters of Almodóvar films. Savor a glass of Rioja and tasty Spanish morsels such as boquerones (sardines) and garlicky prawns. Dircksenstrasse 40. 030-28-04-25-60. Tapas 3€–8€. MC, V. Lunch and dinner daily. S-Bahn: Hackescher Markt. Map.
California Breakfast Slam KREUZBERG AMERICAN BREAKFAST If you’re tired of German bread-cheese-and-wurst breakfasts, head to this popular phenom cooked up in an old kneipe in Kreuzkölln, where you can dig into eggs Pope Benedict, fluffy pancakes and good old huevos rancheros. Pflügerstrasse 19. No tel. Breakfasts 6€–10€. No credit cards. Breakfast daily. U-Bahn: Schönleinstrasse. Map.
Cookies Cream MITTE VEGETARIAN Shoehorned down a dark alley behind the Westin Grand, this über-trendy restaurant sports an industrial-chic interior and serves gourmet vegetarian cuisine. Try lentil strudel, pumpkin gnocchi, and chocolate-rosemary fondant with milk-sherbet ice cream. Friedrichstrasse 158. 030-27-49-29-40. 3-course menu 34€. MC, V. Dinner Tues–Sat. U-Bahn: Französische Strasse. Map.
Entrecôte MITTE FRENCH With its banquette seating, bustling ambiance, and efficient service, this high-ceilinged brasserie captures the spirit of Paris. The typical French menu includes steak with frites and escargots. Schützenstrasse 5. 030-20-16-54-96. Entrees 13€–30€. MC, V. Lunch Mon-Fri, dinner Mon–Sat. U-Bahn: Stadtmitte. Map.
Fassbender & Rausch MITTE CHOCOLATE Europe’s first chocolate restaurant is sinfully sweet and waistline-expanding. The famed chocolatiers have channeled their cocoa know-how into dishes such as Tobago chocolate cannelloni and fresh shrimp pasta in lemon-chocolate butter. Charlottenstrasse 60. 030-20-45-84-43. Entrees 19€–30€. MC, V. Lunch and dinner daily. U-Bahn: Stadtmitte. Map.
Frida Kahlo PRENZLAUER BERG MEXICAN As vibrant as Kahlo’s paintings, this dazzling blue Mexican pulqueria rolls out tasty fajitas and nachos, and is famous for its laid-back brunches. Lychener Strasse 37. 
030-445-70-16. www.fridakahlo.de. Entrees 8€–15€. MC, V. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. U-Bahn: Eberswalder Strasse. Map.
Gasthaus Krombach CHARLOTTENBURG GERMAN It can be hard to find proper old-fashioned Berlin cuisine, but this softly lit wood-paneled tavern hits the mark. Classics like Eisbein (pork knuckles) and Königsberger Klopse (Prussian meatballs in white wine sauce) are the stars of the rich, hearty menu. Also good for breakfast. Meinekestrasse 4. 030-881-86-02. www.gasthaus-krombach.de. Entrees 9€–15€. MC, V. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. U-Bahn: Uhlandstrasse. Map.
Hasir KREUZBERG TURKISH This family-run Turkish outpost has been spicing up Kreuzberg since 1971. Aromatic specialties include warm flat bread, lamb kebabs, and tempting syrup sweets. Check the web site for other Berlin locations. Adalbertstrasse 10. 030-614-23-73. www.hasir.de. Entrees 11.50€–19€. No credit cards. Lunch and dinner daily. U-Bahn: Kottbusser Tor. Map.
Henne KREUZBERG GERMAN There’s one prerequisite for visiting Henne: You gotta like chicken, because that’s almost all there is. Crispy corn-fed poultry lands on your plate with sides of coleslaw and potatoes. Sausages and meatballs are also on the limited menu. Reservations are essential. Leuschnerdamm 25. 030-614-77-30. Entrees 6€–8€. MC, V. Dinner Tues–Sun. U-Bahn: Moritzplatz. Map.
Il Casolare KREUZBERG PIZZA The service may be indifferent, but for authentic wood-fired pizza, it’s hard to beat Il Casolare. This canal-side pizzeria is always packed, so reservations are a must. Grimmstrasse 30. 030-69-50-66-10. Entrees 6€–13€. No credit cards. Lunch and dinner daily. U-Bahn: Schönleinstrasse. Map.
Jules Verne CHARLOTTENBURG FRENCH This intimate, candlelit bistro, discreetly peppered with Jules Verne memorabilia, offers superb weekend brunches along with French classics like mussels in white wine sauce or steaks frites. Schlüterstrasse 61. 030-31-80-94-10. www.jules-verne-berlin.de. Entrees 18€–24€. MC, V. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. S-Bahn: Savignyplatz. Map.
Kartoffelkeller MITTE GERMAN Venture down to these cozy vaults to pick from a huge range of spud-inspired dishes. The potato-packed menu encompasses everything from herby pancakes to Swiss rösti. There’s a beer garden in summer. Albrechtstrasse 14b. 030-282-85-48. www.kartoffelkeller.com. Entrees 10€–14€. MC, V. Lunch and dinner daily. S-Bahn: Friedrichstrasse. Map.
Katz Orange MITTE INTERNATIONAL Located on the courtyard of an old brick brewery building, Katz Orange is a foodie favorite that serves vegan and organic meat dishes using responsibly sourced ingredients. The menu is small, the cooking creative and satisfying. Bergstrasse 22. 030-98-32-08-430. www.katzorange.com. Entrees 15€–26€. MC, V., Dinner Mon-Sat. U-Bahn: Oranienburger Strasse. Map.
Lon Men Noodle House CHARLOTTENBURG TAIWANESE The spicy noodle soups, prawn dim sum, and rice noodles here are all great value. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a side order of crispy pig’s ears. Kantstrasse 33. 030-31-51-96-78. Entrees 5€–8€. No credit cards. Lunch and dinner daily. S-Bahn: Savignyplatz. Map.
Marjellchen CHARLOTTENBURG GERMAN Marjellchen is a rare taste of old Berlin with its menu of hearty, home-cooked Prussian dishes. Choose from beet soup, homemade aspic with fried potatoes, or flavorsome Königsberger Klopse (meatballs in a creamy lemon-caper sauce). Kids and vegetarians are well catered for. Reserve and dress up a little. Mommsenstrasse 9. 030-883-26-76. www.marjellchen-berlin.de. Entrees 10.50€–21€. Dinner daily. S-Bahn: Savignyplatz. Map.
Maultaschen Manufaktur MITTE GERMAN Here the emphasis is on the greatest of Swabian dishes, Maultaschen, a kind of ravioli pasta filled with minced meat, herbs, spinach, and bread-crumbs. It’s freshly prepared and served either in a broth or browned in butter. Lützowstrasse 22. 017-85-64-76-45. www.maultaschen-manufaktur.de. Entrees 8€–11€. MC, V. Dinner Mon–Sat. U-Bahn: Kurfürstenstrasse. Map.
Mey CHARLOTTENBURG TURKISH Step inside this vaulted restaurant for authentic Turkish cuisine. The emphasis is on well-balanced Anatolian flavors, from tender marinated lamb to red lentil soup. Bleibtreustrasse 47. 030-88-68-15-85. Entrees 11€–16€. AE, MC, V. Lunch and dinner daily. S-Bahn: Savignyplatz. Map.
Mogg & Melzer MITTE DELICATESSEN This casual eatery in the restored Jewish Girls’ School serves classic New York deli food, from hot pastrami sandwiches to matzoh ball soup, or you can relax with coffee and a pastry. Auguststrasse 11-13. 030-306-07-70. Entrees 8€–20€. MC, V. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. S-Bahn: Rosenthaler-Platz. Map.
Moon Thai CHARLOTTENBURG THAI This reasonably priced Thai den serves up uniformly tasty food—from zingy tom yam soup to tempura and organic tofu. Kantstrasse 32. 030-31-80-97-43. Entrees 9€–14€. MC, V. Lunch and dinner daily. S-Bahn: Savignyplatz. Map.
Monsieur Vuong MITTE VIETNAMESE This hip Vietnamese cafe has carved out an excellent reputation for itself. Come here if you need to satisfy a craving for spicy noodles and Saigon beer. Check the blackboard for daily specials. Alte Schönhauser Strasse 46. 030-99-29-69-24. Entrees 7€–9€. No credit cards. Lunch and dinner daily. U-Bahn: Weinmeisterstrasse. Map.
Mr Hai & Friends CHARLOTTENBURG VIETNAMESE Zingy lime walls, low-level seating, and a pot-bellied Buddha jazz up this fun Vietnamese restaurant. Watch chefs rustle up tempura and grilled squid in the show kitchen. Savignyplatz 1. 030-37-59-12-00. Entrees 7€–15€. DC, MC, V. Lunch and dinner daily. S-Bahn: Savignyplatz. Map.
Nu CHARLOTTENBURG ASIAN Nu’s pan-Asian menu ranges from Japanese buckwheat noodles with duck and fresh ginger to Vietnamese-style marinated beef with sticky rice. Schlüterstrasse 55. 030-88-70-98-11. Entrees 11€–16€. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat, dinner Sun. S-Bahn: Savignyplatz. Map.
Ottenthal CHARLOTTENBURG AUSTRIAN A sleek Kantstrasse restaurant, serving fresh, authentic Austrian cuisine. Specialties include organic boiled beef with horseradish, and venison ragout with bread dumplings. Kantstrasse 153. 030-313-31-62. www.ottenthal.com. Entrees 15€–24€. Dinner daily. U-Bahn: Uhlandstrasse. Map.
Patio TIERGARTEN MEDITERRANEAN Dine alfresco by the water’s edge in summer or by the fireside in winter at this retro-chic barge on the Spree. Tuck into Mediterranean fare such as flaky cod with polenta and artichokes or wood-oven cooked pizza. Helgoländer Ufer/Kirchstrasse. 030-40-30-17-00. Entrees 13€–29€. MC, V. Oct–Mar dinner daily, lunch Sat–Sun; Apr–Sept lunch and dinner daily. MC, V. S-Bahn: Bellevue. Map.
Refugium MITTE FUSION This vaulted restaurant by the Französische Dom serves well-presented, seasonally inspired dishes such as pigeon breast with bolete mushrooms and suckling pig with a black pudding crust. The chestnut-shaded terrace is a big draw. Gendarmenmarkt 5. 030-229-16-61. Entrees 14.50€–32€. AE, MC, V. Lunch and dinner daily. U-Bahn: Französische Strasse. Map.
Riehmer’s KREUZBERG AUSTRIAN Overlooking Berlin’s loveliest courtyard, this elegant restaurant is tailor-made for a têteà-tête over Austrian wines and flavors such as wild boar goulash and Tafelspitz (boiled beef with horse-radish sauce). Hagelbergerstrasse 9. 030-78-89-19-80. www.riehmers-restaurant.de. Entrees 18€–30€; tasting menu 28.50€. AE, MC, V. Dinner Tues–Sun. U-Bahn: Mehringdamm. Map.
Schneeweiss FRIEDRICHSHAIN NOUVELLE GERMAN With a color scheme as pure as snow (the name means “snow white”) and glittering icicle lighting, it’s as though Narnia’s ice queen designed Schneeweiss. The fare is Alpine: Polish off chanterelle mushroom soup or homemade pepper ravioli and finish with a crisp juniper crumble. Simplonstrasse 16. 030-29-04-97-04. www.schneeweiss-berlin.de. Entrees 11€–24€. No credit cards. Dinner Mon–Fri, lunch and dinner Sat–Sun. U-Bahn: Frankfurter Tor. Map.
Schwarzwaldstuben MITTE GERMAN The Black Forest is the inspiration for this cozy, rustic-chic bistro, complete with stag antlers. The flavors, too, are distinctly southern German with smoked pork shoulder and Maultaschen, a Swabian ravioli, on the menu. Tucholskystrasse 48. 030-28-09-80-84. Entrees 8€–15€. MC, V. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. U-Bahn: Oranienburger Tor. Map.
Solar MITTE FUSION The best place for a twilight panorama is this glass-walled restaurant-lounge. The pre-dinner ride in an elevator to the 16th floor of an inconspicuous tower block adds to the drama. On the fusion menu are dishes like salmon with seaweed and cucumber and cheesecake with kumquat and orange sauce. Stresemannstrasse 76. 0163-76-52-25-700. www.solarberlin.com. Entrees 17€–35€. MC, V. Dinner daily. S-Bahn: Anhalter Bahnhof. Map.
Transit MITTE ASIAN There’s always a buzz at this modern Thai-Indonesian outpost kitted out with communal tables and serving up duck pancakes dripping in plum sauce, catfish red curry, and tangy papaya salad, all of them available in both small and medium portions. Rosenthaler Strasse 68. 030-24-78-16-45. Entrees 3€–8€. MC, V. Lunch and dinner daily. U-Bahn: Rosenthaler Platz. Map.
Vau MITTE MODERN GERMAN Expect innovative, seasonally inspired flavors at this Michelin-star restaurant—roasted scallops with apple, lentils, and pumpernickel or poached char with beetroot and cocoa. Reservations are essential. Jägerstrasse 54. 030-202-97-30. www.vau-berlin.de. Tasting menus 75€–120€. AE, DC, MC, V. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat. U-Bahn: Hausvogteiplatz. Map.
Vino e Libri MITTE ITALIAN If the thought of digesting poetry while sipping chianti appeals, seek out this Sardinian restaurant-cum-library. Feast on pasta, gnocchi, or roasted sea bass with stuffed artichokes. Torstrasse 99. 030-44-05-84-71. www.vinoelibri.de. Entrees 12€–21€. AE, DC, MC, V. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner daily. U-Bahn: Rosenthaler Platz. Map.
Zur Letzten Instanz MITTE GERMAN Berlin’s oldest inn still charms with its wood-paneled interior and witty waiters. Order old-style Berlin favorites such as pickled pork knuckles and blood sausages. Waisenstrasse 14–16. 030-242-55-28. www.zurletzteninstanz.de. Entrees 10€–18€. DC, MC, V. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat. U-Bahn: Klosterstrasse. Map. 
