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.
“ Right across the street, Goldies Smashburger, tastes like McDonald's but a thousand times better. - Sebastian Frank
Below are Sebastian Frank's (Owner of Horváth) top recommendations for their favorite restaurants, coffee shops, and eateries in Berlin.
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Zola
Zola in Kreuzberg on the Paul-Linke-Ufer is a must-visit restaurant in Berlin for pizza lovers. The restaurant offers a wide range of delicious and authentic Italian-style pizzas that are made with fresh ingredients and cooked to perfection in a wood-fired oven. The menu includes both classic and creative pizza options, making sure there's something for everyone to enjoy. The restaurant's trendy decor and cozy atmosphere create the perfect setting for a casual and enjoyable dining experience.
2 Takeaway Pizzas + View + Bench + Sweetheart = One hell of a time for under 30 Euro.
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Goldies Smashburger
Goldie's Burger is an exceptional establishment, founded by two Michelin star chefs, and the newer sister restaurant to the OG 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 Fest 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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CODA
Immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind dessert adventure at Coda, an extraordinary Michelin-starred restaurant in Berlin. With its innovative tasting menu of reimagined and deconstructed classic desserts, Coda takes you on a journey where sweet and savory flavors collide. Emphasizing natural sweetness from seasonal and sustainable ingredients, each dessert composition is a delightful surprise presented with artistic minimalism. This is one of Berlin's most unique restaurants.
Check out seatings mid-week for a more personalized and intimate experience. Don't miss the iconic caviar popsicle and always go for the drink pairing!
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Konnopkes Imbiss
Experience the legendary flavors of Berlin at Konnopke's Imbiss, an iconic currywurst stand that has been delighting locals and visitors alike for generations. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere as the tantalizing aroma of sizzling sausages and fragrant curry sauce wafts through the air. Indulge in the perfect balance of smoky, juicy sausages and the tangy, flavorful curry topping, meticulously prepared using the original secret recipe that has made Konnopke's a beloved institution. With its rich history, bustling ambiance, and unwavering commitment to quality, Konnopke's Imbiss is a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts seeking an authentic taste of Berlin's culinary heritage.
The secret move is the boulette with pommes, shranke!
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Örnek Lahmacun Evi
Ornek Lahmacun in Kreuzberg offers authentic Turkish food that is perfect for those looking for a quick, satisfying meal. The restaurant is known for its delicious lahmacun, a traditional Turkish flatbread topped with minced meat and spices. They also serve other traditional Turkish dishes such as kebabs, pide, and meze plates. The restaurant has a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family. Prices are affordable, and the portions are generous. Don't miss out on the chance to try some of the best Turkish food in Kreuzberg at Ornek Lahmacun.
Always get one more lahmacun than you have people in your party.
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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.
