Berlin, a city rich in history and culture, is also a paradise for food lovers. My recent trip to this vibrant city was a delightful gastronomic adventure, exploring six of its finest culinary gems. From traditional German fare to international delights, each dining experience was unique and memorable.
Here’s a detailed account of my culinary journey through Berlin, highlighting the locations, discounts, pricing, the delicious food I tasted, my honest impressions, and nearby attractions. Whether you’re planning a visit or simply dreaming about one, you can find some information that you may interested in.
Katz Orange: A Rustic Haven in Mitte
Location: Bergstraße 22, 10115 Berlin, Germany
Reservations & Discounts: Reservations can be made via their official website or popular platforms like OpenTable. Occasionally, they offer discounts during lunchtime or special events.
Pricing: Average meal cost is around €25-€45 per person.
Katz Orange is tucked away in a beautiful courtyard in Mitte, one of Berlin’s trendiest neighborhoods. This restaurant is known for its sustainable and locally sourced ingredients, providing a farm-to-table dining experience. The ambiance is warm and inviting, with a rustic charm that makes you feel at home.
I started my meal with their famous carrot and ginger soup, which was a perfect blend of sweetness and spice. For the main course, I opted for the slow-cooked pork belly, which was tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. The dish was accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Dessert was a delightful chocolate fondant with a gooey center, paired with vanilla ice cream.
Signature Dish: Slow-cooked Pork Belly with Seasonal Vegetables
Other Specialties: Grilled Octopus with Chimichurri Sauce, Beetroot Risotto with Goat Cheese
Recommendation Index: 9/10
Nearby Attractions: After dining, take a stroll to the nearby Berlin Wall Memorial or visit the Museum für Naturkunde (Museum of Natural History), both within walking distance.
Curry 36: Berlin’s Iconic Currywurst Joint
Location: Mehringdamm 36, 10961 Berlin, Germany
Reservations & Discounts: No reservations needed. Look out for special deals and combo offers.
Pricing: Budget-friendly, with meals costing around €5-€10.
Curry 36 is an institution in Berlin, famous for its Currywurst, a popular German fast food dish. Located in the lively Kreuzberg district, this place is always bustling with locals and tourists alike.
I ordered the classic Currywurst with fries, which was served with a generous amount of their signature curry ketchup. The sausage was perfectly cooked, with a slightly crispy exterior and juicy interior. The combination of the savory sausage and tangy sauce was simply irresistible. Despite its simplicity, the dish was incredibly satisfying and a must-try for anyone visiting Berlin.
Signature Dish: Classic Currywurst with Fries
Other Specialties: Vegan Currywurst, Currywurst Burger
Recommendation Index: 8/10
Nearby Attractions: Curry 36 is close to Checkpoint Charlie and the Jewish Museum Berlin, making it a perfect stop for a quick bite while exploring these historical sites.
House of Small Wonder: A Cozy Retreat in Mitte
Location: Johannisstraße 20, 10117 Berlin, Germany
Reservations & Discounts: Reservations recommended, especially for brunch. Book via their website or OpenTable.
Pricing: Average meal cost is around €15-€25 per person.
House of Small Wonder brings a slice of New York’s charm to Berlin with its cozy, plant-filled interior. The spiral staircase leading up to the main dining area adds a whimsical touch to the overall experience.
For brunch, I ordered the Croque Madame, which was a delightful open-faced sandwich with ham, Gruyère cheese, béchamel sauce, and a perfectly fried egg on top. The flavors were rich and comforting, making it an ideal brunch dish. To drink, I had their matcha latte, which was smooth and creamy, with just the right amount of bitterness.
Signature Dish: Croque Madame
Other Specialties: Japanese Breakfast Set, Avocado Toast with Poached Eggs
Recommendation Index: 9/10
Nearby Attractions: After a relaxing brunch, visit the nearby Brandenburg Gate or the Reichstag Building, both iconic landmarks of Berlin.
Doyum Grillhaus: A Taste of Turkey in Kreuzberg
Location: Adalbertstraße 9, 10999 Berlin, Germany
Reservations & Discounts: No reservations required. Check for lunchtime specials.
Pricing: Affordable, with meals ranging from €10-€20.
Located in the heart of Kreuzberg, Doyum Grillhaus offers an authentic taste of Turkish cuisine. The restaurant is simple and unpretentious, focusing on delivering delicious food rather than flashy decor.
I started with a plate of mixed meze, including hummus, baba ghanoush, and dolma. Each item was fresh and flavorful, setting the stage for the main course. I chose the Adana kebab, a spicy minced meat skewer served with rice, salad, and flatbread. The meat was perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection, making every bite a delight.
Signature Dish: Adana Kebab
Other Specialties: Lahmacun (Turkish Pizza), Mixed Grill Platter
Recommendation Index: 8.5/10
Nearby Attractions: Doyum Grillhaus is a short walk from the East Side Gallery, where you can view the longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall, covered in murals by artists from around the world.
Markthalle Neun: A Culinary Extravaganza in Kreuzberg
Location: Eisenbahnstraße 42/43, 10997 Berlin, Germany
Reservations & Discounts: No reservations needed. Look out for special event discounts.
Pricing: Varies by vendor, typically €5-€15 per meal.
Markthalle Neun is a food market paradise, located in Kreuzberg. It hosts a variety of vendors offering everything from street food to gourmet dishes. Visiting on a Thursday during Street Food Thursday is highly recommended, as the market comes alive with an array of global cuisines.
I sampled several dishes, starting with a Vietnamese banh mi, which was a perfect blend of savory pork, fresh herbs, and crunchy vegetables, all encased in a crispy baguette. Next, I tried the artisanal cheese platter from a local vendor, featuring a selection of soft and hard cheeses that were rich and flavorful. For dessert, I couldn’t resist the freshly made Belgian waffles, topped with strawberries and whipped cream.
Signature Dishes: Banh Mi, Artisanal Cheeses, Belgian Waffles
Other Specialties: Sushi Burritos, Craft Beer Selection, Handmade Pasta
Recommendation Index: 10/10
Nearby Attractions: After indulging in the diverse culinary offerings, take a leisurely walk along the Landwehr Canal or visit the nearby Turkish Market, held on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Restaurant Tim Raue: Michelin-Starred Excellence in Kreuzberg
Location: Rudi-Dutschke-Straße 26, 10969 Berlin, Germany
Reservations & Discounts: Reservations highly recommended via their website or OpenTable. Special lunch menus offer a more affordable dining option.
Pricing: High-end, with tasting menus starting at €100 per person.
Restaurant Tim Raue, a Michelin-starred establishment, offers a fine dining experience like no other. The decor is sleek and modern, reflecting the innovative culinary creations of Chef Tim Raue.
I opted for the tasting menu, which included several exquisitely prepared courses. Highlights included the Peking duck interpretation, featuring crispy skin, tender meat, and a delightful hoisin sauce. The wagyu beef with truffle jus was another standout, with the meat melting in my mouth and the truffle adding an earthy richness. For dessert, the mango and coconut sorbet was a refreshing and palate-cleansing finale to an exceptional meal.
Signature Dishes: Peking Duck Interpretation, Wagyu Beef with Truffle Jus
Other Specialties: Black Cod with Miso, Spicy Beef Tartare with Sesame
Recommendation Index: 10/10
Nearby Attractions: Located near Checkpoint Charlie, it’s an ideal dining spot after exploring this historic site. Additionally, the Topography of Terror museum is also nearby, offering deep insights into Berlin’s history during the Nazi regime.
Berlin’s culinary landscape is as diverse and dynamic as its history and culture. From street food stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants, the city offers something for every palate and budget. Each of the six eateries I visited provided unique and memorable dining experiences, showcasing the best of what Berlin has to offer.
