-
Miseria & Nobiltà
When Eduardo Scarpetta penned the comedy Poverty and Nobility in 1888, he had no idea that it would inspire the name of this popular family-run trattoria. Thanks to the gracious owners, you'll feel more king than pauper when digging into their daily-changing southern Italian compositions.
-
Monsieur Vuong
Despite the pepper-red walls, good-looking clientele and beautiful dishware, this bustling eatery only looks expensive. The Vietnamese fare is made to order and is uniformly delicious, as are the fruit cocktails and exotic teas. No reservations, so be prepared to queue or, better yet, come during the afternoon off-hours.
-
Mr Hai & Friends
One of several contenders on lively Savignyplatz, this Vietnamese restaurant usually gets jam-packed with trendy locals lusting after soups, spring rolls, satays, wok combinations and other dishes treated to an aromatic balm of spices.
-
Oderquelle
If this low-key restaurant weren't so darn popular, it would be the kind of place you'd just pop in for a beer and a casual but well-crafted German meal. But alas, without a reservation, chances of scoring a table after are practically nil, although the bar stools might do in a pinch.
-
Oliva
It's right on the tourist strip, but this casual joint still gets our stamp of approval for its thin-crust pizzas decorated with tasty, creative and irresistible toppings and served at grumbling-tummy speed.
-
Pan Asia
Manga films, light projections and long communal tables account for the hipster quotient at this high-energy restaurant next to the Hackesche Höfe. The menu predictably hopscotches from Thailand to China, via Japan and Vietnam, and back. Fresh ingredients and healthy, low-fat cooking techniques make it a favourite with waist-watchers.
-
Pasternak
Russian writer Boris Pasternak (of Doctor Zhivago fame) would probably approve of this antique-filled and chandeliered restaurant. The menu is made to look like an old family photo album with black-and-white pictures on the left and Russian favourites - borscht to blini and beef stroganoff - on the right. If only the tables weren't squished together so tightly.
-
Piccola Italia
There's usually a line out the door of this teensy pizzeria and for good reason: the pizzas are tasty, toothsome, generously topped and cheap. If the weather permits, grab one and head across the street to Monbijoupark. Pasta dishes are available too.
-
Rissani
Exotically painted and tiled, this salon makes some of the tastiest falafel and shwarma in town. The complimentary palate-cleansing tea is a pleasant perk.
-
Rosenthaler Grill- Und Schlemmerbuffet
The best doners in town. Enough said.
-
Advertisement
-
Rutz
Marco Müller's creations strike just the right balance between adventure and comfort, which is why his talents have insiders whispering Michelin star. The cellar, meanwhile, is stocked with 1001 bottles of the finest vintages, many available by the glass with dinner or in the downstairs wine bar.
-
Samâdhi
Meat is a no-no at this central restaurant run by former Vietnamese refugees. Exotic dishes leap off the menu, including such unusual concoctions as bitter melon curry and how mok - a vegetable custard served in a banana leaf.
-
Sarah Wiener Im Hamburger Bahnhof
Berlin's smartest museum café is the domain of culinary star Sarah Wiener, famous as much for her classic veal schnitzel as for her tasty Sachertorte and other classic Austrian cakes. A long bar, patterned stone floor, dimmed lights and various conversation corners where artsy types discuss the latest exhibit add character and texture to the huge, high-ceiling room.
-
Schneeweiss
Friedrichshain's most stylish restaurant specialises in soul food for the trendoid brigade. The snow-covered Alps inspired not only the chilly-chic décor - check the awesome 'ice' chandelier - but also the food, which is mostly updated southern German classics, including schnitzel, roast venison and grilled trout.
-
Schwarzwaldstuben
Despite its olde-worlde décor, this cosy corner joint draws a hip and youthful crowd with authentic southern German food and delicious Rothaus Tannenzäpfle beer. Try the Käsespätzle (macaroni and cheese), Maultaschen (ravioli) or the pizza-like Flammekuche .
-
Shiro I Shiro
The 'White Castle' feeds the appetite of Berlin's most demanding and adventurous eaters in a chic postmodern fairy-tale setting. Book a secluded booth or join 30 or so of your best 'friends' at the long banquet table to try the pioneering Asian-European flavour combinations. Don't skip dessert.
-
Spindler & Klatt
In a feat of design alchemy, this former bread factory is now a trendy nosh and party spot on the Spree River. The food fuses Asian, French and German flavours and can be consumed at tables or on platform beds. In summer, the riverside terrace is the place to be. Enter via the iron gate, walk straight to the river, then turn left.
-
Storch
Off the beaten track yet usually packed, Storch has excellent Alsatian fare and a charming ex-punk owner who's usually around to greet his guests. Robust mains, including stuffed goose and wild-boar ragout, cycle on and off the specials menu. Reservations advised.
-
Susuru
Go ye forth and slurp! Susuru is Japanese for slurping and, quite frankly, that's really the best way to get a handle on the big bowls of steaming udon or nabe at this stylish noodle bar. It's all so healthy and delicious, we're surprised the sleek round designer tables aren't more crowded. Smoking is a no-no.
-
Türkenmarkt
You'll find olives, feta spreads, loaves of fresh bread and mountains of fruit and vegetables all at bargain prices at this colourful canalside market. Grab your loot and head west along the canal to carve out your picnic spot in the little park by the Urbanhafen.
-
Advertisement
-
Vapiano
Matteo Thun's jazzy décor is a great foil for the fresh and tasty Italian fare at this self-service joint. Mix-and-match pasta dishes, creative salads and crusty pizzas are all prepared à la minute before your eyes. Nice touch: a condiment basket with fresh basil. Your order is recorded on a chip card and paid for upon leaving.
-
Vau
In the same locale where Rahel Varnhagen held her literary salons a couple of centuries ago, Michelin-starred chef Kolja Kleeberg now pampers Rolls-Royce diners with fanciful gourmet creations. The dining room is a composition of glass, steel, slate and wood, and a perfect foil for the imaginative cuisine featuring only hand-selected, seasonal ingredients.
Reservations essential.
-
Vino e Libri
Two of civilization's greatest treasures - wine and books - form the name, decor and soul of this ristorante run with charm and panache by a Sardinian family. The pizza is excellent but chef Bruno truly shines when it comes to experimental flavour combinations. Strawberry salmon, and tagliatelle with wild boar in a chocolate-based sauce are truly excellent.
-
Weilands Wellfood
Not only waist-watchers gush about this airy and upbeat self-service bistro where market-fresh ingredients find their destiny in vitamin-packed salads, wholemeal pastas, wok dishes and sandwiches. In summer, you can take your nosh out to sit by a fake little pond. Bonus: there's free wi-fi.
-
Weltrestaurant Markthalle
This mellow pub has a century-old pedigree and new-found fame as a location for the 2003 Berlin cult flick Herr Lehmann . Come for breakfast (till very late afternoon); fresh, creative salads at lunchtime; or a heaping helping of schweinebraten (roast pork). It pairs exceptionally well with a mug of Berliner Bürgerbräu brewed a few miles away in Köpenick.
