4 Best Schnitzel in Berlin

Schnitzel is an iconic German dish that you find in most of Berlin’s restaurants. It’s become a staple in the city’s culinary landscape, with variations found throughout the city. Whether served in a traditional tavern or a contemporary restaurant, there are plenty of places to try schnitzel on a Berlin food tour.

What Makes Schnitzel in Berlin Special?

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As an international city, Berlin has many different versions of schnitzel that have been influenced by their historical connection with surrounding countries, and other ethnic cuisines.

Wiener schnitzel is made with tender veal and historically hails from Austria but is widely enjoyed in Berlin. Whereas schweineschnitzel is pork schnitzel, often served as a hearty portion with a variety of sides like potatoes, salads, and spaetzle.

In Berlin, you typically find lingonberry sauce served with schnitzel. However, there are many other creative sauces that have started to pop up on Berlin’s schnitzel scene.

Jägersauce is a rich, earthy mushroom sauce that adds depth and umami to the schnitzel, often paired with a hearty pork schnitzel.

Zigeunersauce is a tangy, slightly spicy sauce made with bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, offering a nice contrast to the crispy coating.

Kräutersauce is an aromatic herbaceous sauce made with a blend of fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and dill, which brings a light, refreshing flavor to the dish.

Senfsauce is mustard-based sauce with a sharp tang that is a perfect complement to pork schnitzel.

Where to Find the Best Schnitzel in Berlin

With so many different types of restaurants offering variations of schnitzel in Berlin, the following are just a few of the top options to fit any budget.

Schnitzelei Mitte

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Photo credit: Schnitzelei Mitte

Schnitzelei Mitte focuses almost exclusively on schnitzel and is known for their use of high-quality ingredients. With their cozy yet modern ambiance, they offer a variety of options, including both classic wiener schnitzel and crispy pork schnitzel.

The schnitzels are lightly breaded and fried to golden perfection, and they pair wonderfully with house-made sides like creamy potato salad or tangy coleslaw. However, I think what sets Schnitzelei apart is their selection of creative sauces.

On my last visit I had a wiener schnitzel with a rich mushroom-based Jägersauce and a little refreshing Kräutersauce herb sauce. This elevated the dish to new heights by boosting the umami of the meat, while keeping the dish light with accenting brightness.

Schnitzelei Mitte (€20–30) – 8 oder, Novalisstraße 11, 10115 Berlin, Germany.

Hofbräu Berlin

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Photo credit: Hofbräu Berlin

If you love Bavarian culture and you want an authentic taste of schnitzel, Hofbräu Berlin needs to be at the top of your list. They proudly offer an authentic beer hall experience reminiscent of its Munich and a menu full of German classics including schnitzel.

The ambiance is lively and bustling, as you’d expect. There are communal wooden tables, traditional Bavarian decor, and live music that enhances the festive atmosphere.

The schnitzel at Hofbräu Berlin stands out for its generous size and perfectly crisp breading, embodying the classic flavors that enthusiasts cherish. They stay true to traditional recipes without venturing into creative twists or special sauces, and their commitment to authenticity is unmatched.

Hofbräu Berlin (€15–35) – Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 30, 10178 Berlin, Germany.

Jolesch

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Photo credit: Jolesch

You’ll find Jolesch in Berlin’s vibrant Kreuzberg district, where they offer traditional Austrian cuisine like wiener schnitzel with contemporary flair. The restaurant’s ambiance is a warm rustic charm with a touch of modern elegance.

Jolesch’s signature Wiener Schnitzel is a standout on their menu. It’s renowned for the generous size and perfectly crisp, golden-brown crust. It’s made with meticulous attention to detail that exemplifies the restaurant’s dedication to authentic Austrian flavors.

The schnitzel is traditionally served with classic side dishes. However, Jolesch occasionally introduces creative variations. Sometimes incorporating alternative types of breading or unique side dishes to put a modern twist on this timeless favorite.

Jolesch (€20–30) – Muskauer Str. 1, 10997 Berlin, Germany.

Max und Moritz

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Photo credit: Max und Moritz

Max und Moritz is a beloved local gem in Kreuzberg, offering a classic German dining experience with a charming, old-school ambiance. The restaurant’s warm and inviting interior includes wooden tables and vintage décor, which adds to the restaurant’s historic charm.

Known for its standout schnitzel, Max und Moritz offers a variety of options that are expertly prepared and perfectly crispy. Their wiener schnitzel has a tender, juicy interior with a crunchy golden crust and is served with traditional sides. However, I think what really sets it apart is the rich and flavorful homemade gravy, which has an impressive depth of flavor.

Max und Moritz (€20–30) – Oranienstraße 162, 10969 Berlin, Germany.

Different Types of Schnitzel in Berlin

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Berlin offers a diverse array of schnitzel options, catering to both traditionalists and adventurous eaters. The classic Wiener Schnitzel, made with veal and coated in golden, crispy breadcrumbs, remains the gold standard for purists. However, Schweineschnitzel pork schnitzel is a more common and affordable alternative in Berlin.

If you’re interested in a heartier, sauce-laden variation, Jägerschnitzel is typically served with a rich mushroom sauce. This adds an earthy depth of flavor to the crisp schnitzel base, making it a favorite in Berlin’s hearty food scene.

If you’re looking for something vegetarian, Berlin’s schnitzel scene doesn’t disappoint. Some restaurants like Schnitzelei Mitte offer oyster mushroom schnitzel, which mimics the crispy texture of traditional schnitzel with plant-based alternatives. These versions provide the same crunchy exterior with innovative flavors that appeal to both vegetarians and omnivores.

Berlin is home to several XXL schnitzel spots, where portions are oversized and perfect for sharing. Restaurants like Schnitzelkönig and Thomas-Eck often have gigantic portion specials on Friday nights and weekends.