15 Specialty Restaurants Not to Miss in Berlin

It doesn't always have to be currywurst....

They exist in Berlin…the other restaurants, the extraordinary, the unusual, the innovative, the unconventional, the unique, the revolutionary, the ones with a new concept that doesn't fit into any pigeonhole, the ones that stand out from the rest and offer their guests a special experience.

This small selection is for all those who would like to try something different.

1. Essen im Reichstag

The German Bundestag is the only government building in the world to house a public restaurant. The roof terrace is located directly at the level of the famous glass dome and offers a unique view of the rooftops of Berlin.

The restaurant is operated by Käfer, and the cuisine offers German dishes with French accents and the selection changes every two to three months.

Due to heightened security at the German Bundestag, guests' last name, first name, and date of birth are required 48 hours prior to their visit. Photo identification must be presented for admission.

Reservations can be made by calling 030 2262990 or emailing berlin@feinkost-kaefer.de

Address: Platz der Republik 1, 10557 Berlin

2. Sphere in the Berlin TV Tower

You should be free from giddiness when visiting the Sphere in the Berlin TV tower. At a height of 207 meters, the restaurant rotates around its own axis once an hour. The 360° panoramic view over Berlin makes dining an unforgettable experience.

The upscale cuisine is German with an Italian twist.

Address: Panoramastrasse 1A, 10178 Berlin-Alexanderplatz

3. Restaurantschiff Patio

Restaurantschiff Patio does not sail on the Spree, but the two-story restaurant ship floats directly on it. The view of the river is incomparable, in the summer from the roof terrace, in the cool weather through the glass dome of the winter garden.

The cuisine is regional, high-end and Italian-inspired, and the ambience is perfectly matched.

Address: Helgoländer Ufer / Kirchstraße in 10557 Berlin- Tiergarten

4. Zur letzten Instanz

Zur letzten Instanz is the oldest pub in Berlin. Its history dates back to 1621, when a brandy bar was opened here. The menu reads like the minutes of a court hearing. It tells short stories about cases heard in court and names the dishes offered.  "Pause for negotiation," "Cross-examination," and "Miscarriage of justice" are on the menu. Legend has it that after a long unsuccessful dispute in court, two farmers finally came to an agreement here over a glass of beer - in the last instance.

The rustic interior lends the right setting for the regional, hearty dishes.

Address: Zur letzten Instanz, Waisenstrasse 14-16, 10179 Berlin-Mitte

5. Tafelrunde

Here the eating is like it was in the Middle Ages, of course with fingers and a dagger. Tafelrunde takes you back to a bygone era. The 6-course menu is German, strong, and hearty, and dining last for 3 hours. The furnishings correspond to the status of the time, heavy, long wooden tables, farm chairs, stone walls, plates made of zinc, and cups made of copper. Mead is drunk from cow horns. Medieval jugglers and minstrels accompany the feast and maidservants serve the food. By the way, the servants and maids respond only when you call them loudly.

Experience a special kind of food.

Address: Tafelrunde, Nachodstrasse 21, 10779 Berlin – Wilmersdorf

6. FES

Turkish cuisine doesn't just consist of kebabs from the fast food joint next door; it has a lot more to offer. FES in Kreuzberg proves this. Many small plates with mezze (appetizers) are placed on the table, in the middle so that everyone can try everything. You are allowed to grill your food on the grill integrated into the dining table. Drinking is, of course, raki, the Turkish anise schnapps, which harmonizes perfectly with the food. The interior is also authentic, colorful patterned fabric covers on chairs and benches, traditional fez hats adorn the unplastered brick walls.

Address: FES, Hasenheide 58, 10967 Berlin – Kreuzberg

7. Knofel

You have to like it to take a liking to this restaurant in Prenzlauer Berg. "There's nothing that doesn't taste good with garlic," is the motto of Berlin's only garlic restaurant, which has been offering its services since 1996. The cuisine is international, somewhat modified, because you will not find a dish without garlic. To drink, there is garlic beer. The atmosphere is relaxed, the interior rustic cozy, of course, with garlic bulbs on.

Address: Knofel, Wichertstraße 33, 10439 Berlin

8. PeterPaul

If you've always wanted to try German cuisine but didn't dare try the large portions, PeterPaul is the place for you. The concept is called Tapas in German. Original German and Berlin cuisine in mini portions, with small bites to try, prepared according to grandma's recipe. When you're full, you simply don't order any more. The interior is elegant, with dark ceilings, black walls, cream-colored armchairs. The rather dim lighting is cleverly placed so that the table with the food is perfectly illuminated.

Address: PeterPaul, Torstrasse 99, 10119 Berlin-Mitte

9. Shiori

Shiori seats exactly 10 guests. Every evening at 7:30 pm the Japanese Omakase dinner starts here, and punctuality is required. Omakase means letting someone else choose what is good. So there is no menu here, you eat what the chef cooks. Shiori Arai prepares the traditional Japanese dishes himself right in front of you, as you sit at stools along the bar. The rice wine sake is specially imported from Tokyo. The design is purist, with bright colors, clean lines, and typically Japanese.

Reservations are required.

Address: Shiori, Max-Beer-Strasse 13, 10119 Berlin-Mitte

10. Austernbank

 The vault of the former Disconto Bank is now home to Austernbank. It captivates with its unique ambience, which is modeled after the famous Grand Central Oyster Bar in New York. The open show kitchen stands in the middle of the tall, elegant portico, to which the dark granite floors and tiled stonework add a special flair. The upscale cuisine offers an exquisite array of fish, seafood and, of course, oysters.

Address: Austernbank, Behrenstrasse 42, 10117 Berlin-Mitte

11. Benedict Frühstückrestaurant

Only breakfast, all day long, no matter what time - Who has not dreamed of this? At Benedict Breakfast Restaurant it is possible. The concept comes from Tel Aviv and the first branch outside Israel was opened in Berlin. Breakfast dishes from all over the world are offered 24 hours a day, including North African, Russian, German, Israeli, and the list could be continued for a long time.

The eatery is located on the first floor of the Max Brown Hotel in Wilmersdorf.

Address: Max Brown Hotel, Uhlandstrasse 49, 10719 Berlin-Wilmersdorf

12. Lavanderia Vecchia

Tucked away in a backyard in Neukölln is Lavanderia Vecchia, in an old laundry converted into an Italian trattoria. Colorful cloth towels are hung on the clotheslines that crisscross the restaurant. The colors are bright and friendly with simple wooden chairs and tables in white. Since 2010, classic Italian cuisine has been served here, freshly prepared according to Mama's recipes. If you want, you can clean the laundry you bring with you in washing machines during the meal and then hang it on the line to dry right away.

Address: Lavanderia Vecchia, Flughafenstrasse 46, 12053 Berlin-Neukölln

13. Sixties Diner

Take a trip back in time to the 60s, back to the Beatles, the hippies, the flowers, the guitars, the weird haircuts, and the twist. Here you sit on bright red upholstered benches between colorful posters, while the Rolling Stones play from the stylish jukebox. The food is typical American, burgers of all kinds, tacos, burgers, onion rings, fries, chicken wings, pizza, and various Tex-Mex dishes like fajitas and nachos.

Currently, there are 3 branches of the restaurant in Berlin, in Oranienburger Strasse, Clayallee and Mariendorfer Damm.

14. Unsicht Bar

Dinner in the Dark – Unsicht Bar in Berlin offers a special experience. Dining in complete darkness. The service staff consists of blind or very visually impaired people, people who are very familiar with the dark and safely escort guests to their tables. The placement of items on the table is explained using the clock; the salt, for example, is at 12 o'clock. Very soon you notice how quickly your body adjusts to the new situation and your other senses try to compensate for the absence of light. The presence of other people at your table is felt, every sound is suddenly full of meaning, and your nose tries to recognize the food.

Tasty menus of three or four courses are served, afterwards comes the denouement and the guests learn what they have eaten....

Address: Unsicht Bar, Gormannstr. 14, 10119 Berlin-Mitte

15. Kriminalmenü

Statistically, every second person has thought about committing murder. Maybe that's why crime menus are so popular. While the guest is still enjoying his menu, he is suddenly confronted with a dead body. The murderer can only be one of those present and must be unmasked as quickly as possible. The showmen involve the guests in the action so well that many a guest has asked himself who is actually an actor and who is a guest. Along the way, a multi-course menu is served. The cuisine is internationally upscale.

The crime menu takes place alternately in different restaurants. The next dates and locations can be found here: https://www.kriminalmenue.de/kriminal-dinner-termine/.

Bonus: Dinner in the Sky

Not for the faint of heart or those afraid of heights.....One of the most extraordinary dining experiences is offered by Dinner in the Sky, a Belgian restaurant service that offers its services in several countries. A crane lifts the restaurant platform along with the guests, who sit strapped into bucket seats, the chef, and the waiters to a height of fifty meters. The selection for the 3-course menu is made while still on the ground, and the high-quality dishes are freshly prepared in front of the guests on the oven in the middle of the platform. This is accompanied by beer, wine, and soft drinks. The adventure lasts 60 minutes.

For booking and exact dates, please visit the website https://jollydays.de/erlebnis/dinner-in-the-sky.

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