These are the best in Berlin. Numerous trips to all these places have proven their consistency and quality.
Restaurant Florian. Undecorated white walls and tablecloths in a house. Superb food, very friendly staff. Think of a cross between Rozenhof and Savoy cabbage of Cape Town. Their asparagus is exceptional when in season. 52 Grolmanstrasse.
Cafe Einstein in Kurfurstenstrasse 58. A fantastic old villa, restored, high ceilings, wood panels, great character.
Manzini Cafe in the morning. Ludwigkirchstrase 11. Have the farmer’s breakfast!
Restaurant Boulevard corner Friederichstrasse and Ziegel. This is full of atmosphere and character, with long wooden tables, a fun place for lunch.
Standige Vertretung Rheinland Berlin on Schiffbauerdamm 8, is an institution. Fantastic local fare. Decorated with photographs of politicians and events in Berlin. Next door is the Berliner Republik also worth a visit for traditional Berlin specialities.
Cafe Oberwasser on Zionskirchestrasse 6. Quaint, quirky. You might be in Moscow.
Pasta e Basta. Think Panini’s with style. Charming, little Italian place with very friendly staff. Knebeckstrasse 94.
Lutter and Wegner, Postdamerplatz Bellevuestrasse 1. If you’re on the platz and looking for a place downtown, this is a smart but reasonably priced restaurant / wine bar.
Sale e Tabacchi. Rudi-Dutschkestrasse 23. Pleasant Italian, with the friendliest staff in town. Authentic, quality cuisine.
Tomasa is another favourite breakfast franchise. www.tomasa.de The Kreutzbergstrasse 62 branch in an old villa is the one you want.
Restaurant Freischwimmer is one of a loine of great places right on the river for a gorgeous summer evening dinner. You have to book though to get a table. Vor dem Schlesischen Tor 2. Tel: 030 610 74 309.
Cafe im Literaturhaus Wintergarten on Fasanenstrasse 23 right next to the Kolwitz museum serves excellent breakfasts and winderful lunches.