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.
“ When you order well [at Adana Grillhaus], it's really good. - Dalad Kambhu
Below are Dalad Kambhu's (Owner and Head Chef of Kin Dee) top recommendations for their favorite restaurants, coffee shops, and eateries in Berlin.
Kin Dee
Discover a culinary gem in the heart of Berlin at Kin Dee, a captivating and elevated Thai restaurant that takes your taste buds on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant flavors of Thailand. Immerse yourself in an inviting ambiance where the aromatic spices and vibrant colors of each dish transport you to faraway places. From the expertly crafted traditional recipes to the innovative fusion creations, Kin Dee offers a dining experience that effortlessly blends authenticity and creativity, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts seeking an exceptional taste of Thailand in the vibrant city of Berlin.
Make sure to always ask after the specials as they showcase beautiful local, seasonal produce using Thai preparations. Exceptional wine list!
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Grill Royal
If you're looking to be seen, or go see those who want to be seen, or simply want to splash your cash around on a Tuesday night, Grill Royal is the right spot for you. From the moment you slide into the sultry banquette, you'll forget that your suit is a bit uncomfortable or your strappy shoes are cutting into your feet - you're here for one thing; to be spoiled rotten. Steak, seafood, and fancy bottles are the name of the game at Grill Royal, and they're not making any excuses about it - Make sure you come ready to enjoy yourself.
There's no halfway here - prepare yourself... and your wallet.
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Adana Grillhaus
If you're a meat lover looking for a lively dining experience in Kreuzberg, you won't want to miss Adana Grillhaus. This popular Turkish Ocakbasi (Grill House) offers a mouthwatering selection of meat skewers grilled over charcoal, along with classic meze dishes. Whether you're dining with friends or family, Adana Grillhaus is a great spot for larger groups who want good fun and to have fun. If you're looking to drink alcohol with your meal, Adana is also a top choice among the Turkish grills. The one on Manteuffelstrasse is the older one and is open late, the one on Skalitzer Strasse around the corner the newer one. Both are equals in terms of food. In 2020, the owners also opened a location in Charlottenburg.
Order the Acil Ezme and some other Mezze to start and then aim for the Adana and Beyti Kebaps as well as the Kuzu Kaburga lamb ribs. Order Raki to drink during the meal and end with an order of Künefe.
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Barra
Barra, located in the trendy Neukölln district, offers an urban and minimalist dining experience with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. This cozy and welcoming restaurant, run by Head Chef Daniel Remers and his partner Kerry Westhead, specializes in modernm produce focused cuisine served in the form of small sharing plates, highlighting high-quality ingredients sourced from the region. Their lovely wine list, focused on natural wines with a lot of choices from Easten Europe, perfectly complements the dishes, and the portion sizes and value for money are best of its calss. Whether you're looking for a casual evening with friends or a romantic date night, Barra is a great choice for those seeking a trendy dining experience in Berlin. Reservations are a must!
Make sure to get a plate of the daily pasta and don't miss the cardamon dessert
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Gazzo Pizza
Gazzo Pizza in Neukölln is a great addition to Berlin's pizza scene and it's been packed since day one. Its organic sourdough pizza base is fired at a lower temperature than the Neapolitan style, resulting in a perfectly crispy crust. But the real star of the show is not the dough, but the buffalo milk offerings, from the chubby and silky mozzarella di buffala starter to the buffalo milk soft serve ice cream. Try a classic pie or the seasonal specials, they're both good. Prosecco on tap, Italian spritzes, and the fun interior of Gazzo Pizza will assure that you leave in a good mood!
Make sure to try their buffalo milk soft serve for dessert.
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Thai Art
Located in the heart of Kantstraße, Thai Art is a modern Thai restaurant that will transport you to the bustling streets of Bangkok. With authentic flavors and creative twists on classic dishes, this restaurant offers a culinary experience that is not to be missed. From spicy curries to fresh salads, the menu has something for everyone, including vegetarian and vegan options. The cozy and inviting atmosphere, paired with friendly service, makes Thai Art a must-visit destination for any foodie looking to explore the vibrant and diverse food scene in Berlin.
Ask after their smallgoods products to take home - especially their dry phat phrik.
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Ming Dynastie
Ming Dynastie is a popular Chinese restaurant in Berlin, with two convenient locations at Jannowitzbrücke and Zoo. The restaurant is known for serving authentic Chinese cuisine, with a focus on Szechuan-style dishes. Ming Dynastie's menu offers a wide variety of options, including dumplings, soups, stir-fried dishes, and hotpot. The restaurant also offers a great selection of vegetarian and vegan options, making it a great choice for all diners. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with friendly staff and a beautiful interior. Whether you're in the mood for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, Ming Dynastie is definitely worth a visit.
Order the Szechuan style food and ask for off menu specials!
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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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Jolesch
Experience the soulful flavors of Austria at Jolesch, a culinary gem nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Kreuzberg, Berlin. Step into a warm and inviting ambiance where traditional Austrian hospitality awaits. Indulge in a delightful array of hearty and comforting dishes, from tender schnitzels and flavorful goulash to irresistible dumplings and decadent strudels, meticulously prepared with authentic recipes and the finest ingredients. With its cozy atmosphere, attentive service, and a menu that captures the essence of Austrian cuisine, Jolesch offers a memorable dining experience that will transport you to the charming taverns of Vienna and Salzburg, right in the heart of Kreuzberg.
Leftover Schnitzel can always become a cold Schnitzel sandwich the next day. Just sayin'.
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Chungking Noodles
The vibrant streets of Sichuan are on display at the hippest of hip Chungking Noodles, an eatery and vertiable design-icon situated off the cobbles of Reichenbergerstraße in Kreuzberg. Indulge in the authentic flavors of traditional Chinese noodles, meticulously crafted with a perfect blend of seasonings and fresh, high-quality ingredients (the staff is happy to talk about all their suppliers!). Immerse yourself in a gastronomic experience that will transport you to the heart of Sichuan, where each bite at Chungking Noodles offers a tantalizing taste of China's rich culinary heritage interpreted through a Berlin lens.
An ice cold kombucha or beer from Chungking is the perfect compliment for a fiery bowl of noodles.
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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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