Berlin Food Guide: From Street Food to Fine Dining
Discover Berlin's incredible culinary diversity, from iconic street food to Michelin-starred restaurants.
17
Michelin Stars1,600+
Döner Shops200+
Vegan Restaurants€8-12
Average LunchBerlin's Culinary Scene
Berlin's food scene perfectly reflects the city's diverse, creative, and unconventional spirit. From humble street food stands serving the city's famous currywurst to innovative Michelin-starred restaurants, Berlin offers culinary experiences for every taste and budget.
The city's history as a melting pot of cultures has created a unique food landscape where traditional German cuisine exists alongside vibrant international flavors, particularly Turkish, Vietnamese, and Middle Eastern influences.
Must-Try Berlin Dishes
Currywurst
Berlin's iconic street food: sliced sausage with curry ketchup
Döner Kebab
Turkish-German fusion that Berlin perfected
Berliner Pfannkuchen
Jam-filled doughnuts, especially popular at New Year
Eisbein
Traditional pork knuckle with sauerkraut
Restaurant Guide by Category
Traditional German
Zur letzten Instanz
Max und Moritz
Hofbräu Berlin
Street Food & Markets
Markthalle Neun
Thai Park
Bite Club
International Cuisine
Cocolo Ramen
W Der Imbiss
Katz Orange
Vegetarian & Vegan
Cookies Cream
Kopps
Vöner
Food Districts: Where to Eat
Kreuzberg
Specialties: Turkish food, trendy cafes, street food
Must visit: Oranienstraße, BergmannstraßePrenzlauer Berg
Specialties: Brunch spots, organic cafes, wine bars
Must visit: Kollwitzplatz, KastanienalleeNeukölln
Specialties: Middle Eastern, craft beer, hipster cafes
Must visit: Weserstraße, RichardplatzMitte
Specialties: Fine dining, traditional German, international chains
Must visit: Hackescher Markt, GendarmenmarktFood Markets & Halls
Top Food Markets
- Markthalle Neun (Kreuzberg): Historic market hall with Street Food Thursday
- Arminius Markthalle (Moabit): Traditional market with local vendors
- Turkish Market (Maybachufer): Tuesdays & Fridays, fresh produce and Turkish specialties
- Winterfeldt Market (Schöneberg): Wednesdays & Saturdays, organic and artisanal foods
- Boxhagener Platz (Friedrichshain): Sundays, food market with street food
Budget Eating Guide
Budget (Under €10)
- • Street food & Imbiss
- • Döner & Currywurst
- • Asian takeaways
- • Supermarket meals
- • Student cafeterias
Mid-Range (€10-25)
- • Casual restaurants
- • Gastropubs
- • Ethnic restaurants
- • Lunch specials
- • Brunch spots
Splurge (€25+)
- • Fine dining
- • Michelin restaurants
- • Tasting menus
- • Hotel restaurants
- • Wine bars
Dietary Restrictions
Vegetarian & Vegan
Berlin is extremely vegan-friendly with over 200 fully vegan restaurants. Look for "vegan" or "pflanzlich" labels. Most restaurants offer vegetarian options.
Gluten-Free
Many cafes offer gluten-free options (glutenfrei). Dedicated gluten-free bakeries include Jute Bäckerei and Backshop.
Halal & Kosher
Extensive halal options in Kreuzberg and Neukölln. For kosher food, try Bleibergs (Mitte) or Beth Cafe (Charlottenburg).
Berlin Food Etiquette
Dining Tips & Etiquette
- Tipping: 5-10% is standard, round up the bill
- Table service: Wait to be seated at restaurants
- Payment: Many places are cash-only, especially smaller establishments
- Water: Tap water (Leitungswasser) is safe but rarely served free
- Timing: Lunch 12-2pm, Dinner 7-10pm, many kitchens close by 10pm
- Reservations: Recommended for popular restaurants, especially weekends
Food Tours & Experiences
Consider joining a food tour to discover hidden gems and learn about Berlin's culinary history:
Original Berlin Food Tour
3-hour walking tour covering 5-6 food stopsKreuzberg Food Tour
Focus on multicultural cuisine and street foodCraft Beer & Bites
Combination of Berlin craft beer and local snacksVegan Food Tour
Explore Berlin's thriving vegan sceneExplore More
Sources & References
- Visit Berlin - Official Tourism WebsiteLast accessed: 2025-01-11
- Michelin Guide BerlinLast accessed: 2025-01-11
- Berlin Food StoriesLast accessed: 2025-01-11