Top 10 Things to Eat in Berlin

Rather than boring you with yet another Top 10+ Best Restaurants list, we have decided to let you know the Top 10+ things you should eat while you’re in Berlin.

What started with 10 of our favorite restaurants quickly had to be expanded as the food in Berlin is just phenomenal and we do not want to keep any hidden gem from you.

You know the deal: Someone suggests their favorite restaurant in Berlin (or any other place), you show up there and end up rather disappointed by the place and/or the meal.

The next time you talk to the person who suggested the place, they’ll tell you ‘well of course, instead of getting ‘dish A’ you should have gone for ‘dish B”.

To avoid this disappointment, we will tell you exactly what to order at which place.

We will also include a price range, from budget ($) to expensive ($$$), where you can find the place, and their website for further informations.

And don’t worry, we know Berlin is big and you get easily lost.

This is why we have marked all places on a map at the bottom of the page.

Make sure to also check out their websites in order to see if you need a reservation due to Corona restrictions.

But first enjoy this Top 10+ list of the best things to eat in Berlin!

And by the way, some of our favorite restaurants also started with food delivery, which in Corona times is a good idea.

Whenever there is the possibility to order online we included that as well.

Top 10+ Things to Eat on a Map

1. Mustafas Gemüsedöner

Don’t let this name fool you (gemüse = vegetables), 90% of people order the Gemüsedöner with chicken in it.

But what sets Mustafas Gemüsedöner apart from any other Döner in the world?

What is it that makes people line up for 1 hour or more just to get a Mustafas?

Why make a 30 minute commute rather than just going to the next döner place around the corner?

Why do you happily suffer queueing up in the cold just to hold this beauty in your hands?

The answer to all these questions is the same: Because Mustafas Döner is the best döner in the whole wide world.

But how do they manage to keep quality and the buzz that high?

Well, first of all, their chicken meat is thinly sliced and spiced with a secret sauce before they stuff it in your grilled döner bread, together with a mix of deep fried potatoes, peppers and carrots.

On top of this, they add some fresh cabbage, onions, sheep’s cheese and a sprinkle of lemon that gives Mustafas that ultimate little touch.

And even if you are on a low budget, you will always have money for a Mustafas, as they have not used their fame to cash in (although they must make a fortune with this one Döner-Bude),  keeping their prices reasonably low.

Oh and have we mentioned the nice and happy staff that works their ass off day after day?

They’ve even starred in an advert, showing locally at a famous cinema in Berlin before the movies.

Oh Mustafas, what would we pay for a delivery service so that there would be no need for a 30 minute commute on the Ubahn plus over an hour lining up in the cold…

Just one extra piece of information to brag with, the original Mustafas Kebab was located 20m closer to Mehringdamm, but burned down in 2019.

Location: Mehringdamm 32, 10961 Berlin
Website: No secure website (we will update once they take care of this)
Price: $

2. Mixed BBQ platter at Chicago Williams BBQ

For this one we just assume that you are a meat lover such as we are.

Chicago Williams is serving some of the best American BBQ style meats outside of the US.

Their offer such BBQ classics from their smoker such as BBQ pork ribs, beef briskets or smokey BBQ chicken.

But let’s come back to those BBQ pork ribs that are just exceptionally soft (the meat of course falls off the bone without any problems) tender and juicy.

Let’s move on to the beef briskets that are almost unmatched anywhere in this world (dare we say? Yes we dare!)

You might ask what’s in it for me if I don’t feel like meat? Well honestly the meat is what sets Chicago William apart from most other BBQ places.

However their veggie sides (not forgetting to mention the free spicy corn soup served to shorten the waiting time) are also very tasty.

Of course they serve some classics such as mac and cheese or homemade cole slaw.

Oh and be careful, Chicago Williams BBQ recently changed their location 🙁

Instead of close to Friedrichstraße/Torstraße you will now find them close to the world famous KaDeWe shopping center.

Location: Marburger Str. 16, 10789 Berlin
Website: www.chicagowilliamsbbq.de
Price: $$
Delivery: Wolt (3x 5€ discount possible, use code GJDSZ2C when signing up in their app or website)

3. Any Burger from The Bird

Did you ever eat a burger so big, that you could not get your mouth around it?

And no matter how hard you tried – in vain, may we add – not to make a mess, half of the cheese and salad dropped on your plate?

If not, then it is time to pay a visit to The Bird in Prenzlauer Berg.

Or if you are around the Schönhauser Allee visit the first branch of The Bird BBQ they have opened in Berlin. Unfortunately, the closed their other restaurant called The Bird Express, which was close to Hackescher Markt.

The burgers at each of the Bird’s restaurants are all made with freshly ground meat of the highest quality (the kind of meat you would buy for a barbeque for a very special occasion only).

Then they are grilled to perfection, leaving the middle warm and pink (but not bloody, unless you ask for it) and crispy and hot on the outside.

Their buns are very small and also grilled, so that everything in this burger is focused on the meat and not the bread.

Burgers are accompanied by hand cut french fries (don’t forget to ask for their special homemade steak sauce) and a slice of lettuce.

For the bravest of people out there, they also offer very, very spicy chicken wings called ‘napalm wings’, but only try them if you are used to very hot food.

Otherwise, you will not be able to taste any of the burger afterwards, which would be a shame. For even more information keep reading about The Bird in Prenzlauer Berg.

Location: Am Falkplatz 5, 10437 Berlin
Website: http://www.thebirdinberlin.com/
Price: $$

4. Magic Johns Peperoni Pizza

What sounds like a bad idea at first, opening a pizza joint at the start of the corona pandemic, turned out to be one of the best ideas ever.

Magic Johns is not just another standard pizza place, but the only place in Berlin where you can find some original NY style slice pizza.

And best of all, they went to all lenghts to source some proper peperoni that tastes like what you get in New York.

Conveniently located on Oranienburger Straße Magic Johns is our new favorite place in Mitte to have a quick slice of pizza on the go.

Oh, and make sure that you try the peperoni. Choose between the classic NY style slice and a Detroit deep dish (we always thought it was invented in Chicago, but let’s not get into this discussion now).

Location: Oranienburger Str. 48, 10117 Berlin
Website + Delivery: www.magicjohns.com
Price: $

5. Currywurst mit Pommes at Curry 36 or Konnopkes Imbiss

This is probably sacrilege and we hope no Berlin natives read this, but when it comes to Currywurst mit Pommes (mit Pommes = with french fries) there are 2 great options to choose from.

And depending on whether you grew up in West Berlin or East Berlin, you will get two different answers on where you can get the best Currywurst with Pommes in Berlin.

Curry 36 West Berlin

Make sure to plan for a 20 minute wait in line to get this beauty of a Currywurst.

The meats are of superior quality and the choices are endless when it comes to how you want your Currywurst, with skin or without, and how spicy you want it.

Usually Berliners go for with skin (I am not going to mention what this “skin” is made of here) and mildly spicy.

Freshly prepared french fries round up this not really healthy but tasty dish, which is in the end covered with curry sauce (the base containing ketchup and some spices) to give it its distinct taste.

Oh, and have we mentioned the best thing already? This is right next to Mustafas, so if the line is too long at Curry 36, you can always change your plan.

Location: Mehringdamm 36, 10961 Berlin
Website: http://www.curry36.de/
Price: $

Konnopke’s Imbiss East Berlin

Located just beneath the U2 line, close to Eberswalder Strasse, Konnopke’s Imbiss is an Eastern German institution when it comes to Currywurst.

Basically, you have the same choices as you do at Curry 36.

If you have the time, make sure to pay both a visit and then decide for yourself which of them is your favourite.

And don’t be biased by which part (East or West) of Berlin you live in, that would not be fair, would it?

But no matter if you go and get a Currywurst just at Konnopkes or at Curry36, at either of them you will have a great choice and you get to know Berlin’s signature dish on a very tasty level.

Location: Schönhauser Allee 44 B, 10435 Berlin
Website: www.konnopke-imbiss.de
Price: $

6. Käsespätzle at Lebensmittel Mitte

The Swabian speciality Käsespätzle, widely loved in Germany, is a kind of pasta covered with lots and lots of smelly cheese.

And as usual, the Swabian grandmas back in the South of Germany make the best homemade Käsespätzle.

More locally, Lebensmittel Mitte will be your best choice for the best Käsespätzle experience in Berlin.

Don’t let yourself be fooled by the tiny looking portion of Spätzle, the cheese will fill you up faster than you can eat the entire dish.

Swabians usually mix the green salad with the Käsespätzle and eat it within seconds.

If you want to make Käsespätzle yourself, make sure not to go cheap on the cheese (get some Bergkäse and some Limburger) and make the dough fluffier by adding either some beer or some sparkling water.

But coming back to the Käsespätzle at Lebensmittel Mitte, they are usually sold out before the evening so try to sneak in around lunch hour.

Oh and yes we know they are not Swabians but we have to say that they offer the best Käsespätzle prepared by non-Swabians.

Please make sure to call ahead of planning to visit Lebensmittel in Mitte as we have seen the restaurant closed several times during normal opening hours.

Location: Rochstrasse 2, 10178 Berlin
Website: none
Price: $$

7. Beba Delicatessen Mezze

Ok ok, we instead of saying tapas (which anyone would understand) we are saying Mezze, which is basically the same thing.

Different little plates with fantastic food which is meant to be shared between each other – just incredibly delicious.

Even if you are not a big fan of vegetables we can only highly recommend trying the Jewish style Artischocke and the Cauliflower.

Both Mezzes are incredibly delicious and with so much flavour you would not believe it if you wouldn’t try it.

As Beba is located right next to Gropius Bau you can make a perfect afternoon out of it with a combination of great food and some art afterwards.

Location: Niederkirchnerstr. 7, 10963 Berlin
Website: www.bebarestaurant.com
Price: $$

8. Temmener Queen Filet at Grill Royal

If you want to eat the best steak in Berlin (which comes close to the steaks in Argentina), then Grill Royal is the place to go.

That being said, Grill Royal is the best choice if you love a good steak and have the hefty wallet to go with your good taste, as the Grill Royal is one of the upscale and classier restaurants in Berlin.

Chances are high that at one of the tables next to yours there will be some local or international celebrity chewing on their meat and drinking some wine.

To make sure you can get a table, it’s better to make a reservation well in advance, then you can enjoy the tastiest of all meats – all grilled to perfection, as only experienced chefs are able to do.

In the event that you are unlucky and they run out of the Temmener Queen Filet, don’t be sad, any other Filet they offer is spectacular and will melt in your mouth.

Don’t cover the steak with any sauces or Kräuterbutter, just add some salt to it and you will have the best steak experience of your life.

As for a side dish, their sweet potato fries go incredibly well with the meat masterpiece.

Location: Friedrichstraße 105b, 10117 Berlin
Website: www.grillroyal.com/
Price: $$$$$ (I know this looks off the scales, but just to warn you, this place is quite expensive by Berlin standards)

9. Quesadillas at Maria Bonita

If you are fed up with all the fake Mexican food and Tex-Mex joints, then you have to pay Maria Bonita a visit.

Incredibly tasty tacos, burritos and quesadillas are sure to fulfill all your Mexican food dreams.

But don’t be loco and greedy and order all of them in one go, as they will fill you up very quickly.

It’s better just to get the Quesadilla de Pollo (or without pollo if you don’t eat chicken) and to take two or three little cups of Maria Bonita’s spicy sauces

Don’t forget to go totally Mexican by squeezing lots of lime over your food before you enjoy some of the tastiest quesadillas outside of Mexico.

For even more information keep on reading about Maria Bonita in Berlin.

Location: Danziger Straße 33, 10435 Berlin
Website: www.mariabonita.de
Price: $
Delivery: Wolt (3x 5€ discount possible, use code GJDSZ2C when signing up in their app or website)

10. Mamida Berlin – Alpen Wind

Another one of those crazy stories you will hear with lockdown and corona.

Mamida had some really bad timing when opening up last year at the beginning of the corona pandemic.

And yet it just shows that if you deliver high quality products and some unique flavors and styles you can still make it.

And believe us, Mamida is not just your average Pizza place.

All pizzas are on a sourdough basis and have some unique combinations of ingredients.

We already discovered two favorites.

Number 1 is Alpen Wind (it is a white pizza, so make sure you like that) and Number 2 is Exotic Pork (which is also white and on top of that comes with pineapple ketchup).

This might offend some Italians, but believe us. This is something you haven’t tried before anywhere else.

Location: Dunckerstr. 80A, 10437 Berlin
Website: www.mamidaberlin.com
Price: $$
Delivery: Wolt (3x 5€ discount possible, use code GJDSZ2C when signing up in their app or website)

11. Yumcha Heroes BBQ Ribs

A lot of people that know Yumcha Heroes will probably be very confused right now.

Yes, Yumcha Heroes is famous for being the No.1 place in Berlin to eat dumplings.

And yes, their dumplings, steamed or fried, are incredibly delicious.

But have you ever tried their honey glazed spare ribs?

Well, if you haven’t then you are missing out.

These ribs are such flavorfull and the meat just falls off the bone.

Exactly how awesome ribs are supposed to be.

Location: Weinbergsweg 8, 10119 Berlin
Website: www.yumchaheroes.com
Price: $$
Delivery: Wolt (3x 5€ discount possible, use code GJDSZ2C when signing up in their app or website)

12. Mixed Meat Platter at Zweistrom

When you are missing the taste of the Orient we have the perfect solution for you.

Already a very well know institution in Prenzlauer Berg, Zweistrom offers some of the finest Middle Eastern dishes you will get in Germany.

Honestly just look at the picture, there are so many good things on one plate we don’t even know where to start.

The Falafel is still so juicy and soft, not the least dry and hard as you often get them here in Berlin.

The chicken meat is also juicy and perfectly seasoned while the Couscous tops this tasty dish off.

Make sure to be there early around lunch time as all the office worker from around there are heading out at the same time and seats, especially in winter, are very limited.

Location: Kollwitzstrasse 104, 10435 Berlin
Website: no website yet (the one you find online is run by Lieferando only)
Price: $
Delivery: Lieferando

13. Taqueria El Oso – Beef Tacos

One of the newer places in Berlin to enjoy some tacos – and instantly one of our favorites.

Where Maria Bonita (see above) is more of a Tex Mex restaurant here you get served the original stuff.

Mexican tacos where the tortillas are made of corn instead of wheat.

The meat, especially the beef taco, is incredibly juicy – you will be licking your fingers with all the juices flowing out.

And as another sign of authenticity you will be sourrounded by many many expats whose faces lit up when biting into their tacos.

Always a sign of quality.

Location: Schönhauser Allee 176C, 10119 Berlin
Website: www.taqqueria-el-oso.com
Price: $$

14. Rodizio at Villa Rodizio

A rodizio is the perfect way to sample the Brazilian art of barbecuing.

While you are comfortably sat at your table, waiters show up with lots and lots of meats on sticks that come freshly from the grill and are sliced onto your plate.

Meats usually include goodies like Picanha (best piece of meat, together with filet of course), honey dipped chicken, bacon wrapped chicken, chicken hearts (at least sometimes), spicy chorizo, lamb, pork, pork ribs, and usually one or two surprise meat selections.

And if that wasn’t enough, you can get as many side dishes as you want at the buffet, which is included in the price.

So luckily you need to get up sometimes to get some sides, otherwise you would not be able to rise from your chair after a 2 hour long meat eating experience.

A special tip is to get to the Villa Rodizio early as they offer cocktail happy hours before 8pm, so you can save some money on the first (of many) Caipirinhas.

Location: Milastraße 2, 10437 Berlin
Website: www.villa-rodizio.de/
Price: $$

15. DaDa-Teller at DaDa Falafel

One thing we have learned about eating out is that if the signature dish has the same name as the restaurant, you should probably go for it.

Same goes for the DaDa-Teller at DaDa Falafel. What’s so special about it?

Well you will have a hard time finding other falafel places where they use beef for their Schawarma, mixed with Lamb bacon.

Also, their falafel is just perfectly prepared and incredibly tasty, their sauces range from mild yoghurt to spicy chili, and the bread is just the right taste and texture.

As you might have guessed already, the DaDa-Teller combines all of DaDa’s best dishes on just one plate. Fast, tasty and an incredibly good bargain – this is DaDa Falafel.

Location: Linienstraße 132, 10115 Berlin
Website: www.dada-falafel.de
Price: $

16. Germknödel Bärbel at Haeppies – Temporarily (?) closed

How do you describe to someone, who has never been skiing in Austria what a Germknödel is?

—Temporarily closed, looking for new location in Berlin—

The literal translation, yeast dumpling, does a real Germknödel no justice.

Germ is the Austrian word for the German word Hefe, which is yeast in English.

Typically, you would ski the whole day and in the evening, after a hearty dinner, you would order a Germknödel as a dessert.

Germknödel usually come with melted butter mixed with poppy seeds.

But this is where Haeppies did something genious!

Instead of offering only a sweet option at Haeppies you can choose from several savoury options (all of which are vegetarian by the way).

Our absolute favorite is called “Bärbel” and comes filled with goat cheese and walnuts and with a nice salad on the side.

Also, the staff at Haeppies are just a delight, always in a happy mood I guess.

Location: Looking for new location – temporarily closed
Website: —
Price: $$

Berlin is All about Food

Have we already mentioned that going out for dinner in Berlin is almost as cheap as buying all the stuff yourself?

So why bother going shopping, wasting time cooking and being disappointed in the end, that your Schnitzel is not as good as the one you had at that other place last week.

Best Schnitzel in Berlin

If you now fancy some really good Schnitzel we strongly advise you to keep reading about where to get the best Schnitzel in Berlin.

Best Burger in Berlin

Maybe reading about all this fantastic food made you crave a big, fat, juicy burger? Also no problemo, keep reading about where to find the best burgers in Berlin.