Borchardt
This is one of the most sophisticated restaurants in the city, close to the pretty Gendarmenmarkt. It dates back to the early 19th century. Clientele include top politicians and wealthy businesspeople. The cuisine is mainly French and the menu changes daily with lots of meaty options such as calf’s liver in calvados sauce, as well as the signature dish of wiener schnitzel. Open daily, booking recommended.
Franzosische Strasse 47
Die Quadriga
Dining at Die Quadriga is an elegant affair. This Michelin-starred restaurant, in the Brandenburger Hof Hotel, is decorated in relaxing shades of green and features soft candelight and crisp white table linen. Dishes might include braised Tyrolean beef with goats’ cheese and cumin, or coq au vin with spiced pancetta. There is a selection of 850 German wines. The restaurant is closed on Sundays and at lunchtime on Mondays and Saturdays.
Brandenburger Hof Hotel, Eislebener Strasse 14 Tel: (030) 214 050.
Fischers Fritz
A famous German tongue twister gives this celebrated fish restaurant in the Regent Hotel, its name. The décor is quietly luxurious, with crystal chandeliers, fresh flowers and sectioned seating areas for intimate dining. Chef Christian Lohse holds two Michelin stars and dishes might include Dover sole with truffled celery or turbot with cepes. Meat dishes are also on offer, and at lunchtime, diners can enjoy three courses for a very competitive price.
Regent Hotel, Charlottenstrasse 49 Tel: (030) 2033 6363.
Heising
Dining at Heising is like traveling back in time. Located in Charlottenburg, its baroque theme with lush curtains, small white statues and traditional china offers an old-fashioned but friendly and high-class dining experience. Traditional dishes with a French influence are served, such as the halibut fillet with lemon mousse. There is a good selection of French wines. Open evenings from 1900. Closed Sunday.
Rankestrasse 32, Charlottenburg Tel: (030) 302 5515.
La Petite France
This French restaurant in Charlottenburg has a Breton chef and a half-Corsican owner and the emphasis is firmly on the food. Décor is simple with white tablecloths and black and white photographs on the walls. The menu changes regularly and dishes reflect French regional cuisine. Dishes might include fillet of beef in a green-pepper sauce. Desserts include creme brûlée and profiteroles. Open evenings only Monday to Saturday, closed Sunday.
Knobelsdorffstrasse 27 Tel: (030) 325 8242.
Kula-Karma
Set in the lively area just north of Hackescher Markt, this restaurant is decorated with large painted swirls and its deep pink walls give it a rather exotic atmosphere. It serves inspiring fusion cuisine. Dishes might include seafood gumbo with green rice, or Mandarin duck and desserts might include vanilla cream with fruit and pine nuts. Cocktails are also very popular.
Rosenthaler Strasse 36 Tel: (030) 2758 2035.
Bacco
Italian restaurant Bacco was established in 1968. Since then, owner-chef Padrone Massimo Mannozzi has been attracting international celebrities such as Sophia Loren and Gerard Depardieu with his charm and cooking. The simple rustic décor reflects his simple Tuscan cuisine, which includes options like fresh Mediterranean fish or homemade tagliata, which comes with white truffle when in season. Evenings only and closed on Sundays in summer.
Marburger Strasse 5 Tel: (030) 211 8687.
Florian
People from the theater and film world can often be spotted in this restaurant, which focuses on Swabian (a region in southern Germany) cuisine. People come to relax in the traditional South German setting, with its wooden furniture and tables crammed close together, as well as to enjoy the Swabian dishes with a slight French twist, such as the hackbraten (basically a meatloaf) or the potato casserole. Open evenings only.
Grolmanstrasse 52, Mitte Tel: (030) 313 9184.
Hamlet
There is a lovely relaxed, contemporary feel to this chilled restaurant in the west. There is a long bar, flickering candles and friendly staff, while the imaginative menu features traditional French and Arabian dishes, like spinach and feta crepes or couscous dishes. Light meals are served during the day, from breakfasts to baguettes, salads and omelets. The diversity of the food is enjoyed by a varied crowd.
Uhlandstrasse 47Tel: (030) 882 1361.
Shiro I Shiro
The name means ’White Castle’ in Japanese, which perfectly conveys the cool white interior of this trendy restaurant in Mitte, which features the longest table in the city. The cuisine is an imaginative mix of Eastern and European traditions. Diners can have classic sushi and sashimi, or fusion dishes such as black monkfish with olives and asparagus tempura. Desserts, such as port wine fig with chocolate, are indulgent creations.
Rosa Luxemburg Strasse 11Tel: (030) 9700 4790.
Carpe Diem
This Spanish restaurant profits from the charm of a typical Berlin setting, located as it is, underneath an S-bahn railway track in Charlottenburg. Many restaurants make use of these railway arches, as they provide an unconventional and cozy setting with their old, impressive brickwork. A variety of inexpensive, tasty tapas is served and the main dishes, such as the paella Valencia, are also a delight. Closed Sunday and Monday.
Jeanne-Mammenbogen 577
Arch 576-577, between Uhlandstrasse and Grolmanstrasse, Charlottenburg
Tel: (030) 313 2728.
Mao Thai
With its East Asian interior design and great value for money, Mao Thai is always packed, although it is perhaps not the most authentic Thai restaurant in town. The chicken served in a coconut is the signature dish, although other dishes (such as the fried scampi in tomato sauce, with chillies, spring onions, peppers, pineapple and cucumber) are slightly more inventive.
Wörther Strasse 30
Tel: (030) 441 9261.
Sophieneck
Lots of atmosphere in this long-established restaurant in East Berlin, with an old pub-style bar, dark wooden furniture and candles on the tables. Attracts lots of local families and has a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Dishes are hearty and filling, with choices such as braised knuckle with sauerkraut. Cuban cigars are available and you can just come in for a coffee - perhaps laced with a measure of rum.
Grosse Hamburger Strasse 37 Tel: (030) 283 4065.
