First Timer’s Guide to the Best Restaurants in Berlin

Offering SO much more than the stereotypical German fare, Berlin’s restaurant scene is as diverse and multicultural as the city itself. As a melting pot of cultures, Berlin boasts an impressive array of international cuisines, alongside a growing number of innovative restaurants that push culinary boundaries. Berlin is the beating heart of so many food movements happening in Germany right now–slow food, farm-to-table, veganism, fusion & experimentation–so it is no surprise that I, a self-avowed foodie traveler, am always eating interesting food in Berlin. 

Berlin delivers an exciting and ever-evolving dining experience for every kind of foodie. Restaurant options range from Michelin-starred fine dining to hidden neighborhood gems. With so many incredible restaurant options in Berlin, knowing where to start can be overwhelming. 

That’s why I’ve curated a list of the best restaurants in Berlin for first-time visitors. I’ve organized this Berlin restaurant guide by category or meal, including street food, burgers, dinner and dessert. Berlin is a pretty large city and it has a culture of reservations, so if you are traveling on the weekend, I would recommend booking ahead for most of your dinners. So, whether you’re a longtime local or just visiting, get ready to discover some of Berlin’s most delicious dining destinations.

Lunch & Food Halls

60 Seconds to Napoli

Renowned for its authentic Neapolitan pizzas, the pizzas are baked to perfection in just 60 seconds in a traditional wood-fired oven. Each pie achieves the characteristic thin crust with a slight char, topped with fresh ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella. Located in the lively Friedrichshain district, this restaurant combines a cozy atmosphere with exceptional service, offering a true taste of Naples.

Manifesto Food Hall

Spreading across two floors in the heart of Potsdamer Platz Mall, Manifesto Food Hall is the largest food hall in Europe. And perhaps the nicest too! 22 restaurants and 4 bars can be found around the 47,000 square foot (4,400 sq m) space. You can go behind-the-scenes of Manifesto with my TikTok video about it. I love the way they divided up the food hall into regions, such as African or Asian. From Syrian and Venezuelan to Indian and oysters, there is an exciting variety of stalls. This is SO much more than your average mall food court. The modern aesthetic and functional design make it feel warm and inviting. Plus, there are weekly events to encourage folks to linger and hang out.

Apló Greek Kitchen

Spreading across two floors in the heart of Potsdamer Platz Mall, Manifesto Food Hall is the largest food hall in Europe. And perhaps the nicest too! 22 restaurants and 4 bars can be found around the 47,000 square foot (4,400 sq m) space. You can go behind-the-scenes of Manifesto with my TikTok video about it. I love the way they divided up the food hall into regions, such as African or Asian. From Syrian and Venezuelan to Indian and oysters, there is an exciting variety of stalls. This is SO much more than your average mall food court. The modern aesthetic and functional design make it feel warm and inviting. Plus, there are weekly events to encourage folks to linger and hang out.

• Address: Alte Potsdamer Str. 7, 10785 Berlin
• Website: https://www.manifestomarket.com/

Apló Greek Kitchen

I love the light airy vibes of Apló Greek Kitchen. It feels like you left gray and gloomy Berlin for Greece – and the food tastes like it too! Presenting a menu filled with classic dishes such as souvlaki, moussaka, and fresh seafood, all of the food is prepared with a modern twist. Paired with a selection of Greek wines and warm hospitality, Apló provides an inviting escape to the flavors of the Aegean in the heart of Berlin.

• Address: Torstraße 118, 10119 Berlin
• Website: http://www.aplofoods.com/