Restaurants

Finding a good restaurant in Berlin is easier than it used to be, but still requires some navigation. The city has a lot of places to eat and a wide range in quality. The most reliable approach is to start with a neighbourhood and a rough idea of what you’re in the mood for.

Kreuzberg and Neukölln offer the best density of options across price points. Turkish, Vietnamese, Middle Eastern, and a growing number of European restaurants share streets in a way that makes the area genuinely interesting for food. Prenzlauer Berg has good options too, with a slightly higher average price and a more settled neighbourhood feel. Mitte has more tourist-facing restaurants but also some of the city’s more ambitious places to eat.

Reservations are worth making at the places that deserve them. Berlin restaurants that are doing something genuinely good tend to fill up — the better neighbourhood spots are often booked a week out on weekends. Walk-ins work better on weekday evenings and at lunch.

Price is not a reliable guide to quality here in either direction. Some of the most satisfying meals in the city are at small döner places, soup kitchens, or Vietnamese spots that serve for under ten euros. And some expensive restaurants are coasting on address and atmosphere. The guides here try to be honest about both.

The city’s wine bar scene has grown considerably, with a number of places doing natural wine and good food in an informal setting that sits between restaurant and bar. These tend to be among the more interesting places to spend an evening.