Germany
Discover the best restaurants, dishes, and local cuisine in Berlin, Germany. Read authentic reviews, browse menus, and find your perfect dining experience.
Berlin cuisine is characterized by simple, savory flavors, often incorporating potatoes, cabbage, pork, and smoked meats. Expect dishes that are filling and designed to withstand the cold weather. Modern Berlin also boasts a vibrant international food scene.
A quintessential Berlin street food: a fried pork sausage, sliced and doused in curry ketchup (a tomato-based sauce flavored with curry powder), and sprinkled with curry powder. Often served with fries or a bread roll.
A refreshing summer drink: Berliner Weisse is a cloudy, sour wheat beer, typically mixed with a shot ('Schuss') of raspberry (Himbeersirup) or woodruff (Waldmeistersirup) syrup, coloring the beer red or green respectively.
Meatballs in a creamy white sauce with capers and anchovies, traditionally served with boiled potatoes. While originating from Königsberg (now Kaliningrad), it's a popular dish in Berlin.
Pickled knuckle of pork, usually boiled or grilled, resulting in a tender, flavorful meat. Served with sauerkraut, potatoes, and pea puree.
A deep-fried doughnut without a central hole, filled with jam (usually plum or apricot) and dusted with powdered sugar. Known as 'Berliner' outside of Berlin (and sometimes 'Krapfen' in southern Germany).
While not traditionally Berlin, the Döner Kebab as we know it today was invented in Berlin by Turkish immigrants. Thinly sliced meat cooked on a vertical spit, served in flatbread with salad and sauces.
To truly experience Berlin's food scene, venture beyond the tourist hotspots and explore the diverse neighborhoods. Be open to trying new things and don't be afraid to ask locals for recommendations.
Venture beyond Mitte and explore neighborhoods like Kreuzberg, Neukölln, and Prenzlauer Berg for authentic and diverse culinary experiences.
This indoor market in Kreuzberg offers a wide range of street food and artisanal products, providing a great introduction to Berlin's culinary scene.
Berlin has a growing craft beer scene. Look for local breweries and pubs offering a variety of unique and flavorful beers.
Don't settle for a touristy Currywurst stand. Ask locals for their favorite spot and enjoy this iconic Berlin street food.
Knowing a few basic German phrases will enhance your dining experience and show respect for the local culture.
Berlin's cuisine is a reflection of its history. Influenced by the Prussian Empire, its working-class origins, and post-war divisions, the food is hearty, straightforward, and practical. Migration waves, particularly from Turkey and Vietnam, have significantly diversified the culinary landscape.
Food in Berlin is often informal and accessible, reflecting the city's diverse population and laid-back atmosphere. Street food is prominent, and restaurants range from traditional German pubs ('Kneipen') to high-end dining experiences. Sustainability and local sourcing are increasingly important.
Berlin has a thriving street food scene, with markets like Markthalle Neun offering a wide array of culinary options from around the world. Currywurst stands are ubiquitous.
Traditional German pubs, known as 'Kneipen,' are an integral part of Berlin's social fabric. They offer hearty meals, local beer, and a casual atmosphere.
The large Turkish community has significantly shaped Berlin's food culture, with Döner Kebab being a staple and Turkish restaurants offering a wide variety of dishes.
There is a growing movement towards sustainable and locally sourced food in Berlin, with many restaurants emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients.