The 38 Must-Try Restaurants in Berlin

Thanks to Berlin’s sizable Turkish community, lahmacun is readily available throughout the city. However, a visit to Örnek, located in Gesundbrunnen just east of Wedding, is definitely worthwhile. Behind the counter, a dedicated team rolls out circles of dough, topping them with ground meat, tomatoes, onions, and herbs, cooking each order fresh. These flatbreads cost less than 2 euros each, so you can grab a few and have some for later. Their chargrilled lamb or chicken kebabs, served in fresh bread with a tangy garlic sauce, are also a must-try. Expect a bit of a wait as Örnek tends to get busy, but there's also a branch in Neukölln.

While many tourists flock to popular spots like Curry 36 or Konnopke’s Imbiss for currywurst—both great choices—locals swear by Curry Baude. This small window located next to the Gesundbrunnen U-Bahn station is run by butcher Reina Lehmann, offering an unbeatable quality-to-price ratio. Their sausages achieve the perfect balance of crispy and juicy, with a ketchup-to-curry ratio that's just right. Although the service might be a bit brusque, even by German standards, it adds to the charm.

Labeling this cozy Mytoury simply as a pizzeria doesn’t do it justice, even though its airy sourdough pizzas topped with mushroom cream or ’nduja are definitely worth trying. The menu crafted by chef-owner Jared Bassoff defies easy categorization; while 'modern European' might fit, it hardly captures the heartwarming and inventive bistro-style dishes, such as succulent pork shoulder paired with seasonal vegetables, or a sundae featuring milcheis (German-style ice cream) that beautifully marries American and German culinary influences.

Since its debut in summer 2021, Wen Chang has taken over the title of “Berlin’s hottest line” from the notorious Berghain nightclub. Now with three locations (two in Prenzlauer Berg and one in Friedrichshain), the lines have calmed down, but the spicy hand-pulled Shaanxi-style biang biang noodles are better than ever. The concise menu showcases the luscious wheat flour noodles, expertly pulled into thick, satisfying ribbons, each bite offering the ideal amount of spring. While the beef noodles, drizzled with soy, vinegar, and Sichuan peppers, are a favorite, all dishes shine, especially the vegan selections.

This laid-back Bosnian Mytoury in Wedding serves up the finest börek in the city. For just a few euros, you can get a generous quarter of one of the large circular pastries displayed behind the counter. The flaky pastry strikes the perfect balance of grease and crunch, filled with herbed potatoes, spiced ground meat, or a delicious cheese and spinach blend. Staying true to its Balkan roots, the concise menu also includes some tasty and affordable cevapcici.

Drawing on his time with Danish culinary icon René Redzepi at Noma, chef Vadim Otto Ursus infuses his exceptional fermentation skills into German cuisine. The result is a vibrant, innovative menu presented in a sleek, brutalist setting. Given the restaurant's limited size, it's wise to make a reservation. If you're unable to secure a table, consider visiting Trio in Mitte, where Ursus delivers flawless interpretations of classic German pub dishes.

If you have any inclination towards sweets, a visit to northern Mitte (near the Berlin Wall memorial) is a must for exceptional French pastries, crafted by experts Anna Plagens and Stephan Zuber. The pastries at Du Bonheur are remarkable in both texture and taste. The mille-feuille stands out, but you can't go wrong with any choice, from eclairs to macarons.

Berlin boasts a diverse array of diaspora communities from nearly every South American nation, yet it's only in recent years that the city's small Latin American food scene has begun to flourish. Emerging restaurateurs are opening quaint spots to serve ceviche, arepas, and — at this counter service location in Prenzlauer Berg — Argentine empanadas. The restaurant's name references the classic beef-filled Creole variety, but the menu also features a variety of Argentine delights such as spicy chicken and ricotta-spinach, all wrapped in soft, wheaty shells.

The Pfefferberg Markthalle serves as a vibrant spot for excellent casual dining in Berlin, and while all its Mytouries are worth a visit, Gully Burger shines brightly. Americans might find the name a bit misleading, as the signature dish is a delicious buttermilk-brined chicken sandwich infused with Indian spices; for vegan diners, the crispy, tamarind-infused version of vada pav (fried potato sandwich) is an impressive option. As for sides, choose between classic fries or a sweet and spicy samosa chaat.

A staple in Berlin, Lokal was one of the pioneers in adopting nose-to-tail cooking and utilizing local ingredients. With its refreshingly straightforward approach, the restaurant features an unpretentious yet elegant seasonal bistro menu in a relaxed atmosphere. After more than a decade, it continues to exemplify modern, terroir-driven German cuisine.

Depending on how you define it, Zur letzten Instanz might just be the oldest restaurant in the city. This historic two-story establishment, with its garden, has been home to restaurants and bars since 1621 (though it adopted its current name in 1924) and has remained in the same family since reopening in the 1960s. Its central location attracts tourists, having welcomed notable guests like Charlie Chaplin and Jacques Chirac, but the authentic Berlin dishes are what truly stand out. The eisbein (pork knuckle) is a must-try, and the cabbage-wrapped pork belly is equally impressive.

While Cookies Cream boasts a Michelin star, its entrance in a delivery alley immediately signals that this is not your typical fine dining experience. Owner Heinz 'Cookie' Gindullis brings his club scene background to the ambiance, featuring striking red banquettes and an industrial-chic aesthetic with exposed concrete, complemented by a bold painting of a German expletive. The eclectic approach continues with chef Nicholas Hahn's adventurous all-vegetarian menu, offering a small à la carte selection and a tasting menu that includes unique dishes like potato ceviche and red pepper-infused items such as chips and ice cream. The carefully curated selection of mostly natural wines pairs beautifully with the food, but don't miss the chance to try a mix of wine pairings alongside the restaurant's inventive house-made juices and ferments.

Established in the 1920s, this iconic deli originally began as a specialty smokehouse focused on fish. Today, Rogacki has expanded its offerings to include some of the finest meats, charcuterie, and smoked seafood in West Berlin. Be sure to sample the smoked freshwater trout and eel sourced from local waters. Alternatively, pick up some sausages, bread, and other delicacies, and head to the lakes around Grünewald for a delightful picnic.

A true standout amidst the dreary chain Mytouries that populate this office-dense area, Liu offers Berliners an array of vibrant Sichuan-style noodle dishes. For lunch, don’t miss the handmade tianshui noodles topped with sesame, a true highlight. With exceptional chile oil, soy sauce, and Sichuan peppercorns, every option—meat or mushroom—delivers great flavor. In the summer, the spicy chilled noodle dishes provide a delightful contrast of hot and cold.

Germany's bread culture boasts a UNESCO listing, yet finding quality loaves amidst Berlin’s discount supermarkets and bakery chains can be challenging. Enter baker Mattis Harpering, who crafts sourdough, rye, and other delightful breads from his cozy wooden shack at Holzmarkt, a trendy riverside spot. If you’re in the mood for a snack, indulge in delicious grilled cheeses, cinnamon rolls, and other classic treats.

Don't let Larb Koi's modest description of home-cooked meals fool you; this hidden gem in tourist-heavy Friedrichshain, helmed by chef Monay Sakarin, serves some of Berlin’s best Thai cuisine. While the small menu features a superbly tangy papaya salad, it largely avoids standard offerings, focusing instead on regional specialties like a Southern curry with a whole, deep-fried sea bass and an elusive yet phenomenal octopus curry. Larb Koi isn’t afraid to embrace bold spices, standing out in Berlin’s otherwise heat-averse dining scene.

This charming Syrian Mytoury, located just off the bustling Boxhagener Platz, may offer the best hummus in Berlin. It’s rich and garlicky, perfectly balanced with a zesty lemon flavor, and the variant topped with toasted nuts is especially memorable. The menu features dishes inspired by Aleppo, including pomegranate salad and kibbeh made with tender meat and crispy bulgur. With a strong focus on meze, it’s ideal to gather a group and order a variety of dishes.

While many Vietnamese Mytouries aim for milder flavors to suit German preferences, this versatile Charlottenburg restaurant defies the trend. Craving a banh mi overflowing with rich pâté, succulent pork, and fresh veggies to go? They’ve got it. How about a hearty bowl of pho loaded with options like meatballs or tenderloin? They offer that too. And don't miss the French fusion tartares—they're absolutely worth a try. The sleek brasserie atmosphere makes it tempting to linger over another beer after your meal.

The stunning counter bar surrounding chef Micha Schäfer’s kitchen provides the perfect stage for his tasting menu. Emphasizing local ingredients from the Berlin-Brandenburg area, the chef avoids unsustainable imports. His menus take a New Nordic spin on seasonal German produce, from asparagus to kohlrabi. While meat plays a diminishing role at Nobelhart & Schmutzig, expect to find a tender bite or two, like exquisitely soft lamb. Owner and host Billy Wagner, one of the city's top sommeliers, expertly pairs each dish with contemporary wines.

Berlin boasts a vibrant French community, ensuring that many neighborhoods have a top-notch brasserie serving classic dishes like steak frites and duck confit. Lamazère stands out among them, thanks in part to chef-owner Régis Lamazère, who grew up with a father who worked in a two-Michelin-star restaurant on the Champs-Élysées. The menu is concise, blending traditional brasserie fare like tartares with innovative creations, often rich in meat and earthy notes from mushrooms and herbs. Additionally, you'll find a selection of fine French wines at reasonable prices and a delightful rice pudding to end your meal.

Berlin's burgeoning Georgian food scene impresses with its offerings. While you can find quality dishes at many spots, Salhino in Charlottenburg stands out, serving flavorful stews packed with fresh herbs and barbecue skewers accompanied by adzhika (red pepper sauce). Traditional dishes like khachapuri and hearty khinkali stuffed with meat or cheese are must-tries. Don’t forget to indulge in a tapluri (honey cake) or rich buffalo milk yogurt topped with nuts and honey for dessert.

At this Tiergarten spot, sisters Xenia and Sophie von Oswald blend their Iranian heritage with their Australian upbringing, creating a laid-back cafe vibe perfect for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. The menu features some of Berlin's finest sourdough sandwiches, whether stuffed with ham and cheese or tahini-roasted carrots. On a chilly Berlin day, their Persian stews paired with fragrant saffron rice are a comforting treat.

While falafel is everywhere in Berlin, the Levantine versions often take center stage. For a delicious twist, try the Sudanese variant (also known as tamiya), typically served with a rich and mildly spicy peanut sauce. At Omdur, you'll find perfectly crispy falafel paired with tender magali (fried vegetables). The friendly service and cozy yellow dining room adorned with photos of satisfied diners make it a perfect spot for a relaxed lunch or late-night snack.

Adana is the quintessential Turkish grill located in what has historically been Germany's largest Turkish neighborhood, making it a top choice. Settle in to watch chefs skillfully grill mouthwatering lamb chops and minced adana (lamb) skewers over blazing hot coals on an open fire. To balance all that meat, start with cold mezze and enjoy plenty of raki served with ice and water. There's also a second location just around the corner on Skalitzer Strasse.

While many of Berlin's countless döner spots offer decent kofte, Konak Izmir stands out as a must-visit destination, drawing customers who enjoy sandwiches until 3 a.m. The kofte sandwich is a delightful combination of spiced grilled sausages layered with fresh herbs, sauces, onions, and tomatoes. The bread, a blend of Turkish flatbread and baguette, is slightly thicker here than at similar establishments, ensuring it holds up well against the hearty fillings.

This Kreuzberg Mytoury launched in 2015 as part of an initiative to help West African refugees integrate into the city. Today, it's a celebrated spot serving up Gambian cuisine that's rich, earthy, and spicy—think domoda (peanut stew with chicken or sweet potato), zesty yassa chicken, and cassava fries with onion sauce. Be sure to try the drinks; options like tamarind and baobab lemonade are wonderfully refreshing on hot summer days.

If you're craving comforting Pakistani biryani, daal, and more, this cheerful counter in Kreuzberg is the place to be. Owner Shabnam Syed uses her mother's cherished recipes to present a limited menu filled with a delightful array of flavors and spices. With weekly specials that rotate, you can enjoy dishes rarely found in Germany. Be sure to add a lassi to complete your meal and pick up a jar of homemade chutney to take home.

Gather your friends at this modest Chinese restaurant in Schöneberg, where you can confidently choose any dish from the extensive menu and be pleasantly surprised. The focus is on hearty northeastern (Dongbei) cuisine, featuring flavorful options like spicy, tangy whole fish and crispy salted pork ribs. A few Sichuan-inspired dishes, such as cucumber salad, also make an appearance and are just as tasty.

From Friday to Sunday, between April and October (weather permitting), Thai vendors gather beneath vibrant umbrellas in a Wilmersdorf park, offering a delightful array of homemade noodle soups, curries, desserts, and beverages. This large picnic featuring dishes from all over Thailand, particularly from the Isan region, attracts visitors from across Berlin. In 2024, new regulations will relocate Thaipark from Preußenpark after three decades, but it will continue as a street market on Württembergische Strasse right next to the park.

Straddling the line between a British pub, bistro, and local Mytoury, St. Bart manages to check all the right boxes: it's budget-friendly enough for regular visits, upscale enough for special occasions, and incredibly welcoming by neighborhood standards. The menu features a variety of small plates, including a gourmet Scotch egg, succulent scallops, and locally sourced vegetables with creative sauces. Don’t miss the quintessential English roast dinner on Sunday evenings, served with traditional Yorkshire pudding.

Standing out among Berlin’s newer Turkish restaurants, Fes introduces a unique twist with Korean-style grills right at your table, alongside expertly seasoned kofte and skewers. However, don't let the barbecue steal all the attention; the mezze platters shine as well, featuring creamy hummus, zesty cacik, and much more.

While many German restaurants can whip up a decent schnitzel, those familiar with the culinary landscape know that Austria often excels in this dish. This charming establishment in the gentrifying Bergmannkiez certainly reinforces that claim. Settle into a candlelit table and savor a perfectly crispy and juicy Wiener schnitzel accompanied by potato and cucumber salads. Though the menu is concise, options like hearty goulash and cheesy spätzle are also available. If a massive schnitzel isn't your preference, the menu thoughtfully includes smaller portion sizes as well.

Before you even take a bite, you’ll be captivated by the stunning dining area at Eins44, a converted distillery featuring white-tiled walls and lofty ceilings. Thankfully, chef Julius Nowak and his team don't just rely on aesthetics. Their small, seasonal menu perfectly balances casual and upscale dining, delivering refined dishes without veering into pretentiousness. The a la carte and tasting menus change frequently, showcasing the foraged and farmed flavors of Germany and Central Europe, including incredibly tender venison and earthy morel mushrooms, alongside unique creations like broccoli paired with white chocolate and almond cream or potato risotto.

Renowned for their fatteh and musabbaha (a spiced variant of hummus), the Palestinian team at Azzam, headed by chef Hussam Azzam, attracts a diverse crowd from the multicultural Neukölln area. In typical Berlin Levantine style, many dishes can be ordered as sandwiches or as substantial platters—either choice is excellent. The decor is quite minimalist, making it a great option for takeout to enjoy by the nearby canal at Weichselplatz.

Skip the 45-minute wait with tourists at Mustafa’s for Berlin’s iconic chicken döner kebab. Instead, head to the less-crowded Rüyam, which surpasses the hype. You’ll savor a crispy yet soft flatbread filled with tender, well-marinated chicken döner, grilled vegetables, a generous handful of fresh herbs, and a touch of cheese and lemon juice. Like any good döner in Berlin, you can choose from sauces like garlic or sesame to enhance the flavors. There’s also a location in Prenzlauer Berg.

Amidst a city rich with Turkish and Syrian cuisine, don't overlook one of Berlin’s rare Yemeni restaurants, which has opened a second location in Moabit. The menu features a hearty array of dishes that blend influences from the Arabian Peninsula, India, and the Horn of Africa. Be sure to try the cheese- or meat-filled sambosa and the flavorful lamb stews, best enjoyed with flaky malawah. Alternatively, opt for the zurbian, a biryani-inspired dish featuring slow-cooked meat and creamy yogurt.

Chef Sarah Hallmann’s Michelin-starred establishment stands out for its mission to transform traditional restaurant culture and promote equality in the kitchen. Judging by the exquisite dishes served, it’s a success. The tasting menu changes frequently, artfully blending local, earthy ingredients with Japanese influences like yuzu and nori. Choose the six-course tasting menu, or drop by without a reservation for a limited bistro menu if you prefer a more casual option.

What started as a market cart in 1959 has evolved into the go-to spot for the ultimate currywurst, Berlin’s iconic sausage delicacy. This comes as no surprise, considering the founder was known as the “curry professor.” Don’t skip the house-made ketchup; it’s a key factor in why Krasselt’s outshines many competitors. Plus, you won’t find long lines of tourists here.