An old Jewish school for girls has been turned into a new institution for galleries and restaurants that pay homage to Jewish culture. Mogg & Melzer steps into the delicatessen role, serving excellent matzo ball soup, pastrami sandwiches, and reubens piled high with sauerkraut in a clean, cozy, modern space.
Augustrasse 11-13
Berlin, 10117
+49-303-300-60770
Berlin's only Michelin two-starred restaurant resides at The Regent hotel, complete with white tablecloths, fancy plating, and a little bit of stuffiness.
Charlottenstrasse 49
Berlin, 10117
+49-302-033-6363
Charming, white-walled, laid-back, and very neighborhoody. It's on a particularly sunny corner across from a park, and you can enjoy a homemade soup, coffee, or delicate sandwich while catching some rays.
Raumerstrasse 36a
Berlin, 10437
+49-304-119-8209
Currywurst, the Berlin sausage snack, has been served from this kiosk since 1930. Long lines at lunch and early evening, eat standing up so that you're ready to go for seconds.
Schönhauser Allee 42
Berlin, 10435
+49-304-427-765
Berliners are very opinionated about their late-night, post-clubbing snack, a sausage cut into bit-size pieces and sprinkled with curry powder. Order with fries, and all the condiments they provide.
Mehringdamm 36
Berlin, 10961
+49-302-580-088-336
A delicious deli counter, cafe, and dry goods shop adjacent to the throwback general store Manufactum. The bread and cheese selection is top notch. Lots of edible souvenirs you'll want to bring home.
Hardenbergstrasse 4-5
Berlin, 10623
+49-302-630-0346
Incredibly tasty and uncomplicated Korean home-cooking served in a simple shop on a residential street. The walls are covered with Bible verses, as are the laminated menus, which offer bimbimbop and kimchi mixed in with instructions on living a Christian life. Proceeds go to charity.
Pallasstrasse 21
Berlin, 10781
+49-308-147-4769
Aussies run this fresh-feeling neighborhood coffee shop, where they showcase their love of carefully concocted espresso drinks, toothsome sandwiches, and homemade baked goods.
Auguststrasse 58
Berlin, 10119
A large and lofty restaurant and music venue inside of an old hospital (that kind of looks like a castle). On the menu: modern German food and live rock-and-roll.
Mariannenplatz 2
Berlin, 10997
+49-306-0031-8600
Dreamy standalone building that once served as the crossing point for the Paris-Moscow railway is home to a charming French-German restaurant — elegant and Old World inside and out.
Alt-Moabit 141
Berlin, 10557
+49-303-942-081
Tucked inside a quiet ivy-and-brick courtyard near Hackeschermarkt, an American dancer-turned-baker creates hearty deli-style sandwiches, soups, salads, and cakes.
Sophienstrasse 21
Berlin, 10178
+49-306-948-138
Serious baristas roast, tamp, tap, and serve excellent espresso drinks in a cramped but cozy spot on a charming block near Mauer Park.
Oderberger Strasse 35
Berlin, 10435
+49-302-0848-8020
An Asian jewel box hidden from the bland tourist promenade in a small courtyard. Thick Persian carpets line the floors, and folks lounge on ikat divans next to low tables (there’s a no shoe policy). Order the Russian tea ceremony, which has a silver samovar plus a slew of accompaniments — like rum raisins, marmalade, crystallized orange. The waiter will no doubt offer vodka to cut the sweetness.
Oranienburger Str.27
Berlin, 10117
+49-302-041-112
Modern cafe great for meetings with those graphic designers/DJs/stylists. Cool rack of magazines for flipping through while waiting for your latte.
Münzstrasse 8
Berlin, 10178
+49-308-920-6540
Fantasize about the Austrian coffee houses of the 1920s and play into it: Ask for a window table in the walnut dining room, leisurely read the paper, and stay for an an aperitif.
Kurfürstenstrasse 58
Berlin, 10785
+49-302-639-190
Thoughtfully cut meats and interesting vegetable sides in a clean, white, dressed-up butcher shop. Quiet. Nice lighting. Excellent meals.
Schönhauser Allee 45
Berlin, 10435
+49-304-882-0304
A Bavarian market up front (wooden crates of produce, deli cases), and energetic cafe in the back. Stop in for specialties like spätzle.
Rochstrasse 2
Berlin, 10178
+49-302-759-6130
Korean barbecue joint with a party atmosphere and soju bar next door. Keep up the beat in the bathroom, where you will find toilet karaoke.
Skalitzer Strasse 36
Berlin, 10999
+49-163-458-0203
Tiny, casual Japanese ramen counter with a small but solid menu of noodle soups. The German ceramicist who owns the place also supplies the lovely dinnerware.
Gipsstrasse 3
Berlin, 10119
+49-302-838-6622
This French bistro was a hopping place for artists and journalists in the post-Wall years. You can still feel the history when you walk in the door, but the waitstaff is a crap shoot (sometimes, attentive and excellent; other times, dismissive). Good steak frites and elbow-rubbing make up for the rest.
Kantstrasse 152
Berlin, 10623
+49-303-138-052
Make reservations! This super cozy 22-seater is all about seasonal French plates, depths in taste, and unpretentious service (which can be tough to find in this town).
Torstrasse 167
Berlin, 10115
+49-306-730-2051