The Explored Club

Known for its deep history, iconic landmarks and club culture, it’s easy to see why Berlin is Germany’s top tourist destination. But with more vegan restaurants than Los Angeles, don’t sleep on the food scene in this diverse, capital city.

Berlin has a lot to offer foodies with everything from street food to Michelin star dining. After living here for 3.5 years, here are some of my stand out favourites:

November Brasserie

The first time I ate here I knew I’d be coming back again and again. November brasserie is located in Prenzlauer Berg and entices diners with an interesting range of Japanese specialities, including sushi and sashimi. Diners have the option to sit at the small sushi counter where you can watch the chefs at work, or in the summer, enjoy the outdoor tables shaded by trees. The team are extremely friendly and down-to-earth and the food is truly incredible. The scallop carpaccio with caviar is a must-try if you’re visiting soon!

Jolie Bistro

The same amazing team behind November, The Catch family, have very recently welcomed Jolie to Berlin. This stylish bistro is located only around the corner from November and certainly lives up to the same high standards. They offer a seasonal menu, creative small plates and focus on fine wines. With friendly, welcoming staff, diners at Jolie have the option of outside seating along Kollwitzplatz, or enjoy the moody and cozy red interior.

Bertie

Bertie has been a regular go-to in Berlin for me and my friends. Located in Prenzlauer Berg, this New York style bistro serves delicious food that’s not pretentious, perfectly executed and offers diners a warm welcome every time. Order your own dishes or take the opportunity to share small plates with your group and explore everything on the menu. The deviled eggs, buffalo wings and chicken schnitzel are a must!

Night Kitchen

With friendly, welcoming staff and delicious food that is consistently great, Night Kitchen is a fantastic restaurant to visit either for date night or with a large group of friends. Their “dinner with friends” menu gives your table the opportunity to share and try all the dishes on the menu (until you can’t eat anymore). Add on the bottomless drink package and you’ve got a great evening!

Crackers

Barely noticeable amongst the hustle and bustle of Friedrichstraße and hidden behind large black gates, just entering Crackers feels like a real Berlin experience. As you enter past the kitchen and under a sign that reads, “you’re fucking free!!!”, Crackers is a trendy and lively restaurant with a high ceiling and dim lights. The menu offers a variety of meat, fish and vegetarian dishes, locally and sustainably sourced.

Cookies Cream

I can’t mention Crackers without also introducing their Michelin star, vegetarian, sister restaurant: Cookies Cream. In similar Berlin fashion, you find the entrance to Cookies Cream around the back of The Westin Grand Berlin Hotel, where the deliveries are made, and follow small stickers of pink lips to an unassuming door. After being welcomed at the bar, climb the stairs up to the first floor and you’ll enter the industrial-chic restaurant, which was once a fashionable nightclub. This place knows how to elevate vegetarian dining with their set menu dubbed “The Magnificent Seven” – perfect for a romantic dinner date, special occasion, or if you’re a vegetarian in search of a fine dining experience.

Sathutu

Sathutu opened in Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin in 2021 and introduces diners to the iconic flavours of Sri Lanka. The service is exceptionally friendly, welcoming and their minimalist decor allows the food to do all the talking. The fried boneless chicken pieces has become the restaurants flagship dish, but don’t sleep on the vegetarian dishes to experience the authentic Sri Lankan flavours.

If you’re planning a visit, also look out for some of Sathutu’s chef collaborations. Earlier this year they joined forces with London’s Kricket Restaurant owners for a two-night dining experience which was incredibly delicious!

NENI

Located on the top floor of the 25 Hour Hotel, NENI offers dinners fantastic, panoramic views across Berlin. The restaurant is extremely light and bright with floor to ceiling windows all the way around. During the summertime, you can dine outside on their terrace, soaking in the views as you sit above the busy streets of Charlottenburg.

Their menu is a fusion of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines with influences from Arabian, Israeli, Turkish, and Spanish traditions, to name a few. NENI is known for its Mezze, Falafel, and offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options making it really group friendly. If visiting, you have to try their iconic hummus trio.

Once you have eaten at NENI, you can also easily access Monkey Bar without queueing- a cocktail bar that (as hinted in the name) overlooks the monkey enclosure of the Berlin Zoo. With live DJs and a variety of cocktails to choose from (including one inspired by one of the zoo residents) it’s a great place to start your evening. Even the toilets give you an incredible view of the city.

Taqueria El Oso

If you’re looking for authentic Mexican tacos while in Berlin, this is the place to go. Located inside Markthalle Pfefferberg (a popular food market) they offer a quality menu sticking to what they do best: beef, pork or vegetarian tacos. With an exciting and lively atmosphere inside the market hall, Taqueria El Oso is a great spot for a casual bite to eat with friends.

Note: due to water damage the food hall is temporarily closed but the team have expanded operations and have opened Tacos El Rey in Kruezberg.

Grill Royal

Voted no.64 in the top 101 Best Steak Restaurants in the DACH region 2025, Grill Royal is tucked away along right the River Spree with floor-to-ceiling views. Like any great steak restaurant, the meat programme is at the heart of the restaurant. From German Simmental and Irish Hereford to Japanese Wagyu and U.S. Prime, each steak is meticulously sourced, dry-aged where appropriate and grilled over high heat to perfection. Aside from the incredible food, the atmosphere is buzzing and the service is incredibly professional, marking Grill Royal a great place for a special occasion.