Offering SO much more than the stereotypical German fare, Berlin’s restaurant scene is as diverse and multicultural as the city itself. As a melting pot of cultures, Berlin boasts an impressive array of international cuisines, alongside a growing number of innovative restaurants that push culinary boundaries. Berlin is the beating heart of so many food movements happening in Germany right now–slow food, farm-to-table, veganism, fusion & experimentation–so it is no surprise that I, a self-avowed foodie traveler, am always eating interesting food in Berlin.
Berlin delivers an exciting and ever-evolving dining experience for every kind of foodie. Restaurant options range from Michelin-starred fine dining to hidden neighborhood gems. With so many incredible restaurant options in Berlin, knowing where to start can be overwhelming.
That’s why I’ve curated a list of the best restaurants in Berlin for first-time visitors. I’ve organized this Berlin restaurant guide by category or meal, including street food, burgers, dinner and dessert. Berlin is a pretty large city and it has a culture of reservations, so if you are traveling on the weekend, I would recommend booking ahead for most of your dinners. So, whether you’re a longtime local or just visiting, get ready to discover some of Berlin’s most delicious dining destinations.
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and since I moved to Germany 5 years ago, I have absolutely fallen in love with German bread. Germans are VERY good at baking bread! I start most of my days with a visit to a local bakery or coffee shop, and my time in Berlin is no exception. As a result, I have tried a number of the best coffee shops, bakeries and breakfast joints in Berlin.
To avoid this post getting to long, you can find my comprehensive morning guides at the links below:
60 Seconds to Napoli
Renowned for its authentic Neapolitan pizzas, the pizzas are baked to perfection in just 60 seconds in a traditional wood-fired oven. Each pie achieves the characteristic thin crust with a slight char, topped with fresh ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella. Located in the lively Friedrichshain district, this restaurant combines a cozy atmosphere with exceptional service, offering a true taste of Naples.
Markthalle Neun
Like many other foodie cities around the world, Berlin has embraced the food hall trend and Markthalle Neun in Kreuzberg is the undisputed best. The beautiful interior of this revitalized building will strike you immediately, but the real stars are all the culinary vendors inside. Try to plan your visit for a Thursday when some of the city’s best food trucks pop up inside the market. Even if you miss Thursdays, there will be plenty of other delicious foods to try. You can see all the places I’ve tried in Markthalle Neun on my TikTok video about the market.
Babel
Don’t let the casual, unassuming setup fool you—Babel serves up some of the best Lebanese food in Berlin. Their grilled meats, creamy hummus, and zingy tabbouleh are next-level fresh. The best part though? The portions are wildly generous for the price. There are a number of platters & mixed plates if you want to try a bunch of things. They are great for sharing! Grab a sunny sidewalk seat on Kastanienallee and soak up the chill, lively vibe.
- Address: Kastanienallee 33, 10435 Berlin
- Website: None
Manifesto Food Hall
Spreading across two floors in the heart of Potsdamer Platz Mall, Manifesto is the largest food hall in Europe. 22 restaurants and 4 bars can be found around the 47,000 sq foot (4,400 sq m) space. You can go behind-the-scenes on my TikTok video about it. I love the way they divided up the food hall into regions, such as African or Asian. From Syrian and Venezuelan to Indian and oysters, there is an exciting variety of stalls. This is SO much more than your average mall food court. The modern aesthetic and functional design make it feel warm and inviting. Plus, there are weekly events to encourage folks to linger and hang out.
Apló Greek Kitchen
I love the light airy vibes of Apló Greek Kitchen. It feels like you left gray and gloomy Berlin for Greece – and the food tastes like it too! Presenting a menu filled with classic dishes such as souvlaki, moussaka, and fresh seafood, all of the food is prepared with a modern twist. Paired with a selection of Greek wines and warm hospitality, Apló provides an inviting escape to the flavors of the Aegean in the heart of Berlin.
Magic John’s Pizza
A walk-up window that feels more Brooklyn than Berlin, Magic John’s serves cheesy, crusty pizza perfection by the slice or pie. You can get either New York-style pizzas or Detroit-style deep dish pizza. Either way, the slices are greasy in all the right ways. Toppings range from classic pepperoni to more experimental combos like Okinawa taco or spicy vodka. I was skeptical this place was all hype, but I must admit, I loved it. It’s the ideal late-night bite, post-bar crawl or anytime you need a hit of nostalgia with extra cheese.
Rüyam Gemüse Kebab
If you want to avoid the 45 minute line of tourists down the street at Mustafa’s, consider Rüyam Gemüse Kebab instead. I’ll let you in on a local secret – it offers a better döner. Rüyam Gemüse Kebab offers a delightful twist on the traditional döner. Their signature sandwich features succulent, marinated chicken combined with a medley of fresh vegetables and a fistfull of fresh herbs, all encased in perfectly toasted bread (or flatbread if you prefer). The harmonious blend of flavors and textures has garnered a loyal following, and earned it a well-deserved accolade as one of Berlin’s best döner shops.
- Address: Hauptstraße 36, 10827 Berlin
- Website: rueyam.de
Konak Grill
Although slightly less famous than doner kebab, köfte sandwiches are no less delicious! Composed of meat sausages (usually lamb and beef) inside of a soft baguette bun, kofte sandwiches will typically include fresh herbs, sauces and vegetables. They are lovely, and the best one in Berlin can be found at Konak Izmir in Kreuzberg. You can either take out or dine in at one of their small tables, which I would definitely recommend because it is a lively place for regulars. When we were there, the staff was chatting demonstratively with the patrons and it was clear they had an existing relationship.
Imren Grill
Rated as one of the best spots in Berlin for a beef döner kebab, Imren Grill takes each component of the kebab seriously, from the fresh baked flatbreads to the house-made sauces. What I found particularly interesting about the döner kebab here is the spice seasoning. It is a unique flavor full of clove, cinnamon and cumin. It’s almost like a holiday-flavored kebab! With very late hours, this is a perfect spot to come for late-night snacking.
- Address: Karl-Marx-Straße 75, 12043 Berlin
- Website: None
Konnopke’s Imbiss
Germans love their currywurst, a stable cuisine across the country, and this is true even in Berlin, the vegan capital of Europe. Konnopke’s is one of the best known currywurst stands in the city, and for good reason! The curry sauce at Konnopke’s is memorable because it has the right balance of sweet and spicy while also offering a nice peppery finish. The casing on these bratwursts was a little unusual, but didn’t distract from the delicious flavors. They even offer a vegan currywurst to cater to the local demographic!
Grindhouse Burgers
Posh burger joints aren’t new to the Berlin food scene, but Grindhouse Burgers is one of the OG spots. Their original location in Düsseldorf became so popular that they decided to open up a second location in the nation’s capital. The industrial chic vibes fit perfectly in Berlin, as do the dripping, delicious, sauce laden burgers coming out of this kitchen. They’ve all got catchy names, and you can order smash burgers or thick patties. It’s not often that you find fried onion rings on a German menu, and I love it!
Goldie’s Smashburger
One of the most beloved names in Berlin’s fast-casual restaurant scene is Goldie’s Smashburger. Bringing the art of the smashburger to Berlin, Goldie’s serves up crispy, flavor-packed patties with perfectly melted cheese on soft, toasted buns. This burger joint, run by the minds behind the beloved Goldie’s fries, focuses on high-quality ingredients. From their house-made sauces to their expertly seasoned beef, these burgers are just delicious. The menu keeps it simple but irresistible, featuring classics alongside inventive specials that push the boundaries of traditional fast food.
All In Burgers
Berlin has no shortage of burger joints, but All In Burgers goes extra in the best possible way. I discovered this spot on TikTok, and just knew I had to try it. Their branding is outrageous and eye-catching, drawing you in right away. Its fast food done right. Juicy patties, brioche buns, and next level toppings make this the kind of spot you just know is going to be good. I got a double cheeseburger with loaded fries. It’s messy, indulgent, and absolutely worth the nap that follows.
The Bird Berlin
Sometimes called the best burger in Berlin, the Bird was like a shot of US culture straight to my main vein. It is so clear that this place is run or owned by someone who has spent a lot of time in the US, because it has many things that are quintessentially not European — free water, rolls of paper towels on the table, and abundant tableside sauces. Plus, their burgers are awesome. Layered with cheese and fried onions and other grease-dripping toppings, this is a burger that will stop your heart but damn will it taste good on the way down!
Burgermeister
Berlin seems to be synonymous with burgers, and you’ll see famed burger restaurants all around the city. Since this is Sam’s favorite food, I knew we would be eating at several burger joints during our 5 days in Berlin and at the top of the list was Burgermeister. The original location is underneath the Schlesisches Tor U-Bahn station in the middle of a busy street built inside a former public toilet — is this whetting your appetite yet? Rest assured, the burgers here are LEGIT. You can order single or double patties with a variety of different toppings, such as mushrooms, swiss cheese or American cheddar. Make sure to get the delicious beef fat fries!
From fine dining Japanese to Thai street food, Berlin has an impressive selection of spots for top Asian food. I absolutely love Asian food, so I’ve got lots of recommendations for Asian food in Berlin. In fact, I’ve got an entirely separate blog post with 15+ Asian restaurants in Berlin sorted by region, like Thai, Korean, and Japanese. Compared to other German cities with good Asian food such as Düsseldorf or Cologne, I think Berlin particularly excels at regional Chinese cuisine.
Kanaan
Run by an Israeli-Palestinian duo, Kanaan is not just a restaurant—it’s a full-on celebration of food, culture, and identity. I love that this restaurant makes a statement with its food, while also being simply delicious. It’s all vegetarian, there are two seatings per night, and the menu is fixed. Come hungry, because there is a lot of food—think fluffy pita, smoky baba ganoush, and pomegranate salads, and veggie kebabs. The message is unity, the food is delightful, and the atmosphere is effortlessly cool.
Katz Orange
I am obsessed with the design and decor of Katz Orange. Turkish kilim pillows, vintage bookshelves lined with cookbooks and a massive ping-pong ball chandelier work together to create this cozy, quirky vibe that makes you feel like you’re eating dinner in the stylish home of an eclectic university professor. The whole restaurant is built inside a 19th-century brewery, and the exterior is dramatically lit up at night. It’s all impressive, and it sets the tone for the innovative yet approachable cuisine coming out of the kitchen.
Highlighting seasonal ingredients, the menu changes regularly but there were a few standout dishes from our visit: wild herb salad with a raspberry vinaigrette and chanterelle mushrooms, homemade chicken sausage with raw fennel and a braised peach compote and buffalo-milk burrata with cherry tomatoes and an arugula pesto.
Tisk Speisekneipe
Inventive farmhouse cuisine, straight from their local farm 100km away from Berlin, is the speciality at Tisk Speisekneipe. The restaurant is located on a quiet corner in Neukölln in a chic space with thoughtful design choices. I especially liked the green glazed tiles behind the curved bar as well as the linen curtain installation along the ceiling. It feels immediately welcoming.
As a farm-to-table restaurant, the menu is incredibly seasonal changing weekly. On our visit, I absolutely loved the quick pickled chanterelle mushrooms with crispy fried swiss chard, as well as the soft poached egg in a mustard cream sauce. The prices, especially on wine, are totally reasonable, making this a nice spot for an affordable date night.
Fes Turkish BBQ
As home to one of the largest Turkish-German communities in Germany, Berlin has an abundance of great Turkish restaurants. Fes is a standout that shakes things up by offering Korean-style in-table grills where you can grill your own selection of marinated meats and vegetables at the table. The restaurant’s warm ambiance, coupled with attentive service, creates a convivial atmosphere perfect for group gatherings. It is such a fun and interactive dining experience, on top of being utterly delicious. Don’t skip the mezze platters either – these are culinary stars in their own right, with smokey babaganoush, tangy feta dips, and much more. Tables are limited and you’ll need a reservation a week or two in advance.
Tulus Lotrek
Sometimes when you walk into a Michelin-star restaurant, you immediately feel a little snooty and uptight. Tulus Lotrek is not one of those restaurants! The warm and welcoming environment with relaxed interior decor all adds to the charming experience of eating at this delightful restaurant. My favorite touch was the chalk written name from our reservation on our table!
I appreciate that the guest is the center of the experience here, giving you the choice of tasting menus between meat or vegetarian as well as the option to choose the number of courses between 6-8. The food is modern, sophisticated and creative with punchy flavors and unique combinations. Hands down our favorite dish was pan-seared sweetbread with beurre blanc and leek, but honestly all of the dishes were amazing. We walked away from Tulus Lotrek just saying over and over again how yummy it was!
Masel Topf
For a romantic vibe on a quiet neighborhood street, Masel Topf is a nice choice. Bringing Jewish & Israeli cuisine to Berlin, the menu is filled with comforting classics like falafel, latkes, and tender brisket. It feels like a family run place with friendly & attentive service. The warm, inviting atmosphere, complete with traditional decor and vintage candlesticks at the table, provides a nostalgic backdrop for diners.
Coccodrillo
Part of famed Big Mama group (with other iconic restaurants in London & Paris), Coccodrillo is a colorful and aesthetic restaurant that captures the essence of Italian dining. From wood-fired pizzas with thin, crispy crusts to handmade pastas tossed in rich, savory sauces, the dishes are super likeable, but hardly authentic. I see this spot allllll over my TikTok and Instagram feeds, and there are frequent influencers dining at the restaurant. In my opinion, it’s a little more hype than it’s worth but it makes for a fun night out. Just be prepared for Instagrammy vibe.
Mrs Robinsons
The white-brick walls and minimalist decor of this shoe-box tiny restaurant is the first thing you’ll notice when you walk into Mrs Robinsons. But it is the warm environment and knowledgeable staff that you’ll remember! The food here is hard to define, thanks to a diverse assortment of global influences. Think tacos and gnocchi and sourdough bread with pickles all on one menu. I found the prices and portion sizes to be a little mismatched, but the food is all delightfully delicious.
Jones Ice Cream
Located in an often-overlooked neighborhood, Jones Ice Cream in Schöneberg is worth a visit. It started as a food truck, but quickly grew a cult following, necessitating a brick-and-mortar location. The creative ice cream flavors here are delicious. You’ll find unique options like Black Sesame, PB&J, and earl gray shortbread, as well as beloved classics like vanilla caramel and coconut cream. Many of the choices are vegan!
Coda Dessert & Dining Bar
Leave room after one of your dinners in Berlin to enjoy a fine-dining dessert experience at CODA. One part high-end patisserie and one part experimental cocktail bar, this swanky spot in Kreuterkiez feels deeply luxurious. Their menu is anything but ordinary, with “dessert” dishes featuring ingredients such as black garlic or miso paste paired with fruits or cacao.
For our tasting menu, no extra sugar was added to the dishes and they were only enriched or sweetened using naturally occurring sugars, which means you’ll get some incredibly interesting combinations like plum and black soybean or grilled apple and shallots! A drink pairing comes with the menu, and it is equally as unusual featuring cocktails like beer mixed with sherry or madeira infused with Chinese black tea. You are in for a truly special experience when dining at CODA!
Hokey Pokey
Germans absolutely love ice cream, especially when it is a great ice cream shop like Hokey Pokey. This might be the top of Berlin’s scoop game. It is a locally loved favorite, famous for its ultra-creamy, Italian-style gelato and bold, decadent flavors—like salty caramel with honeycomb chunks or pistachio so rich it might change your life. Expect a line (especially in summer), but trust me, one bite and you’ll understand the hype.
This post was originally published in April 2020 and updated several times after a return visits to Berlin.
