German cuisine is a world of hearty flavours and time-honoured traditions. Reflecting the shared food culture of Germany,
Austria and Switzerland, Berlin is a perfect place to taste enduring classics alongside modern twists.
Think rich pork dishes, clever sweet-savory contrasts and a proud commitment to seasonal vegetables, from spring asparagus to autumn mushrooms.
Recommended German Restaurants in Berlin
Zur Haxe
Vibe: Traditional • Price: €€
Address: Erich-Weinert-Str. 128, 10409
What to order: Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle), potato dumplings, sauerkraut
Notes: Cozy, meat-forward classic—reserve for evenings.Tiergarten Quelle
Vibe: Beer hall (railway arches) • Price: €–€€
Address: Bachstr. 6, 10555 (S-Bahnbogen 482)
What to order: Bratwurst with mustard, pork roast, potato salad
Notes: Lively arches setting; big beers, big plates.Hackethals
Vibe: Modern-classic • Price: €€
Address: Pflugstr. 11, 10115
What to order: Daily seasonal mains, schnitzel, spätzle
Notes: Small, welcoming; book ahead for dinner.Augustiner am Gendarmenmarkt
Vibe: Bavarian beer hall • Price: €€
Address: Charlottenstr. 55, 10117
What to order: Schweinebraten, Obatzda, giant pretzel, Helles
Notes: Central and bustling; great for groups.Curry 61 (Oranienburger Str.)
Vibe: Street-food stand • Price: €
Address: Oranienburger Str. 6, 10178
What to order: Currywurst mit/ohne Darm + fries
Notes: Iconic quick bite near the Hackesche Höfe area (not a sit-down restaurant).
(If you prefer to feature Curry 36 for historical fame, we can switch this to: Curry 36, Mehringdamm 36, 10961.)Gaststätte Sophieneck
Vibe: Traditional pub • Price: €–€€
Address: Große Hamburger Str. 37, 10115
What to order: Pork or veal schnitzel, daily stew, local beers
Notes: Unpretentious, very “Berlin”.acht&dreissig
Vibe: Modern German • Price: €€
Address: Oranienburger Str. 38, 10117
What to order: Seasonal modern takes on classics; ask for specials
Notes: Lighter, contemporary spin near Hackescher Markt.Hofbräu Berlin
Vibe: Munich-style beer hall • Price: €€
Address: Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 30, 10178
What to order: Haxe, Weißwurst (mornings), pretzel, Weißbier
Notes: Loud, festive, kid-friendly.Zollpackhof
Vibe: Beer garden & traditional • Price: €€
Address: Elisabeth-Abegg-Str. 1, 10557 (by the Spree)
What to order: Roast pork, flammkuchen, seasonal salads
Notes: Lovely outdoors in warm months; near the government quarter.Maximilians
Vibe: Bavarian classic • Price: €€
Address: Friedrichstr. 185–190, 10117
What to order: Schnitzel, sausages, potato dumplings; Dunkel beer
Notes: Rustic vibe in a central location.Dicke Wirtin
Vibe: Old-Berlin tavern • Price: €–€€
Address: Carmerstr. 9, 10623 (Savignyplatz)
What to order: Goulash, schnitzel, Berliner Pils
Notes: Institution since 1886; hearty and authentic.Restaurant Keyser Soze
Vibe: Casual European with German picks • Price: €–€€
Address: Tucholskystraße 33, 10117
What to order: Daily seasonal mains (check the board)
Notes: Relaxed, central; good for mixed tastes.Restaurant Hackescher Hof
Vibe: Elegant classic • Price: €€–€€€
Address: Rosenthaler Str. 40–41, 10178
What to order: Rinderroulade, fish of the day, apple strudel
Notes: Historic courtyards; refined yet relaxed.
What Defines German Cuisine
• Generous, satisfying portions
• Pork plays a starring role
• Sweet-savory contrasts (red cabbage, apple, mustard, gravy)
• Strong regional identities (Bavarian, Prussian/Berlin, Swabian, Franconian)
• Seasonality: asparagus, chanterelles, game, winter roasts
• A vast sausage culture—Bratwurst, Currywurst, Bockwurst
• Beer is the classic pairing
Starters & Sides (great to share)
• Asparagus (Spargel): Spring’s star, often with hollandaise (Spargelzeit).
• Sauerkraut: Naturally fermented, served hot or cold.
• Beetroot (Rote Bete) salad: Often with apple and vinegar for a fresh counterpoint.
• Kartoffelsalat (potato salad): Berlin style often with mayo and scallions.
• Kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes): Crisp outside, soft inside; with applesauce or sour cream.
• Brezel (pretzel): Salty, knotted, perfect with beer.
Main Dishes You’ll See Everywhere
• Sausages: Bratwurst (grilled), Currywurst (with curried ketchup), Bockwurst (mild).
• Schnitzel: Schweineschnitzel (pork) or Wiener Schnitzel (veal).
• Königsberger Klopse: Silky white caper sauce over tender meatballs (Prussian classic).
• Schweinshaxe vs. Eisbein: Haxe is roasted (crackling skin), Eisbein is boiled (Berlin style).
• Rinderroulade: Braised beef rolls with bacon, onion and pickle.
• Spätzle: Rustic egg noodles, sometimes pan-tossed with butter and cheese.
• Flammkuchen: Paper-thin Alsatian flatbread topped with crème fraîche, onions and bacon.
Desserts
Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Cake) • Apfelstrudel • Berliner (jam doughnut) • Marzipan • Kaiserschmarrn (fluffy shredded pancake with compote)
Seasonality Cheat-Sheet
• Mar–Jun: White asparagus (Spargelzeit)
• Sep–Oct: Chanterelles (Pfifferlinge)
• Sep–Nov: Game dishes (Wild)
• Dec: Roast goose (Gans) & Christmas-market treats
Beer Pairing Mini-Guide
• Pils / Helles: Lighter dishes like schnitzel, Bratwurst
• Weißbier: Weißwurst, salads, Käsespätzle
• Dunkel / Bock: Eisbein, Schweinshaxe
• Alkoholfrei (alcohol-free): Widely available and good quality
Practical Tips
• Reserve Thu–Sun evenings.
• Tipping: Round up ~510%.
• Tap water: Ask for Leitungswasser.
• Portions are generous—share sides.
• Vegetarian-friendly: Käsespätzle, Flammkuchen ohne Speck, Kartoffelpuffer, seasonal salads.
• Pork-free options: Veal schnitzel, chicken, fish—common on most menus.
• Family-friendly: Hofbräu Berlin; Zollpackhof beer garden in warm months.
FAQ
Q: Eisbein or Schweinshaxe—what’s the difference?
A: Eisbein is boiled (classic Berlin); Schweinshaxe is roasted (Bavarian) with crisp crackling.
Q: Wiener vs. Schweine-schnitzel?
A: Wiener is veal (Austrian original); Schweine is pork (German staple).
Q: Best way to try Currywurst?
A: Order mit or ohne Darm (with/without casing) try both at a stand like Curry 61.
