Berlin, as the capital of Germany, not only has a rich history and cultural heritage, but also has a unique charm in terms of food. From traditional German dishes to innovative international cuisine, the city’s dining culture is diverse, and some authentic restaurants hidden in the alleys are the treasures of Berlin cuisine.
Ⅰ. Restaurant recommendations
1. Hase & Igel — Explore Berlin’s classic traditions
Restaurant history and overview
Hase & Igel is a traditional German restaurant located in the center of Berlin. It was founded in the 1960s and was once a gathering place for local residents. After years of development, it has gradually become a favorite dining place for tourists and locals. The name of this restaurant comes from a German folk legend “Rabbit and Hedgehog”, which conveys an ancient and friendly German cultural atmosphere.
Food characteristics and taste
The restaurant’s signature dish is the classic German sausage and sauerkraut. The sausage is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, paired with slightly sour sauerkraut, with a strong smoky flavor. With a glass of German beer, it is simply an unparalleled enjoyment. Another recommended dish is the beef stew, which is tender and tasty, with a rich soup and a hint of vanilla and red wine. The restaurant’s desserts are also quite distinctive, especially the apple pie, which is wrapped in puff pastry with thick apple filling, with rich taste and moderate sweetness and sourness.
Location and booking platform
Hase & Igel is located in the Mitte district of Berlin, with a prime location close to Museum Island and Berlin Cathedral. The restaurant is recommended to make reservations in advance through local restaurant booking platforms such as Bookatable or OpenTable, especially on weekends, when the restaurant is usually very busy. In addition, reservations can be made through the restaurant’s phone to avoid queues during peak hours.
Cost
The restaurant’s prices are mid-range, with main courses ranging from about 15-25 euros, and desserts and drinks are more affordable. The overall cost is about 30-40 euros per person, which is suitable for most tourists and local residents to enjoy.
Recommended groups
Suitable for families, couples and food explorers who like traditional German flavors, especially those who are interested in German classics.
2. Der Kleine Kobold — A small restaurant hidden on the corner
Restaurant history and overview
Der Kleine Kobold is a small restaurant hidden in the old town in the east of Berlin. It has been open for more than 15 years. The name of the restaurant comes from “elf”, which reflects the small and warm atmosphere of the restaurant, and also makes people feel a sense of mystery and intimacy. The decoration of the restaurant is very unique, and the walls are covered with works of local artists, creating an environment where art and food blend together.
Food characteristics and taste
The restaurant’s specialty is the delicious grilled cod, which uses fresh local seafood. Each piece of fish is tender and juicy, served with homemade lemon butter sauce and fried potatoes, and tastes delicious. Another classic recommendation is the German pork knee, which has a crispy skin and tender meat, served with special sauerkraut and mashed potatoes, with a rich flavor and distinct layers. The restaurant’s vegetable salad is also very popular, using seasonal ingredients and homemade balsamic vinegar sauce, which is fresh and refreshing.
Location and Booking Platform
This restaurant is located in the Prenzlauer Berg district of Berlin. The neighborhood is quiet and historic, surrounded by many cafes and small shops, which is perfect for a leisurely afternoon. Due to the small space of the restaurant, it is recommended to book in advance through local booking platforms such as Bookatable or Resy to ensure a seat. In addition, the restaurant also cooperates with local catering service platforms such as Quandoo, and can also make reservations online.
Cost
The price of Der Kleine Kobold is moderate, with main dishes costing about 18-30 euros, and desserts and drinks are also very affordable. The average per capita consumption is about 30-50 euros, which is suitable for tourists who pursue high-quality dining.
Recommended crowd
Suitable for diners who like artistic atmosphere and local specialties, especially for couples and small family gatherings.
3. Gasthaus Krombach — The taste of old Berlin
Restaurant history and overview
Founded in 1985, Gasthaus Krombach is a traditional restaurant with a strong old Berlin flavor. The restaurant’s appearance is unremarkable, but once you enter, you will feel as if you have traveled back to Berlin in the early 20th century. Black and white photos of old Berlin are hung on the walls, and the seats and tables maintain the traditional wooden design. The restaurant has always adhered to authentic German family dishes, attracting a large number of diners.
Food Features and Taste
One of the restaurant’s signature dishes is the traditional German pork knuckle, which has crispy skin and tender meat, and the rich aroma of beer and spices is intoxicating. Another must-try dish is the roast duck, which has firm and juicy meat, paired with unique cranberry jam and herbs, and has a rich taste. The restaurant’s potato dumplings are also a very popular side dish, with a soft and glutinous skin and a rich flavor of herbs and spices.
Location and Booking Platform
Gasthaus Krombach is located in the Charlottenburg district in western Berlin, with a moderate geographical location and not far from Berlin’s main shopping streets and attractions. It is recommended to make reservations through local restaurant booking platforms such as OpenTable and Bookatable, especially on weekends and holidays, when restaurant seats are usually tight.
Cost
The restaurant’s dishes are reasonably priced, with main courses ranging from 18 to 35 euros, and the entire meal costing about 40 to 60 euros. It is one of the most cost-effective traditional restaurants in Berlin.
Recommended crowd
Suitable for families, group dinners, and those who like to try traditional German flavors.
4. Mustafa’s Gemüse Kebap – A must-try street food
Restaurant history and overview
Mustafa’s Gemüse Kebap is one of Berlin’s most famous street snacks, founded in 1995. Its status is almost equivalent to Berlin’s iconic food – Turkish kebab. Although the restaurant is not large, a large number of diners line up every day to try its unique Turkish flavor.
Food features and taste
The restaurant’s signature dish is its unique vegetable kebab, which uses fresh lamb or chicken, seasonal vegetables and special seasonings, with a rich and spicy taste. The crispy skin and the rich filling complement each other, and a bite will instantly leave you with an endless aftertaste. The restaurant also offers a variety of salads and potato side dishes, which are fresh and full of flavor.
Location and Booking Platform
Mustafa’s Gemüse Kebap is located in the Kreuzberg district of Berlin, surrounded by lively markets and cafes, which is perfect for tasting delicious street food while playing. Since the store is small and there are often queues, it is recommended to queue on site. In addition, you can also check whether you can make reservations in advance through local catering platforms such as Quandoo or OpenTable.
Cost
The restaurant’s prices are affordable, with the price of a kebab bun being about 4-6 euros, and a set meal costing only about 10 euros, which is suitable for tourists with limited budgets.
Recommended Group
Suitable for all diners who love street food and love to try new flavors, especially backpackers and young people.
Berlin is not only a gathering place for culture, but also a city full of delicious food. Whether it is a traditional restaurant hidden in the alleys or a steaming street food stall, it can bring you an unusual taste bud journey. From classic German sausages to creative international dishes, every bite is full of the diverse style of the city of Berlin. Bring your curiosity and explore those hidden food treasures!
Ⅱ.things to note when going to Berlin restaurants to taste food
1. Make reservations in advance to avoid queues during peak hours
Popular restaurants in Berlin, especially those with high ratings, often need to be booked in advance. During peak hours, especially on weekends and holidays, it is very common to wait in line for a table. To avoid wasting time, it is recommended to arrange seats in advance through restaurant reservation platforms such as Bookatable, OpenTable or Resy.
2. Tipping culture
In Berlin, tipping is not mandatory, but it is common to tip waiters about 10%. Although some restaurants already include service charges, it is recommended to decide whether to tip based on the quality of the restaurant’s service.
3. Restaurant opening hours
Many restaurants have different opening hours for lunch and dinner, and some restaurants may close in the afternoon. It is recommended to confirm the restaurant’s opening hours in advance to avoid unnecessary disappointment.
4. Language issues
Although Berlin is an international metropolis and many restaurant waiters can use English, not all restaurants can provide English menus. If you don’t understand German, it is recommended to learn about the restaurant’s menu in advance or directly ask if there is an English menu.
