Berlin's culinary scene is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself. From Michelin-starred fine dining to cozy neighborhood eateries, there's something to satisfy every palate. Here are some of our favourite restaurants in Berlin.
Umami is hands down our favourite restaurant in Berlin. This gem of Indochinese cuisine offers a diverse selection of delicious dishes made with fresh ingredients. From appetizers to main courses to desserts, everything is tasty and beautifully presented on unique tableware. Umami also has a great selection of creative cold and hot drinks, such as homemade lemonades, tea variations, iced teas, smoothies, cocktails, wines, and beers.
Umami stands out not only for its food but also for its ambiance. The restaurant is beautifully designed with lots of wood, plants, colorful cushions, and unique lamps. In summer, you can relax outside on large benches or in a deck chair under trees and enjoy the view of the historic water tower. In winter, the cozy seating area with small tables on the floor is particularly inviting.
Zur Haxe Just a 3-minute walk from our Grellstraße Holiday apartments, this hearty Bavarian restaurant features waiters dressed in traditional Bavarian attire (yes, Lederhosen and Dirndls). Enjoy very reasonable prices and generous portions. Be sure to try their specialties like Schweinshax’n or Schinkenhax’n.
Bäckerei Siebert
This excellent family-owned bakery, renowned in the neighbourhood, has been operating since 1906, making it Berlin’s oldest bakery! Don’t miss this little gem for your breakfast buns. It’s only a 9-minute walk from the Wichertstraße apartment, and on the way, you’ll also get to see the charming Arnimplatz.
Café Monelli Run by a German-Italian couple, this café offers good coffee, breakfasts, cakes, antipasti, and pasta. Mention that you are staying with Alan, and you will certainly be well looked after.
Clánndestino. Hidden on a quiet street in Kreuzberg, this little gem offers some of Berlin’s best tapas. Run by a friendly American-Italian with a family history of operating amazing restaurants, this unpretentious tapas bar will leave you wanting to come back for more. It is usually full, so reserving a seat is highly recommended. When you see the owner, Connor, let him know that Kasia and Alan sent you :)
Marienburger Located just off Prenzlauer Allee, this burger joint is one of the city's top spots for juicy burgers. It strikes a balance between gourmet dining and classic takeaway, with prices that are friendly to students and a rockabilly vibe. The menu features hearty options like the chilli cheeseburger and the snake burger (with chilli, cheese, and bacon). For those with a big appetite, the "Marienburger" offers double portions of beef, totaling a hefty 180 grams. These delicious burgers are topped with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and a splash of house sauce, and they also come in smaller sizes. For an extra treat, ask for Neuland meat—hormone-free and natural beef, which is available for a small additional cost.
Pomodorino As you approach this charming restaurant and pizza takeaway, you'll notice baby clothing hanging from clotheslines, reminiscent of the narrow streets of Naples. The takeaway section of the restaurant also offers a few seating options both indoors and outdoors, perfect for a quick bite. The pizza slices are generously sized, delicious, and cost under 3 EUR, making it a great spot for a budget-friendly meal.
Opposite of the restaurant is small park with a playground, so its a family friendly option.
Angry Chicken This Korean fast food joint features black and white graffiti-style painted walls, tightly squeezed bar tables, and a tiny outdoor seating area on a busy square. They are famous for their chicken wings and drumsticks in a spicy sauce flavored with cinnamon. If you find yourself in Kreuzberg on Oranienstraße, be sure to give them a try. The unique flavors and vibrant atmosphere make it an interesting spot to visit.
Seoul Kitchen Korean BBQ & Sushi. This restaurant was recommended by a friend. Seoul Kitchen Korean BBQ & Sushi, located in Berlin's vibrant Friedrichshain district, offers an authentic Korean BBQ experience, complemented by a variety of sushi options, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The restaurant's interior features a mix of traditional Korean elements and contemporary design, creating a unique and enjoyable dining environment.
The Korean BBQ is a highlight, allowing diners to grill their own meat at the table, which adds an interactive and fun element to the meal.
Cocolo Ramen, located in Berlin's Mitte district, is a cozy eatery known for its authentic and delicious ramen, which has earned it a strong reputation among locals and tourists alike.
The restaurant features a warm and inviting atmosphere with wooden tables and benches, creating a traditional yet modern Japanese dining experience. The open kitchen allows diners to watch the chefs at work, adding to the overall charm and authenticity of the place.
Cocolo Ramen's menu offers a variety of hearty Ramen bowls, including Shoyu Ramen, Miso Ramen, and Tonkotsu Ramen, each prepared with rich broths and fresh ingredients. The gyoza and other side dishes are also highly recommended, providing a perfect complement to the main courses.
Sword Master Noodle. When we were renovating our apartments on Dunckerstraße this little Korean food joint was our regular. Since then they have rebranded and changed owners and are now offering handmade knife-cut noodle dishes known as Kalguksu, which are a staple in Korean cuisine. Sword Master Noodle has a short menu with a selection of authentic and healthy Korean food. Popular options include the seafood JjamBbong spicy broth noodles, which are praised for their rich flavor and generous portions. The restaurant also offers vegan options, such as the mushroom noodle soup. This small Korean restaurant features a cozy atmosphere, with a simple yet charming decor. The open kitchen allows diners to watch the chefs expertly prepare their meals, adding an interactive element to the dining experience.
Wen Cheng. This hip restaurant serves Bao buns and traditional Chinese noodle specialties such as the thick Biang Biang noodle. We especially enjoyed their sandwiches. Since the queues can be long, our tip is to order at the to go counter and enjoy your noodles at the nearby Falkplatz park or Mauerpark.
Mabuhay. There aren't a lot of nice restaurants around the touristy Potsdamer Platz area, but this one is worth trying out. This small and cosy Indonesian restaurant offers a varied menu of Indonesian and some general Asian dishes. Also, there is a whole section of vegetarian dishes on the menu.
Frea is Germany’s first vegan zero waste restaurant. All ingredients are organic and mainly sourced from local farmers. Everything is made in-house, including a delicious sourdough bread, kombucha and hazelnut milk.
Pappa e Ciccia. This beloved spot in Prenzlauer Berg offers a wide range of rustic Italian dishes from breakfast through to dinner. However, it's the Sunday brunch that truly stands out. With an array of beautifully presented vegetables and freshly cooked eggs, it's a feast worth waking up early for. Every week, locals flock here to indulge and recover from their weekend festivities. The menu features plenty of gluten-free options, including antipasti and main courses like vegetables and salads. Most pasta dishes, except the homemade ones, can be ordered gluten-free, made from corn flour, buckwheat flour, or rice flour.
Funk You, (Breakfast/Lunch) offers a delightful selection of smoothies, muesli, open-top gluten-free sandwiches, and raw food cakes/snacks. It's the perfect spot for a healthy and tasty meal. The staff are knowledgeable about gluten-free options and provide excellent service. The menu and specials are frequently updated, ensuring there's always something new to try.