Average Cost of Food in Berlin

Berlin is one of the most popular tourist hot spots in Central Europe. From its eclectic restaurants to its enormous food markets, gastropubs, and international cuisine, there’s something for everybody.  

Yet just like other major European cities you need to be thoughtful of your food budget. Knowing the average cost for different meals, and budget-friendly ways to save money will help you make the most out of your Berlin food tour.

Most of the eateries in Berlin advertise their prices in Euros (€) which is roughly around $1.10 to $1.25 USD.

Average Cost of Breakfast in Berlin

The average cost of breakfast in Berlin can vary depending on where and how you choose to dine.

Small bakeries, chain cafés, and street food vendors tend to offer affordable breakfast items. You can enjoy baked goods and a machine coffee for approximately €4 to €10.

Many hostels in Berlin also provide some type of complimentary breakfast, which can be a cost-effective way to start your day. Sometimes they’re free or you can opt for coffee and a pastry for less than €5.

Cafés and restaurants offer a more formal sit-down breakfast charging you around €10 per person depending on what you want.

If you’re staying in a hotel, breakfast prices can vary, but you can expect to spend at least €15.

Average Cost of Lunch in Berlin

Berlin has a vibrant street food scene with tons of affordable, delicious options. Popular choices like currywurst or an iconic döner kebab will only run you between €3 and €5.

If you want to have lunch at a sit-down restaurant, you can expect to spend between €7 to €10 per person. Many cafés offer lunch specials during weekdays, which can help ease the hit on your food budget.

If you’re looking for a more substantial lunch at a mid-range restaurant you can expect to spend between €15 and €25 per person. These venues often provide a diverse menu, including international and traditional German dishes.

Average Cost of Dinner in Berlin

The cost of supper in Berlin can vary widely depending on the type of dining experience you choose. Especially since the city has so many international restaurants, casual eateries and fine-dining options, not to mention a vibrant street food scene that comes alive with delicious options in the evening.

Berlin’s famous street food scene and wurstbuden stands typically cost between €5 and €10. These are things like currywurst, döner kebabs, or hearty falafel wraps that provide you with a quick bite to eat while making your way back to the hotel.

A sit-down meal at a casual eatery or a mid-range restaurant will cost around €12 to €25 per person. This includes places like traditional German beer halls that offer food service. Common dishes in this price range include things like schnitzel, käsespätzle, or a hearty plate of bratwurst with potatoes.

For a more upscale dining experience in Berlin, at a fine-dining restaurant, you can expect to pay €30 to €60 or more per person. The city has a thriving gourmet food scene, with Michelin-starred restaurants and innovative culinary hotspots that can cost upwards of €100 per person. These tend to be culinary experiences you can write home about.

Tips for Affordable Suppers in Berlin

If you want to save a little money on supper in Berlin, look for ethnic restaurants and food stalls. Berlin is famous for its diverse food scene, with excellent Turkish, Vietnamese, and Middle Eastern restaurants that offer flavorful dishes at reasonable prices.

Beer gardens, beer halls, and traditional taverns are also great places to save money on supper. Most serve large portions of hearty German fare at affordable prices.

Berlin’s restaurants are also known for offering good prices on their daily specials. Some restaurants offer discounted dinner menus on certain days, especially in neighborhoods like Neukölln and Kreuzberg.

Average Cost of Drinks and Aperitifs in Berlin

Berlin offers a diverse range of bars, beer gardens, cocktail lounges, and trendy restaurant bars with an innovative selection of aperitifs. So the cost of drinks and aperitifs will vary wildly depending on where you are.

German beer culture is well-represented in Berlin, where you’ll find everything from local lagers to craft brews at beer halls and gardens throughout the city. A standard pint of beer in a casual bar or beer garden will typically cost between €2.50 and €4. If you opt for a craft beer or a premium lager, prices can go up to €5 to €7.

If wine better suits your taste, you can have a glass of house wine at a mid-range bar or restaurant which will generally cost between €4 and €7. Higher-end wine bars or restaurants offering a selection of fine wines may charge €8 to €12 per glass. For a bottle of good quality wine in a nice restaurant, expect to pay between €20 to €40.

A basic cocktail in an average Berlin bar typically costs between €7 to €10. In an upscale cocktail lounge or bar with a unique flair, prices may range from €12 to €15 or more per drink.

Aperitifs like Spritz, vermouth, or an Aperol Spritz in Berlin, will cost around €3 to €7 a glass. Many restaurants also offer aperitif specials as part of a pre-dinner ritual.

Conclusion

Berlin offers a full spectrum of cafés, street food vendors, casual eateries, and fine-dining restaurants at affordable prices. Many of which have reasonable prices that won’t blow out your Berlin food tour budget.

If I want to splurge on a special dinner in the evening, I find it helps to get breakfast and lunch at small cafés and street food stalls. This might be pastry and a cup of coffee at a bakery in the morning for €5. Then a doner kebab or a currywurst at a street food stall for €7. This leaves me with plenty of money in the budget for a special meal at a fine dining restaurant for €20 to €40.

Sources:

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Eating Europe. (n.d.). The best schnitzel in Berlin. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/blog/best-schnitzel-in-berlin/

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Fine dining in Berlin: Where to go. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/blog/fine-dining-berlin/

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Best bars in Berlin: Where to drink like a local. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/blog/best-bars-in-berlin/

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Berlin food tours. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/berlin/