Always wanted to know where the best chefs in Berlin like to eat and drink while not at their own joints? Well, lucky you -- we've captured exclusive interviews with some of the biggest players in the game so you, too, can feel like you're deep in the Gastro-Szene. Impress your dinner date with these high-quality recommendations, directly from the chefs and owners themselves.
"BFS, Eat Like a Chef", is our interview series with Berlin’s hospitality scene that guides you to their secret spots in the city. These really are the best places to eat and drink in Berlin, told to you by those who would know - Chefs, Cooks, Sommeliers, and Servers. Truly the finest people in Berlin sharing their finest tips. If you follow their lead, you're sure to have a great experience yourself.
“ Worst tourist trap....? Goldies, maybe! - Vladislav Gachyn
Below are Vladi and Kajo's (of Goldies fame) top recommendations for their favorite burgers, döner, pizza, and and more in Berlin.
Here is the link to the interview. Video 1
Goldies Smashburger
Goldie's Burger is an exceptional establishment, founded by two Michelin star chefs, and the newer sister restaurant to the original Goldies fry and chicken shop on Oranienstrasse. Located at the head of Gräfestrasse right off Kottbusserdamm a.k.a. one of the most humming corners of Kreuzkölln, you can treat yourself to one of the finest (if not THE finest) smashburgers in the city while taking in the scene. Each burger is meticulously hand crafted with premium ingredients that ensure an explosion of flavors with every mouthful. The Goldies burgers are no-fuss minimalistic creations and essentially higher quality versions of the McDonald's burgers, which means you won't find any exotic ingredients on this menu (we're talking mainly classic cheeseburgers here). From timeless favorites to the inventive throwbacks, Goldies Smashburger presents a diverse menu that caters to all levels of hunger, from a drive-by snack to four hungry bellies creaking on the benches on the sidewalk.
The classic double cheeseburger is the pro move and be ready to wait for up to 45 mins in line (unless you get there early!)
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Burgermeister
If you're craving a burger, look no further, Burgermeister is probably the most famous burger chain in the city and they have earned their crown. It all started in a toilet turned burger shop under a bridge and even then it drew the crowds. Even after franchising they have remained commited to quality and consistency. Clearly they all are about the meat, juicy patties and all but don't dismiss the veggie burger before trying it. It is top tier. We at BFS have fought for the Fleischermeister to stay so you better try that too! Loaded fries, optional.
LONG LIVE THE FLEISCHERMEISTER!!!
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Pamfilya
Pamfilya is an iconic Turkish grill in Berlin's Wedding district, situated at Leopoldplatz. The cozy and welcoming atmosphere, combined with its traditional, Turkish cuisine, makes it a perfect spot for a lunch or a cozy dinner with friends. The menu offers a variety of traditional Turkish dishes, such as mezze plates, skewer kebaps, döner kebap and mantı. One of the standout dishes is the "Adana Kebab," a spicy minced lamb meat skewer grilled to perfection over an open fire pit, but the number one reason to come here is the hand-stacked yaprak veal döner kebap. Owner Fikri Arslan puts a lot of emphasis on quality and the lean döner meat at Pamfilya is unique and by many regarded as the best quality veal döner in Berlin.
The pro move here is to order a plate of döner meat only, ask for a plate of freshly baked lavash bread and then eat the meat in small pieces of flatbread like a taco with onions, a squeeze of lemon and chili flakes only.
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Doyum Grillhaus
Doyum is a pillar of the Turkish restaurant scene around Kottbusser Tor. The Ocakbasi sports a full Turkish grill, famous for its Adana Kebap and Lahmacun, but also offers Döner to-go from a skewer in the window. The meat is pure, yaprak beef, no lamb fat, cut into thin slices by the Kebap masters and served in a classical, triangular flatbread with all the condiments available. The pro move here is to order your döner with onions and tomatoes and extra chili flakes and if you sit down at the restaurant, don’t miss the excellent Künefe dessert.
They've recently opened their completely remodeled dining room that's perfect for groups. Get the Adana Durüm as well, it's out of this world.
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Et Dünyasi by Ehli-Kebap
Embark on a culinary journey to Turkey and visit Et Dünyasi in Wedding... all you need is your BVG card This restaurant is operated by a meat distributor and you can taste their expertise in handling meat throughout the whole menu. The Döner skewer here is a masterpiece, a yaprak beef skewer laced with lamb meat and fat, which is cut in thick sheets to the point where the skewer resembles a rectangle, a style pioneered by legendary Istanbul Döner shop Bayramoglu. However, this specific Döner is, in our opinion, best eaten as a plate (on rice or an Iskender plate) and not in the bread they use at the shop (a strange, flat sandwich version that’s toasted too heavily). And do come for their grilled meats, the wrapped Beyti and the Köfte Sandwich are some of the best in the whole city.
Come prepared with patience in your pocket - the service sometimes gets a little hectic and you have to be your own advocate to get what you ordered, but, trust us, the payoff is worth it. Don't get the Döner as a sandwich, the bread is no good! Get it as a plate on rice.
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Trio
Discover the exquisite dining experience offered at Trio, one of Berlin's highly acclaimed new restaurants. With meticulous attention to detail, Trio presents a refined ambiance where patrons can indulge in a diverse range of expertly crafted dishes. From inventive interpretations of classics to impeccably presented desserts, Trio stands out as a remarkable destination for those seeking a sophisticated and memorable dining experience in the heart of the city.
If you weren't able to reserve a seat, just swing by and queue for one of the seats in the bar
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Einstein Unter den Linden
Experience a slice of history and refined elegance at Einstein unter den Linden, the prestigious Austrian restaurant institution located in Berlin. Immerse yourself in a sophisticated and stylish atmosphere as you indulge in a culinary journey that combines classic and modern flavors from Austria. From classic, Austrian dishes like Schnitzel and Tafelspitz to more contemporay fare on the seasonal memu, Einstein UDL offers a gastronomic experience that reflects the highest standards of quality and taste. With its commitment to culinary excellence boasted by the recent ownership transfer to the Grill Royal Group, Einstein unter den Linden with Head Chef Daniel Achilles is the perfect destination for discerning diners seeking an classic dining experience of the highest standard.
One of the best destinations for a better weekday lunch with the bonus of open Mondays. Make sure to get the Schnitzel and the Backhendl (fried chicken)
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Frieda
Frieda, or Café Frieda, located in Berlin's Prenzlauer Berg district, right off Helmholtzplatz, is the casual sister restaurant of fun fine dining restaurant Mrs. Robinson's. Frieda is a modern casual fine dining restaurant and bar that offers a unique culinary experience for all types of diners. From their nose-to-tail philosophy to their extraordinary wine list, Frieda’s team, headed up by owner couple Ben Zviel and Samina Raza, are extremely conscious about their sourcing of food and wine and the result is a diing experience that seeks its counterpart in Berlin. Grab a table inside or on the busy curb or enjoy front-row seats by the open kitchen. The restaurant is perfect for visitors who want to try something new and exciting as the menu changes on a weekly basis, with dishes that fuse east and west and a hi-fi system that pays homage to Tokyo's audiophile listening bars. Frieda is a must-visit for anyone who wants to indulge in casual fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere while exploring one of Berlin's culinary gems.
One of the best places for big pieces of meat and fish - don't leave without trying the soft serve.
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Hasir Kreuzberg
Through the Kotti Arch and away from the pressure of the swirling roundabout, you'll find a far better spin, namely, one of the best-stacked kebap spieses in the city. Expertly cooked and sliced, Hasir shines as one of the district's strongest kebap players and keeps us (and many other chefs and foodies alike) running back time and time again. Jump in line, after 13:00 is usually good to give the restaurant time to warm up and work through the first few layers, and prepare to be wowed. Order at the outside window to show you're here to play (hold the sauce, please), then sit down at one of the outside tables to smash your kebap in peace.
If it's not too busy and you're feeling brave, ask for extra peppers and vegetables tucked into your kebap - it really pushes things towards the divine.
