Berlin is one of the best cities in Europe for trying international cuisines at reasonable prices and tasting traditional German dishes. In Berlin, you will find high-end and Michelin-starred restaurants alongside family-run eateries and small cafes, focusing on the farm-to-table business model, which takes advantage of Berlin's many local gardens and surrounding farms. Wherever you are in Berlin, you won't have to travel far to eat well, as each neighborhood has something for every taste.
The cuisine in Berlin
As in other parts of Germany, Berlin's local dishes do not lack potatoes, meat, and heavy sauces. Currywurst is probably Berlin's signature dish, although it can be found throughout the country. The dish comprises grilled pork sausage topped with ketchup and curry powder, served with fries. Currywurst is part of German history and culture. Hence, it comes as no surprise that this popular snack, favored by German celebrities, athletes, and politicians, has its own museum. The Currywurst Museum hosts an interactive exhibition with interesting facts about Berlin's world-famous snack, dating back to 1949. For more meat options, try the boiled or grilled pork knuckles (Eisbein), served with raw cabbage salad, peas, and potatoes. Last but not least, the Döner Kebab, even though it is a meat wrap of Turkish origin, has become a Berlin classic. Kebab kiosks are on every corner of the city, offering the perfect eating on the go at any time of the day and night.
Good to know:
Döner has vegetarian options as well, with falafel, grilled vegetables, or halloumi cheese instead of kebab.
Eating habits in Berlin
As we have seen above, Germans are known for eating a lot of meat. However, in the past decades, their eating habits have been shifting to healthier and lighter meals comprising more vegetables and fewer dairy products, and sometimes replacing meat with vegetarian and vegan alternatives. According to a recent (2021) study on nutrition by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, fruit and vegetables are consumed daily at 70%, whereas traditional meats and sausages are at 26%. Besides looking after their diet, Germans are considering animal welfare and climate change when making choices regarding their food. There are lots of amazing vegetarian and vegan restaurants popping up all over the city.
Good to know:
Germany is known for its hundreds of varieties of bread (e.g., pretzels, dark brown bread with poppy or pumpkin seeds, fluffy – and high in carbs – bread, multi-grain bread, sourdough bread, etc.). Don't hesitate to add it to your daily diet!
The most popular restaurants in Berlin
Below are some of the "top of the list" restaurants popular with locals and tourists:
- The Bird – Berlin's most faithful New York-style bar and steakhouse;
- Imren Grill – Turkish kebab;
- Nobelhart & Schmutzig – A Michelin-star, ten-course tasting menu with a focus on ingredients from the nearby region;
- Lokal – Seasonal menu and a casual vibe;
- KaDeWe (Kaufhaus des Westens) – Imagine two football fields filled with food. Over 100 cooks and 40 bakers and confectioners spread across more than 30 gourmet counters on the top floors of the KaDeWe;
- Burgermeister – A famous burger spot Berliners will quickly tell you about (the original restaurant is in an old public toilet)!;
- Zenkichi – Extraordinarily fresh sashimi, buttery black cod, and the silkiest tofu in town;
- Engelberg – Experience a proper German breakfast.
Good to know:
The Mitte neighborhood hosts good, albeit pricier, restaurants.
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