As a true world city, Berlin is a vibrant culinary destination that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation to create a dynamic international food scene. The best restaurants in Berlin do a masterful job of catering to every palate as they celebrate the rich tapestry of flavors from around the globe alongside traditional German fare.

The waters of Berlin’s food scene run deep. From bustling street food markets of Markthalle Neun to fine-dining Michelin-starred restaurants, there’s something for everyone. With so many opportunities for gastronomic exploration, there are tons of places worth including in your next Berlin food tour.

Top Restaurants in Berlin: Must-Try Spots

It’s hard to name just one best restaurant in Berlin. Yet I think the following are some must-try spots to give you a true taste of Berlin’s international flavor.

Cocolo Ramen

Cocolo_Ramen_Berlin

Cocolo Ramen has two locations in Berlin. While the one in the Kreuzberg district is great, I’m partial to the Cocolo Ramen in the Mitte district. Both celebrate authentic Japanese ramen that appeals to international foodies.

The atmosphere at Cocolo Ramen is cozy and genuine with communal wooden tables, minimalist décor and friendly service. It has a Japanese open kitchen that adds an element of entertainment as you watch the cooks meticulously prepare your meal. Just bear in mind that they don’t take reservations, so planning to come at an off-peak time will limit your wait.

Cocolo Ramen’s menu emphasizes quality and authenticity. They focus entirely on Japanese cuisine with several signature dishes, including miso and spicy tantan ramen.

On my last visit, I enjoyed their tonkatsu ramen. It had a rich, creamy pork broth with toothsome homemade noodles. It was topped with tender sweet pork belly chashu, fresh green onions, and a perfectly cooked egg.

Cocolo Ramen (€10–20) – Gipsstraße 3, 10119 Berlin, Germany.

Michelberger Restaurant

Michelberger_Restaurant_Berlin

Photo credit: Michelberger Restaurant

As the name implies, Michelberger Restaurant is part of the Michelberger Hotel in Berlin’s vibrant Friedrichshain district. Conveniently located near Mercedes-Benz Arena and the East Side Gallery, it’s an ideal dining spot for hungry tourists who want to enjoy continental European cuisine.  

Michelberger Restaurant has a trendy and relaxed atmosphere with minimalist décor and communal seating. Their open kitchen lets you observe the culinary craftsmanship firsthand, enhancing the overall dining experience.

The menu at Michelberger Restaurant focuses on seasonal produce. Many of the ingredients are sourced directly from their own farm in Brandenburg. The kitchen is led by Head Chef Andreas Rieger who brings his creative vision to a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes from the four corners of Europe.

This includes elevated classics like black pudding and cured trout in buttermilk sauce. On my last visit, I fell in love with the polenta gnocchi which was served with floral nasturtiums, red pepper ketchup, tangy pecorino custard, and a perfectly spicy chili beurre blanc. It truly showcased the potential of European fusion cuisine.

Michelberger Restaurant (€10–20) – Warschauer Str. 39-40, 10243 Berlin, Germany.

Fes Turkish BBQ

Fes_Turkish_BBQ_Berlin

Photo credit: Fes Turkish BBQ

Fes Turkish BBQ is located in Berlin’s vibrant Kreuzberg district near Tempelhofer Feld, and Görlitzer Park. They proudly offer a diverse menu of grilled Turkish marinated meats and fresh vegetables that are a perfect introduction to Middle Eastern flavors.

The ambiance is warm, with modern décor that blends traditional Turkish elements with contemporary design. It’s an ideal spot for groups and social gatherings as well as meeting a few close friends for an interactive dining experience.

One of the unique things about the menu at Fes is that you can choose and grill your own selection of premium meats and vegetables at built-in tabletop barbecues. They also have a wide selection of traditional Turkish appetizers, such as hummus, baba ghanoush, and stuffed grape leaves, providing a flavorful start to the meal.

On my last visit, I deeply enjoyed the grilled lamb chops, which were marinated in a blend of aromatic Turkish spices. I grilled them to a perfect medium rare and ate them over a side of Turkish rice.

Fes Turkish BBQ (€30–40) – Hasenheide 58, 10967 Berlin, Germany.

Traditional German Restaurants in Berlin

Berlin is also home to a wide range of restaurants serving traditional German dishes like schnitzel, currywurst, and spätzle. This ranges from humble eateries focusing on Germanic classics to Michelin-starred fine-dining restaurants with worldwide acclaim.

Rutz

Rutz_Berlin

Photo credit: Rutz

Rutz has earned the distinction of being the only restaurant in Berlin to earn three Michelin Stars. It’s located in the Mitte district, near the Brandenburg Gate and Alexanderplatz Square.

As a Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant, the interior of Rutz is elegantly designed, with contemporary décor that complements the restaurant’s sophisticated approach to cuisine. The open kitchen concept lets you watch the meticulous preparation of each dish, enhancing the dining experience.

The menu at Rutz puts their three Michelin stars in the spotlight with exceptional culinary artistry. Their constantly changing tasting menu accentuates the essence of traditional German culinary cuisine reimagined with modern twists.

One that stood out in my memory was a braised cucumber and smoked trout dish. It was a beautifully harmonious blend of delicate flavors, where the tender braised cucumber brought out the subtle smokiness of the fresh-caught spring water trout.

Rutz (€75-100) – Chausseestraße 8, 10115 Berlin, Germany.

Zur letzten Instanz

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Photo credit: Zur letzten Instanz

With a history dating back to 1621, Zur letzten Instanz is Berlin’s oldest traditional restaurant. Situated in the historic Mitte district, it offers an authentic German dining experience steeped in history and tradition.

With its deep historical roots, the ambiance and décor at Zur letzten Instanz has a rustic charm. There are elements of medieval architecture along with warm wooden antique furnishings, and historic artifacts that connect you to the past. Yet everything is still clean and modernized for today.

The menu at Zur letzten Instanz focuses on hearty German cuisine that includes classic dishes prepared using traditional recipes. This includes things like cabbage roulade, meatballs with sauerkraut as well as staples like schnitzel, currywurst, and spätzle.

My go-to dish, however, is the schweinshaxe, which is an ancient German classic. It’s essentially a roasted pork knuckle that’s slow-cooked to the point of literally being fall-off-the-bone tender. Served with vibrantly spiced cabbage, and roasted potatoes that absorb the pork knuckle’s succulent juices.

Zur letzten Instanz (€30–40) – Waisenstraße 14-16, 10179 Berlin, Germany.

Restaurant Maximilians

Restaurant_Maximilians_Berlin

Photo credit: Restaurant Maximilians

You’ll find Restaurant Maximilians in Berlin’s bustling Mitte district, not far from the cathedrals of Gendarmenmarkt, and just a short walk from the Cold War’s Checkpoint Charlie. They specialize in traditional Bavarian cuisine, which is a much-beloved staple of Berlin’s food scene.

Maximilian’s atmosphere is warm and inviting and decorated in a way that’s reminiscent of a traditional Bavarian beer hall. There’s a lot of rustic wooden furnishings and the staff is very friendly.  

The menu at Maximilians showcases authentic Bavarian specialties, including my beloved schweinshaxe, and weißwurst Bavarian white veal sausages. However, I think the secret gem on their menu is the Käsespätzle cheese noodles. They’re scratch-made egg noodles like traditional spätzle, that are layered with rich cheese and topped with crispy onions.

Restaurant Maximilians (€20–30) – Friedrichstraße 185-190, 10117 Berlin, Germany. 

Sources:

Maximilian’s Berlin. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.maximilians-berlin.de/

Zur Letzten Instanz. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://zurletzteninstanz.com/

Rutz Restaurant. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from http://www.rutz-restaurant.de/

Fes Turkish BBQ. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from http://www.fes-turkishbbq.de/

Michelberger Hotel. (n.d.). Restaurant. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://michelbergerhotel.com/en/restaurant

Kuchi. (n.d.). Cocolo Ramen. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from http://kuchi.de/restaurant/cocolo-ramen/

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