Berlin and food bring up numerous associations to visitors. There’s the ubiquitous currywurst and kebabs. There’s the slew of Swabisch, Turkish, Italian, Vietnamese, and the rather dubious Indian restaurants touting gastronomic delights from around the world. But fine dining may not be your first connection when you hear the words "eating out in Berlin".
Yet – and much like those preconceptions of German food as a national cuisine – Berlin’s food scene deserves to make you think again. When the last Michelin stars were awarded at the beginning of 2013, Germany’s total rose to an astonishing 37 Michelin starred restaurants – only France in front – and Berlin’s tally creeped up to 13. The culinary emphasis is firmly on creativity and reinvention. The results? Most definitely delicious.
FIVE OF THE BEST
Horvath
The latest recipient of a Michelin star is deceptively located in a distinctly non-Michelin area. Yet good things with food are happening in South Kreuzberg, with Horvath testament to the rapidly growing culinary scene in the area. Dine on simple dishes from their set menu, filled with surprising combinations of quality ingredients.
Paul Lincke Ufer 44a
10999 Berlin
Tel: 030 61 28 99 92 /
Rutz
Located right round the corner from Miniloft on Chausseestraße, Rutz is the type of wine bar come restaurant that could make you stay longer than intended. Expert advice makes dining and drinking out a sort of gastronomic tour, with set menus listed as "experiences" rather than courses.
Chausseestrasse 8
10115 Berlin-Mitte
Tel: 030.24 62 87 60 /
Reinstoff
Another local gem, Reinstoff manages to balance up a surprisingly informal atmosphere with the type of décor and lighting that immediately places the food centre stage. Genuinely unforgettable dishes are served up according to locale – take your pick from "Quite Near" or "Far Away", although either way, you’ll leave feeling as though you have ventured to a whole other place.
Schlegelstr. 26c (Edison Höfen)
10115 Berlin
Tel: 030 30 88 12 14 /
Fischers Fritz
Fish is not usually a speciality of Berlin, perhaps not surprisingly given the relative lack of water. Yet Fischers Fritz manages to offer up a huge array of the stuff, with seafood in particular taking centre stage. A French twist and classical surroundings adds a further air of old world glamour to the experience, perfect for those looking for true decadence in the capital.
Charlottenstrasse 49
10117 Berlin-Mitte
Tel: 030 20 33 63 63 /
Tim Raue
Blue Lobster with tamarind and tomato. Suckling pig with lily blossom. Asparagus with violet and mango. The inventiveness of Tim Raue is definitely steeped in the tastes of Asia, and the resulting food is exquisite. The urban setting makes for an interesting contrast – and a thoroughly modern take on Michelin starred food.
Rudi-Dutschke-Str. 26
10969 Berlin
Tel: 030 25 93 79 30 / Booking available on the website: www.tim-raue.com
Copyright Reinstoff
