Food and Drink, Berlin
The food and drink options in Berlin will undoubtedly exceed your expectations. Call at the Hallesches Haus cafe and concept store for a brunch experience with a difference. Or, enjoy one of the countless Asian restaurants or currywurst stands dotted across the city.
Travellers can even find a quirky rooftop bar, Klunkerkranich, which is actually located on top of a shopping centre car park, overlooking Berlin’s glittering skyline.
Brammibal’s Donuts
Brammibal’s Donuts is an exceptionally popular doughnut shop selling an incredible range of tasty treats in fun colours and styles. You can pick up these vegan delights to take away or stay and enjoy the trendy vibe while savouring a hot drink with them. Their ethically-sourced coffee beans also make for a delicious brew, so you are sure to have a winning combination.
The flavours change regularly here, so you’ll always have something unique to try. Have a taste of the pumpkin spice and cookie dough-flavoured doughnuts, or sink your teeth into a classic Boston cream. The bakers here have been hand-making all of their products since 2015, so you are guaranteed spectacular, high-quality doughnuts that have been enjoyed in Berlin for years.
You can even place a pre-order to get these doughy delights delivered to your accommodation on a day that suits you. If you want a lazy morning snack or are simply worn out from seeing the sights in this gorgeous city, this is a great option.
Cheap Places To Eat
If you want to save your pennies for the trendy bars and fascinating sites all over Berlin, then you can easily do so by dining on a budget. Cheap places to eat are everywhere in this city; whether you fancy a perfect pizza, some nutritious bites or an internationally renowned kebab, you can try it all here.
For a welcoming restaurant environment, head to Trattoria Portofino, where you can feast on delicious stone-baked pizzas in a friendly, no-fuss setting. This enticing Italian is exactly what you’ll need after a busy day of sightseeing.
You can also indulge in a variety of healthy options without breaking the bank. Swing by Cadadia, which serves an impressive range of seasonal soups to suit all tastes. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan dishes here as well, making it suitable for all diners. Or, if you feel like really treating yourself, stop by Mustafa’s – one of the most famous kebab shops in the world!
Cocoro Japanese Kitchen, Teahouse & Sake Bar
Located in the popular and quirky district of Kreuzberg in Berlin, Cocoro Japanese Kitchen, Teahouse & Sake Bar places mouthwatering Japanese dishes at your fingertips. Venture to this exquisite eatery for a speedy late lunch sat on the window benches or for a sumptuous evening meal.
Opt for the delectable fried tofu and rice or the tasty ramen and noodles. There is also an impressive sake menu to choose from, as well as plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. Plus, you can eat with confidence knowing that all of Cocoro Japanese Kitchen, Teahouse & Sake Bar’s offerings are healthy and are made using fair trade or locally-sourced produce.
The staff at this restaurant are so warm, kind and welcoming that you will want to return here for the great customer service you receive (as well as for the food). In fact, this eatery’s motto is: “we don’t serve customers, we serve friends”, which they certainly abide by.
Coda
Coda is the place to be for anyone wanting to indulge their sweet tooth, as this intimate, luxury dessert restaurant serves a wide variety of unique dishes. You will enjoy up to seven courses of vibrant and immaculately-presented food made from a sumptuous selection of fresh ingredients. The menu is often quite experimental but always tastes incredible.
The tasting menu contains a collection of inventive plates, including the yellow tomato, grilled fig and watermelon cake, among many other matchless creations. Each course is also paired with a drink to complement each flavour.
To ensure a high standard of service, seating is restricted to around only 25 people, so you’ll need to book ahead to guarantee a space here. However, if you’re looking for something a bit different and want to sample a whole host of delightful desserts, then you simply must visit Coda when holidaying in Berlin.
Galander Liquor Store
Heading to Kreuzberg for a tasty tipple? Then why not take a trip to Galander Liquor Store for a carefully-crafted cocktail within a cosy and chic setting?
Galander Liquor Store can be found in the historic Großbeerenstraße 54 building and serves top-quality drinks to suit a variety of palates. This snazzy bar resembles a 1920s speakeasy, thanks to its candlelit lighting, crystal-like glasses, Tiffany-style lamps and stacked drinks shelf which sits on the back wall of the bar.
The bar offers drinkers an extensive cocktail menu to choose from. We can guarantee that the inviting surroundings and alluring atmosphere at this charming, low-key bar in Berlin will entice you in. Plus, the attentive bar staff will be ready to look after you when you arrive.
Geist im Glas
Geist im Glas is a charming bar in Berlin, serving up fine coffee, refreshing cocktails and impeccable brunch options within a cosy setting. Locals and travellers alike love venturing to this incredible establishment to soak up its casual, welcoming atmosphere. Plus, there is a wide variety of delectable dishes to savour on weekend afternoons.
What’s particularly special about this stylish spot in the popular Neukölln borough is that if you’re torn between sweet or savoury, you don’t have to decide; you can have both! Order fluffy pancakes topped with fresh fruit and maple syrup, alongside a portion of eggs and bacon (or guacamole if you’re veggie or vegan), all perfectly presented and served on a wooden board.
The interior is very chic at Geist im Glas, with rustic wooden tables featuring in abundance and a candle sitting in the centre to create a lustrous ambience. Head here in the evening to socialise with friends and taste the delicious cocktails on offer.
Gourmet Eateries
If you feel like treating yourself during your time away (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), then you’re in luck. There are loads of gourmet eateries in Berlin; this city has a host of fine dining opportunities and sophisticated Michelin-star restaurants. These truly make the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion while on holiday.
Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer is a fantastic place to start if you want European-inspired cuisine, as you’ll have a plethora of thoughtful, colourful dishes to choose from. Here, you can sample a range of plates which provide modern twists on old classics, along with an impressive selection of wines. Better yet, you can even look out onto Brandenburg Gate while enjoying your meal.
Restaurant Tim Raue is another excellent choice, where a unique Asian menu will take your taste buds on a trip around the world. From their own version of Peking duck to their perfectly-cooked seafood, there are plenty of options to savour.
Grill Royal
Grill Royal is a decadent restaurant in Berlin, where you can find an impressive range of diverse meats and cuts, which are cooked according to your exact preference. Tuck into excellently cooked classics, accompanied by a glass of fine wine from this eatery’s vast, high-quality selection. The simplistic, modern surroundings make it the perfect place to try new recipes, too.
Ensure you book ahead to dine at this popular central restaurant because it’s always in high demand. Plus, you’ll then have more time to peruse the extensive menu beforehand, which features a varied list of food options, including tasty T-bone steak as well as plates of moreish monkfish and luxurious lobster.
The grill is the main event here; you can choose succulent beef dishes that are sourced from across the globe. Remember to ask the waiting staff about the different marbling scores before ordering. Simply let them take you through the menu while you enjoy a relaxed evening!
Hallesches Haus
Hallesches Haus is a delightfully cool eatery where you can find a young crowd in a relaxed space. Foodies love its fantastic brunch menu, which has plenty of tasty, filling plates to choose from, so you’re sure to find an appealing snack. Why not sip on the delicious coffee here (which is prepared to an excellent standard), while indulging in a sumptuous slice of vegan cake? Yummy!
From poached egg bagels to refreshing salads served with rocket and pumpkin seeds, there really is something for everyone. Plus, the generous portion sizes make this the perfect place to swing by after a day of sightseeing in Berlin.
If visiting all those attractions has made you thirsty, order a cold pint of beer or a glass of wine. There is a tempting selection of alcohol-free options on offer, too, such as the homemade lemonade, which goes down a treat at this popular and trendy hang out spot.
Klunkerkranich
Klunkerkranich is the perfect place to enjoy a sociable drink with an edge. This quirky, beer-garden-style bar will make you feel like you’ve entered Narnia, as it’s secretly located within the car park of the Neukölln Arcaden shopping mall.
Once you arrive at this popular shopping outlet, take the lift up to floor five (the top floor); then, let the good times roll. This rooftop bar is known for being a great spot to watch the sunset. So, be sure to venture here as the sun sinks into the sky, and relish the scenic view of the horizon while sipping on an ice-cold beer.
Alternatively, make an evening visit to Klunkerkranich, when you can listen to live DJ sets and socialise with like-minded people. You’ll love every minute you spend at this unique bar, which is laced with colourful lighting and forest-like shrubbery. Plus, it’s even fitted with outdoor furniture for you to comfortably lounge on.
Local Cuisine
As soon as you touch down in Berlin, you’ll find an array of eateries where you can sample the local cuisine. If you love meat, sausages and incredible flavoured sauces, then you have come to the right place, as these dishes are available almost everywhere here. Meanwhile, vegetarians and vegans can try unique takes on these local delicacies.
Spätzle is a great choice for any cheese lover; simply sink your teeth into the fresh-egg pasta dough, which is often served with a generous helping of cheese. You’ll also have to indulge in the vast selection of sausages on offer, as there is a huge variation in taste between the various styles.
From currywurst coated with Worcestershire sauce to bratwurst made from high-quality pork (or even veal!), there are so many different sausages to savour, either at restaurants or on the go. Plus, you can hardly talk about Berlin without speaking about the doner kebab – a Turkish classic which is always made with a delicious twist.
Madame Claude
Madame Claude is a truly unique bar; people flock here for the excellent live music and to see the upside-down furniture hanging above them. Have a pint or a cocktail and enjoy gazing up at the tables and chairs on the ceiling – they certainly make this a memorable way to spend your evening.
If you’re looking for somewhere that’s a bit different, then this bar is a tremendous choice. You’re asked to make a small donation to get in, but the amount is optional, so you’ll have plenty left over for drinks. Be sure to check out which bands are playing when you’re here, too, as there is a wealth of great talent regularly performing at this intimate venue, making it a fantastic place to hang out.
If you don’t fancy your usual clubbing night and want to experience some of the real Berlin with the locals, then head down to Madame Claude – you won’t regret it!
ORA
ORA is a restaurant that uses its ethically-sourced produce to curate perfectly flavoured meals. The impressive range of dishes here changes daily, but there will always be something to suit all taste buds.
On the current menu, you can start with the smoked fish and bean salad, before moving on to the grilled red mullet, braised fennel and bottarga. Then, finish off with one of the divine desserts, such as the raspberry sorbet or the peaches with caramelized white chocolate mousse and lemon balm.
Every aspect of this eatery is very carefully designed, with close attention being paid to everything from the interior design to the service, making it a great place for special occasions. Make sure you arrive early to try one of the tasty cocktails from the bar, too, all while taking in the venue’s classy decor. Then, start savouring the creative plates served up by the restaurant’s team of talented chefs.