What to Eat in Berlin: A Food Guide

What to eat in Berlin

• Currywurst

  Berlin's iconic street snack — Konnopke's Imbiss (Prenzlauer Berg) and Curry 36 (Kreuzberg) are legendary.

• Döner kebab

  Berlin arguably invented the modern döner — Mustafa's Gemüse Kebap and Rüyam are Kreuzberg institutions.

• Schnitzel & Königsberger Klopse

  Traditional German fare best at old-school Kneipen like Zur Letzten Instanz (1621).

• Modern-German fine dining

  Rutz, Nobelhart & Schmutzig and CODA lead a Michelin-starred wave in Mitte and Neukölln.

What to drink

Tap water is excellent and safe. Berlin has a serious craft-beer scene (BRLO, Vagabund, Schneeeule) alongside the traditional Pilsener and Weissbier culture. Späti (late-night kiosks) sell cold beers to drink in parks — legal citywide.

Dining etiquette and practicalities

• Cash is still widely used — many mid-range restaurants only take cash or Girocard.

• Tipping 10% at restaurants is standard; round up in taxis and cafés.

• Direct communication is normal — Germans will correct you plainly and it's not rude.

Where to eat in Berlin

• Mitte

  Museum Island, Brandenburg Gate, boutique hotels — the postcard historic core.

• Prenzlauer Berg

  Café-lined Altbau streets, family-friendly, brunch and boutique shopping.

• Kreuzberg

  Turkish-German food scene, Görlitzer Park, street art and nightlife along the canal.

• Neukölln

  Multi-cultural, third-wave coffee, natural wine and the trendiest independent restaurants.