Summary
- Best Old-School Berlin: Wilhelm Hoeck 1892
- Best Dönner Kabob: Imren Grill
- Best Hotel Restaurant: Michelberger
- Best Selection in One Place: KaDeWe
- Best Thai: Khwan
- Best Fine Dining Restaurant: Restaurant Tim Raue
- Best Vegetarian: Cookies Cream
- Best Ramen: Cocolo Ramen
- Best Place to Eat Meat: Kumpel & Keule
- Best Mexican Food: La Lucha
- Best Seafood: Der Fischladen
- Best Fried Chicken: Risa Chicken
- Best Place to Grab a Slice: Salami Social Club
- Most Instagrammable: House of Small Wonder
- Best Place for Dessert: CODA
Berlin has legendary street food. This is the city of a 1,000 snacks, where döner kebab and currywurst are elevated to a foodie art form.
However, that is not all Berlin has. The city’s international flavors come out in its diverse cuisine, complemented by Michelin star restaurants that match its fast-food empires. This is a city where every culinary desire can be satisfied.
Moreover, a few things to note about eating out in Germany: Many places, including some of the more upscale ones, operate as cash-only establishments. Furthermore, the bill must be requested, and the tip is paid directly to your server.
With these practicalities addressed, let’s explore the 15 best Berlin restaurants that will tantalize your taste buds.
Best Old-School Berlin: Wilhelm Hoeck 1892
Address: Wilmersdorfer Str. 149, 10585 Berlin, Germany
Phone: +49 30 34509848
Founded in 1892 in sophisticated Charlottenburg, this is the oldest kneipe (traditional bar) in Berlin. The attached restaurant maintains a classic decor with original wood paneling, enhancing the culinary experience.
Unpretentious yet elegant, authentic Berlin cuisine is served here, from blutwurst (blood sausage) to eisbein (boiled pork knuckle). Portion sizes can be generous, or selections can be shared as small plates. The restaurant has attracted notable food enthusiasts, including Anthony Bourdain, who featured it on his Berlin episode of “No Reservations.”
You should also explore the Bourdain-approved delicatessen next door, Rogacki, which offers a superb selection from cheese to seafood.
Best Dönner Kabob: Imren Grill
When discussing food in Berlin, döners are always at the forefront. This quintessential street food, a Turkish-German creation, is found throughout Europe. Often enjoyed as a late-night indulgence, a quality döners represents much more.
Döner satisfaction often depends on how quickly one can acquire it; nonetheless, one Berlin-based döner chain stands out and is worth the journey. Imren Grill has operated for over 20 years and now boasts six locations across the city.
What distinguishes this kebab stand from the numerous others is its commitment to quality. Unlike most establishments with large hunks of meat rotating in the window, Imren hand-layers its meat, ensuring high quality and individual marination. Upon ordering, a generous section is sliced, placed into fladenbrot with fresh veggies, topped with garlic, herb, or hot sauce. This hearty meal costs under 4 euros, showcasing inexpensive perfection.
Best Hotel Restaurant: Michelberger
Address: Warschauer Str. 39-40, 10243 Berlin, Germany
Phone: +49 30 297785924
Located in the trendy Michelberger Hotel in Friedrichshain, this restaurant is just steps from the iconic Oberbaumbrücke and the East Side Gallery, making it a central dining destination.
The hotel’s restaurant features a menu that continuously evolves, showcasing organic, regional, and seasonal ingredients for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The modern atmosphere draws guests, particularly at lunchtime for fantastic value on elevated German dishes and inventive international cuisine.
Best Selection in One Place: KaDeWe
Address: Tauentzienstraße 21-24, 10789 Berlin, Germany
Phone: +49 30 21210
The legendary Kaufhaus des Westens or “KaDeWe” is an iconic shopping center in Berlin. Established in 1907, it represents the luxurious spirit of West Berlin with its floors celebrating fragrance, fashion, and outstanding food.
If your purpose is dining, go directly to the upper level. The top floor features a pay-by-item buffet with breathtaking views, while the adjacent area boasts an upscale food court. Renowned restaurants from across the city have counters here, providing over 30 diverse food bars, from traditional German cuisine to exquisite raw oysters, all perfectly paired with sekt and delectable French pastries.
Best Thai: Khwan
Address: Revaler Str. 99, 10245 Berlin, Germany
Phone: +49 1577 5521800
Berlin has numerous Asian restaurants; however, few meet the mark. A blend of the Germans’ preference for milder flavors and a tendency to offer an overly broad menu may contribute to this shortfall. Nevertheless, the food scene is evolving.
Moreover, the city is increasingly multikulti (multicultural), with a rising demand for authentic experiences. This is evidenced by bustling weekly food markets like Thai Park, alongside newly established standout Asian restaurants.
Khwan epitomizes this progression. Originating as a pop-up at Markthalle IX, this Thai BBQ joint now thrives in the eclectic RAW-Gelände. Upon entry, guests are greeted by the wood-fired grill that infuses every dish with a delightful smoky flavor. Menu highlights include small plates or platters perfect for 2-4 people, offering a decadent assortment ranging from mackerel to sweet Thai sticky rice and pork belly with apple curry.
Best Fine Dining Restaurant: Restaurant Tim Raue
Address: Rudi-Dutschke-Straße 26, 10969 Berlin, Germany
Phone: +49 30 25937930
Renowned for its excellence, Tim Raue stands as Berlin’s fine dining champion. Featured in the Netflix series “Chef’s Table,” this Kreuzberg native has garnered acclaim for his 2-Michelin star restaurant, serving extraordinary Asian-inspired cuisine.
The ambiance at Tim Raue feels deceptively casual; however, the meticulousness of the dish presentation reveals the utmost care taken in each creation. The experience typically begins with small plates, but indulging in the signature 6-course menu is highly recommended.
Alternatively, Nobelhart & Schmutzig is another impressive addition to the dining landscape that lives up to its acclaim.
Best Vegetarian: Cookies Cream
Address: Behrenstraße 55, 10117 Berlin, Germany
Phone: +49 30 680730448
Cookies Cream is often regarded as the most stylish vegetarian restaurant in Berlin, hidden near Potsdamer Platz. With an almost club-like atmosphere, this Michelin-starred dining spot attracts international patrons, including celebrities like George Clooney, all while serving innovative dishes.
Local ingredients sourced from Brandenburg contribute to the ever-changing menu, which focuses on showcasing the region’s best at their finest. Guests can choose between a la carte options or indulge in three to four-course prix fixe menus paired with natural wines.
Best Ramen: Cocolo Ramen
Address: Gipsstraße 3, 10119 Berlin, Germany
Phone: +49 30 28386622
In recent years, the popularity of ramen has surged in Berlin, leading to a variety of options. Nonetheless, one of the originals still reigns supreme. Cocolo Ramen offers just five types of ramen along with a few appetizers, showcasing their confidence in culinary perfection. The original location in Mitte is particularly small, offering bar seating that overlooks the open kitchen.
Consequently, with no reservations accepted, it operates on a first-come-first-serve basis, maintaining an egalitarian dining experience.
Best Place to Eat Meat: Kumpel & Keule
Address: Eisenbahnstraße 42-43, 10997 Berlin, Germany
Germany’s numerous metzgerei (butcher shops) are excellent spots for a delicious, meaty lunch experience.
Kumpel & Keule stands out as a premier example of this tradition, featuring high-quality ingredients prepared with fresh herbs and spices. Located within the lively food hall Markthalle IX, it challenges the notion that all wurst (sausage) is the same. Whether you order a freshly grilled sausage, burger, or steak, you’ll be delighted, and you can stock up for future meals at home, too.
Best Mexican Food: La Lucha
Address: Paul-Lincke-Ufer 39/41, 10999 Berlin, Germany
Mexican cuisine has often been misunderstood in Germany; however, the scene is changing. For years, Mexican restaurants in Berlin offered subpar imitations of authentic flavors.
This trend has shifted with pioneers like Santa Maria in Prenzlauer Berg and newer entrants elevating the culinary landscape. La Lucha embraces traditional regional cuisine while adopting a thoroughly modern flair.
Dishes include inventive burritos featuring fillings like bone marrow, alongside unusual vegetarian options like battered chrysanthemum blooms and palm hearts. The atmosphere is vibrant and engaging, featuring pitchers of margaritas, mezcal flights, and attentive staff in a lively setting—ensuring a guaranteed good time.
Best Seafood: Der Fischladen
Address: Schönhauser Allee 128, 10437 Berlin, Germany
Phone: +49 30 40005612
While located far from the coast, Berlin is fortunate to have Der Fischladen to satisfy seafood cravings. This establishment features a small shop offering enticing seafood dishes. However, you need not venture home after a meal, as they serve what are arguably the best fish and chips in the city, along with delightful options like fried scallops, salmon pasta, and tuna burgers. With a limited number of rustic seats available, guests may also enjoy a more upscale dining experience next door.
Best Fried Chicken: Risa Chicken
Risa Chicken started as a single location; however, growing demand has led to more outlets throughout the city. Each establishment features a clean, fast-food vibe, bright interiors, and affordable meal deals. While offering chicken sandwiches, fries, and salads, the fried chicken is the standout choice. Every dish is prepared halal, with quick and flavorful results.
If you’re still craving chicken, consider enjoying traditional roast chicken from Hühnerhaus 36 in Kreuzberg, which includes an original stand at the corner of Görlitzer Park or a sit-down restaurant across the street.
Best Place to Grab a Slice: Salami Social Club
Address: Frankfurter Allee 43, 10247 Berlin, Germany
Phone: +49 30 54823781
While pizza establishments are plentiful in Berlin, many serve disappointing fare, but this is certainly not the case at Salami Social Club.
Here, the dough is enhanced with garlic butter and pesto, topped with a variety of delectable fresh ingredients. Notably, each slice represents a quarter of a pizza—providing ample portions to satisfy your hunger.
If there’s a wait at Salami Social Club or they’ve sold out, consider visiting the nearby XXL chain, which has direct street access, usually eliminating any wait time. Don’t forget to request fresh Parmesan, rucola (arugula), or spicy red pepper oil to elevate your slice.
Most Instagrammable: House of Small Wonder
Address: Auguststraße 11-13, 10117 Berlin, Germany
In a city bursting with instagrammable moments, the selection of dining spots can often depend on aesthetics as much as flavors. House of Small Wonders excels in both areas.
The concept originated in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg before expanding to Berlin, where the owners saw a similar atmosphere—a delightful eatery that initially served breakfast and lunch, now embracing dinner and cocktails since February 2019. Guests frequently capture the beautiful staircase upon entering, or the inviting Japanese-influenced wooden décor coupled with charmingly small plates.
Best Place for Dessert: CODA
Address: Friedelstraße 47, 12047 Berlin, Germany
Phone: +49 30 91496396
CODA redefines dessert, labelling itself a “fine dining journey.” Located in Neukölln, this dessert-focused restaurant employs imaginative culinary techniques while avoiding added sugars.
This venue invites guests to consider it a dinner spot as well, with their seven-course menu proving a delightful option. Don’t miss the unique drink pairings or the chef Renée’s signature dessert—a rich chocolate mousse with pickled plum ice cream, augmented with a surprising touch of coal dust.
