Germany is known for its simple, hearty and delicious dishes. Who has not dreamed at least once to taste the legendary German sausages and sausages with freshly brewed hoppy beer or to taste the traditional German strudel with a cup of coffee for dessert? We will tell you about where to eat in Berlin: where you can taste the best traditional German cuisine, how to eat deliciously inexpensively and which pubs are the most popular in the city.
Important tips for tourists
Berlin is the second largest city in Europe, so a novice tourist shouldn't get lost in it. At the same time, it is not difficult to find a place where you can have a tasty meal - there are many different cafes, pubs, restaurants and eateries in the capital. But how do you choose the right place? First of all, you should pay attention to the signs:
- the presence of the German word Imbiss (Imbiß) indicates a simple, inexpensive diner;
- Buffet is an establishment that adopts the well-known service, where customers serve their own food from the serving table (buffet);
- Brunch means “brunch” in translation, but in fact it is a complete set of lunch dishes, which are served in different restaurants at discounted prices from 11.00 to 15.00 (16.00).
Knowing about these features, you can always find a place in Berlin, which has the opportunity to have a tasty and inexpensive snack.
Places with traditional German cuisine
The menus of many cafes and restaurants in Berlin have entire sections that include traditional German dishes. However, establishments specializing in the preparation of such food will help you to get to know the cuisine of the country.
Noodles and dumplings at Spetzle & Knedl
The name of one of the most popular establishments in all of southern Germany "Spetzle & Knedl" (in German Spätzle & Knödel) translates as "Noodles and dumplings". And if you don't know what to try in Berlin, feel free to go here. The most delicious dumplings, including for those who do not eat meat, a variety of noodles and pretzels (pretzels) - this is what this institution is famous for.
Here you can always eat tasty and satisfying food. Guests are offered schnitzel and goulash, Swabian noodles with cheese or sauerkraut and bacon, dumplings and dumplings, roast beef, various soups and salads. There are vegetarian options. A wide selection of beer will also delight: light, unfiltered, dark - products of the breweries Riegele, Mailsel, Weihenstephan, Obstler.
At the same time, the prices are quite reasonable: a portion of schnitzel with potato salad costs 11.90 euros, soups - on average 5 euros, noodles - 9 euros, desserts - 5-7 euros, the most expensive dish - sirloin steak with onions and cabbage - 15.60 Euro. More information on prices can be found on the Spetzle & Knedl website.
Address: Wühlischstraße 20, 10247.
Visitors note a very pleasant and friendly atmosphere of the establishment. Style - a combination of classic and loft: wood, warm brown shades, brick walls, comfortable high-quality furniture.
For excellently cooked meat - in "Shnivays"
Schneeweiss or Schneeweiß is a luxurious establishment in the heart of the German capital. It is famous for its first-class cooked meat dishes, the prices of which are pleasantly surprising. Vegetarians are served special soy "roulades" with potato stews, while those with a sweet tooth should definitely try creme brulee, homemade ice cream, strudel and a special sweet dish called "kaiserschmarrn", somewhat reminiscent of pancakes stuffed with raisins and pickled plums. There is a good selection of aperitifs and wines.
The prices in "Schnieweis" are pleasing: main courses - from 12.50 euros for cheese noodles with fresh vegetable salad, goulash - 16.50 euros, Viennese schnitzel - 18.90 euros (the most expensive dish), desserts - 5-8 euros , salads - from 6.80 to 14.50 euros, cheese plate - 12.50 euros. Places can be booked in advance on the institution's website.
Address: Simplonstraße 16, 10245.
The atmosphere inside is very romantic: several rooms, a fireplace, a snow-white bar counter. The combination of white and warm brown colors in the interior, a lot of glass, play with textures, unusual ceiling compositions make the restaurant unique and leave an unforgettable experience for the guests.
Huge portions from the Schweighefer restaurant
Delicious soups, amazing meat dishes, desserts - all this is in the Schweighofer’s restaurant. However, the uniqueness of this establishment lies in the huge portions that are served to guests, and the affordable "eat as much as you can" service (subject to pre-order). A complete list of current promotions and special offers is available on the Schweighofer’s website.
As for prices, soups here cost 5-6 euros, a cheese plate - 14 euros, salads - from 3.50 euros, beef dishes with a side dish of your choice - 14 euros, main meat dishes - 14-16 euros, desserts - 6 Euro. Wide selection of wines from 4.90 euros.
Address: Weimarer Str. (Weimarer St.), 12, 10625.
The home environment inside the restaurant is impressive, which is created due to the abundance of rare things: a gramophone, old photographs, coffee grinders, candles, souvenirs, hand-decorated lamps, curtains on the windows, soft pillows on the benches, white embossed lace tablecloths. Visitors feel very comfortable here - a complete feeling of home peace and comfort.
Authentic German recipes at Schöneberger
Anyone who wants to taste food according to old German recipes - here. At the Schöneberger Weltlaterne, visitors are pampered with German curry sausages, shrimp in garlic sauce, spicy brisket and veal liver. There is a menu for children and vegetarians.
Schnitzels and steaks - from 13.90 euros, salads - from 4.50 euros, soups - from 4.90 euros, homemade sausages - 4.90 euros (per pair), fried currywurst sausages - 8.50 euros, desserts - 5-8 euros. The average cost of a dinner per person is from 15 to 35 euros (excluding drinks). Guestbook, menu, promotions - on the restaurant's website.
Address: Motzstrasse, 61, 10777.
This is a very cozy place - a real country pub, where a charming hostess herself can go on stage and sing a song or two to the guests. There is a small summer terrace. The interior of the restaurant is decorated with great taste - despite the many paintings and varied decor, it seems that each item has its own place. Each visitor, feeling the warmth and comfort of this pub, then returns more than once for unforgettable emotions and delicious impressions.
Garlic restaurant "Knefel"
Knofel is one of the most unusual places in Berlin. This is the first and only garlic restaurant in the city, which was opened in 1996. Garlic dishes, even sweets, are the zest of this establishment. Professionals create amazing dishes from this product, in which you will never recognize the usual taste and smell of garlic.
The menu in the restaurant is rich and varied.
Of the most original - bananas in breadcrumbs with garlic-orange sauce, strawberries in garlic dough, garlic ice cream, garlic spaghetti, croutons with caramelized garlic, meat in garlic, whole heads of garlic fried with anchovy butter and white bread - are presented on the menu under the name "Smelly rose" and even garlic beer and brandy.
A wide selection of beers, wines, soft drinks.
Prices are quite affordable: appetizers and salads - 4-10 euros, soups - 4.50-5.50 euros, main meat dishes - from 12.90 euros, the most expensive of them (a portion for two) is a frying pan with different types of meat, vegetables, potato casserole, croquettes, original sauce and salad - will cost 35.90 euros. Garlic menu - up to 10 euros. There is a children's and vegetarian cuisine. A detailed menu can be viewed even before going to the institution on the website of "Knöfel".
Address: Wichertstrasse 33, 10439.
The restaurant has 8 halls, 3 bars, a party room. The decor is dominated by a garlic theme - bunches of garlic on the walls, bouquets of garlic, baskets and garlic compositions. In general, the atmosphere is very cozy and homely: warm dim light from small lamps, candles and candelabra.The overall style of the interior is vintage, with pleasant interweaving of loft and fusion. The service is always top notch.
Bierce Kudamm 195 is a well-known establishment with a 53-year history
Bier's Kudamm 195 is a family-run establishment, well known to residents and visitors of the capital since 1965. Currywurst signature German curry sausages are usually washed down here with the legendary Dom Perignon champagne. Famous personalities included the politician Gerhard Schroeder, actors Heiner Lauterbach, Rolf Eden, Harald Juncke. Contacts, photos, menus, opening hours can be found on the Bierce Kudamm 195 website.
The prices are very affordable: sausages - 3.20 euros, Viennese sausages - 2.50 euros, dumplings - 2.60 euros, meat braid - 3.70 euros, french fries - 2.60 euros, potato salad - 2.50 euros. Beer of the most popular German brands Schultheiss - 2.60 Euro, Berliner Kindl - 3.30 Euro (price per 0.33 l). The cost of a bottle of champagne "Dom Perignon" - from 280 euros, a small portion of vodka - from 2.80 euros or 28.00 euros per bottle.
Address: Kerfuerstendamm (Kurfürstendamm), 195, 10707.
The atmosphere is free and relaxed. There are tables outside. Eclecticism is clearly visible in the interior - many forms and styles are mixed here. An institution for those who want to taste real German sausages quickly and with gusto, washed down with beer to their liking.
Berlin's trademark - famous beer pubs
To visit the capital of Germany and not taste the famous German beer means to go in vain. Beers and other establishments in Berlin offer a wide variety of intoxicating drinks. There are over 850 pubs in total. Let's consider the most worthy of them.
Beer garden and restaurant "Pratergarten"
Perhaps the most popular in Berlin is the metropolitan Pratergarten beer hall. This is the oldest establishment with more than 180 years of history. The Prater has survived two world wars. This is a whole park in Prenzlauer Berg (Prenzlauer Berg) - the largest district of Berlin in terms of population, a resting place for citizens and guests of the capital with many tables and benches, old trees that provide shade and coolness on the hottest summer days. The Pratergarten in Berlin is like the world famous beer garden and Hofbräuhaus in Munich.
The garden restaurant is open to visitors all year round. It serves classic German cuisine: white asparagus, goose, schnitzel, cabbage side dishes, fried sausages, thick soups and potato salad. The beer list includes draft and seasonal beers, among them the author's Prater beer - light, black, blended; Pale Ale - pale ale; wheat beer Weißbier aus Bayreith; white beer with Berliner Weisse syrup. Various types of non-alcoholic beer are also available. Prices for 0.5 l - 4.20-4.50 euros. Visitors are also offered a large selection of wines and other drinks. For the menu and current promotions, see the Prater Gaststätte website.
Address: Kastanienallee, 7-9.
The restaurant's interior is furnished in a typical German style: massive wooden furniture, comfortable benches, wide tables, dim lights, natural finishes, columns and a long bar counter for the whole room. A huge outside terrace allows you to accommodate everyone who does not fit inside.
Modern brewery "Lindenbrau"
Lindebräu is a famous Berlin brewery in a modern style on Potsdamer Platz. This is a huge three-storey pub for 430 seats, located in the building of the Sony Center business complex. Finding this place will not be difficult as it is located in one of the most impressive buildings in Berlin.
Guests are offered more than 20 types of refreshing cold beer and cocktails based on it, including well-known German brands: Berliner Pilsner, Potsdamer, Kirsch Weiße. They are served with appetizers typical for Bavarian, Austrian and Berlin cuisine: smoked pork, Viennese schnitzel, Munich sausages, herring. At the same time, visitors have the opportunity to watch the preparation of dishes.
Small portions and snacks for 1 person cost 5-10 euros, more substantial meals such as beer pans cost 15-20 euros. The menu also includes vegetarian dishes (6-13 euros): salads, Tyrolean pasta, herbal strudel, as well as a variety of desserts - strudels and pies from 3.10 euros. More information on the Lindenbrau website.
Address: Bellevuestraße, 3-5, 10785.
The style of the establishment is neobavar. The interior harmoniously combines modern design and the latest technology with a cozy family atmosphere. Here everyone will find their own: in the main halls there are long tables and benches for large companies, but there are also separate booths for those who want privacy, there is a convenient bar counter for those who dropped in for a short time to take a sip of quality freshly brewed beer, and a spacious terrace rooftop with breathtaking views.
Schloisenkrug - a summer brewery in the center of Berlin
Beer restaurant Schleusen Krug has been delighting visitors with quality home-made beer since 1954. Since the establishment is open-air, it closes from November to March. Finding a brewery is not difficult - the institution is located in the Tiergarten park in the very center of the capital. Here is a great place to relax after a long walk or visit to the zoo, enjoying the unforgettable taste of German beer and snacks.
The restaurant offers a wide variety of food and drinks. However, the main advantage that attracts guests is beer: the classic Berliner Pilsner (4 euros for a glass of 0.5 l), Alsterwasser - a mixture of beer and lemonade in equal proportions (4 euros / 0.5 l), wheat Erdinger Urweisse Hefe (4 euros / 0.5 l), fragrant light hel of Allgäuer Büble Bier hell (4.50 euros / 0.5 l).
The main dishes are based on quality home-made meat from a farmer, without GMOs, stimulants and extraneous additives. All kinds of sausages, spicy sausages, steaks, baked Leberkäz pate are prepared from it, served with buns, sauerkraut or potato salad (the cost of a portion is only 4-5 euros). All kinds of soups, snacks and salads can be tasted for 10-12 euros, sweets for 3.0-3.5 euros. A detailed menu, contacts, table reservations - on the Schleusen Krug website.
Address: Müller-Breslau-Straße, 15, 10623.
Having made an order, visitors can sit at tables on the summer multi-level terrace of the establishment. A free democratic atmosphere reigns around. There is a canal right next to the cafe, so you can choose a table by the water and watch the locks work. In the evening, a surprise awaits you in the form of a beautiful illumination. Guests enjoy nature, socializing and, of course, cold fresh beer in misted glasses and delicious German cuisine.
Freshly brewed craft beer from the Brauhaus Lemke pub
Another of the most popular pubs in the heart of Berlin is Brauhaus Lemke. Its peculiarity is that each guest can personally observe the process of preparing an intoxicated drink. The establishment is located in an original place: there is a railway bridge right above it, and a beautiful view of the Charlottenburg Palace opens from the terrace.
Every season the pub owners change their beers to surprise their regular customers once again. However, craft beer is always available - it is produced here: Lemke Original, Lemke Weizen (4.30 euros for a 0.5 liter glass). Popular dishes include beef steak with a side dish of your choice for 17.50 euros, German sausages with a side dish, salad and bread and butter for 21.90 euros. Meatloaf, fried potatoes, scrambled eggs and salad can be ordered for € 9.50. Further details on the Brauhaus Lemke website.
Address: Dircksenstrasse, 143, 10178.
The interior of the pub is colorful and stylish: vintage furniture, arches, subdued lighting. Despite the large number of seats in the pub - 350 in total, along with tables located outside, it never feels crowded. The quality of service, even with a large influx of visitors, always remains at a high level.
The oldest beer restaurant in Berlin "At the Last Resort"
The restaurant "At the Last Resort" or Zur letzten Instanz is one of the sights of the capital, which was founded in the 17th century (1621). At that time it was a drinking establishment built by the elector's horse servant.The institution received its current name in 1924, after a long and persistent litigation ended in the tavern for beer, which acted as the last resort. The restaurant is also known for the fact that it was there that the shots of "Seventeen Moments of Spring" were filmed.
Among the original dishes recommended by the chef himself, the following can be distinguished: "Break in the court session" (Verhandlungen Pause) - meatballs, capers, mashed potatoes for 17 euros; Lawyer's Breakfast (Anwaltsfrühstück) - lamb sausages served with pear, salad and potatoes for 13 euros; Beleidigung Klage - crayfish soup with shrimp and vegetables for 16 euros.
They are offered 4 types of draft beer: Jubiläums Pilsner (4.6 euros / 0.5 l), Berliner Pilsner (4.5 euros), Spreewasser (4.2 euros), Märkischer Landmann (4.6 euros). A detailed menu can be found on the restaurant's website.
Address: Wiesenstrasse, 14-16, 10179.
Two large halls are connected by a wrought-iron spiral staircase, the total number of seats is 120. The building has been preserved since the Middle Ages, today it has been completely restored. Numerous decor items and photographs on the walls of the restaurant tell about bygone days. The oldest interior detail is a bicentennial tiled stove.
At various times, this institution was visited by Napoleon, Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Charlie Chaplin, Maxim Gorky, Mikhail Gorbachev.
Popular places of Russian and Ukrainian cuisine in Berlin
The Russian-speaking community in Berlin is very large. In addition, a huge number of tourists from Russia and Ukraine come here every year. For those who are suddenly overwhelmed by nostalgia for their homeland, there are places in the German capital where the emphasis is on Russian and Ukrainian cuisine.
One of the most popular establishments is the Pasternak restaurant, named after the author of the novel Doctor Zhivago. Here they serve traditional Russian dishes: borscht, hodgepodge, pancakes, as well as Jewish cuisine, there is also a veg menu.
Address: Knaackstrasse, 22/24, 10405. Menu, contacts, table reservations - on the website.
For those who miss their native borscht, Olivier salad, herring or pancakes, the Samowar restaurant (site) offers classic Russian cuisine. It is located in the center of the "Russian" district of Berlin - Charlottenburg, not far from the palace of the same name at Luisenplatz, 3, 10585. The prices here are very reasonable. For example, a large portion of borscht, Olivier salad and pancakes for dessert will cost 21 euros, excluding tips. Main meat dishes - barbecue, steak, roast - cost an average of 14-17 euros.
An excellent selection of dishes prepared according to Russian recipes can be found at the legendary Datscha restaurant. A special offer is vodka with a variety of traditional snacks. There are constant discounts here, especially on complex offers with alcoholic beverages.
Today in Berlin there are as many as 3 Dacha restaurants, one of which is located at Gabriel-Max-Straße, 1, 10245. The rest of the contacts can be found on the Datscha Café-bar website.
Shawarma and kebabs in Berlin
Numerous Turkish eateries allow residents of the German capital and tourists to eat cheap, tasty and satisfying. For example, the best chicken doner kebabs at a price of only 2.80 euros per piece can be tasted in Mustafa's kebab next to the Meringdam metro station (address: Mehringdamm, 32, 10961). There is always a queue for this oriental dish.
On the original Mustafa’s Gemuese Kebab website, you can find the menu and other details about the work of the institution.
Shawarma is the signature dish in another Turkish fast food establishment “Hasira”. This well-known Turkish dish turns out to be not Turkish at all.
Shawarma was invented in Berlin, in the early 1970s.
The emigrant Mehmet Aygun for the first time proposed to wrap a filling of minced meat, sauces, fresh vegetables and spices in pita bread. Subsequently, he opened his Hasir restaurant, which delights visitors with a varied menu, including quality and delicious dishes, not just shawarma. The cost of a kebab is 13-15 euros. You can find a restaurant at Adalbertstraße (Adalbertstrasse), 10, 10999. Details - on the institution's website.
If you are looking for a Turkish restaurant in Charlottenburg, be sure to check out Black & White Turkisches Restaurant & Cafe, which has been delighting customers with exquisite Turkish dumplings with yoghurt sauce and paprika, barbecue and, of course, different types of pita meat with spicy sauces for over 6 years. The prices are very pleasant: together you can eat a full meal for the amount of 25 euros.
The address of the establishment is Uhlandstraße, 171-172, 10719. Reservations are available on the restaurant's website.
For fans of oriental cuisine
Gastronomic Berlin will also delight lovers of oriental cuisine. Among the establishments with Indian dishes, the restaurant "Maharaj" stands out (on Fuggerstraße (Fuggerstraße), 21, site), in which the masters prepare dishes no worse than in Delhi itself. Indian dishes are quite inexpensive here - soups from 3.50 euros, meat dishes from 10.50 euros.
Haveli is another Indian restaurant that, according to visitors' reviews, combines excellent cuisine, excellent service and a pleasant atmosphere. Facility address: Regensburger Str. Regensburg), 7, 10777. Among the most popular Indian dishes are: samsa (dumplings with potatoes, peas, cashews, raisins) - 5.50 euros; bengan pakoru (eggplants in deep-fried peas) - 5.90 euros; Mila beetle pakoru (vegetables and chicken in spices, fried in a dough) - 13.90 € double portion.
On the largest shopping alley Schönhauser Allee (142) is the Vedis Indian Restaurant, which serves huge portions. Visitors celebrate delicious food, incredible cocktails, cozy atmosphere and pleasant staff. Business lunch price - 5 euros, special meals - from 9.90 euros.
A calm, cozy place for a family vacation is the Namaste restaurant, located at Pariser Str. Paris), 56. Here you will be fed your fill of lunch, even if you have only 4.50 euros in your pocket. Food can be ordered to take away.
The cheapest and most delicious meals in student canteens
Despite the fact that Berlin is the capital, you can eat deliciously and inexpensively here. At the same time, the quality of food is always at the highest level, "just like at home." Particular attention should be paid to student canteens. For example, good food and very reasonable prices await you in the dining room at the Rathaus Kreuzberg. Lunchtime discounts allow you to significantly save on food. At the same time, you can admire beautiful views of Victoria Park and city churches from the height of the 10th floor.
The cost of meals is on average 3.00-6.50 euros, which is almost 2 times cheaper than at McDonald's. Dining room address: Yorckstraße, 4-11, Kreuzberg.
The best cafeteria in Germany in 2021 was the cafeteria at the Ernst-Reuter-Haus. A set lunch here will cost 1.30-5.50 euros, you can order half of the portion. The institution is located in the center of Berlin, near the Tiergarten park at str. des, 17. The average price of a dish is 5 euros.
- For a sumptuous pizza for just € 8.50 head to the Italian restaurant Il Casolare on Grimmstrasse 30.
- Low prices for fresh seafood at the Nordsea diner (address: Spandauerstrasse 4), the average price of a dish here is 12 euros.
- Try cheap lunches for 7-8 euros at Morgenland (35 Skalitzerstrasse).
Let's sum up
Berlin is a vibrant city filled with a variety of dining options. There are chic restaurants of native German cuisine, beer pubs and cafes serving Russian, Ukrainian, Turkish, Oriental and other national dishes.
The prices in the establishments are approximately the same and are quite affordable for the tourist. However, if you want, you can eat very cheaply: for example, in student canteens or street eateries, and the quality of the food there is always excellent.
Pay attention to the recommendations for visitors, as well as a selection of the most popular (according to customer reviews) establishments.
