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BB Berlin City Guide #1
- Jun 24
- 8 min read
After several trips to Berlin, we've built up a list of places we genuinely love and think are worth sharing. As it's not a city we visit frequently, this guide is very much a work in progress, and we'll keep updating it whenever we stumble upon new hidden gems during future visits.
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LUNCH @ Le Coronarie (Auguststraße 53, 10119): Berlin is certainly not short of Italian restaurants, but if you're looking for a genuinely authentic experience, both in the food and the people behind it, this would be my top recommendation. After a bit of research, I discovered that the restaurant also has locations in Italy, which only reinforced its authenticity. The menu is relatively small, and for me that's usually a good sign. Rather than trying to do everything, the focus is on doing a few dishes exceptionally well and that's exactly the case here. I highly recommend the Nonna pasta, which was comforting, flavourful and perfectly executed. They're also particularly known for their carbonara, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. And if you spot supplì on the menu, order it. It's one of Rome's greatest street-food creations and surprisingly difficult to find done well in London.
Simple, authentic Italian cooking without unnecessary frill, just excellent food that speaks for itself.
Another great lunch option, especially if you're short on time, is The Klub Kitchen (Almstadtstraße 9-11). They specialise in healthy salads that are genuinely satisfying and full of flavour. As someone who is usually sceptical of salad-focused restaurants, I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious everything was. These aren't the kind of salads that leave you hungry an hour later—they're fresh, generous and thoughtfully put together. It's the perfect spot for a quick, healthy lunch without compromising on taste. Depending on where you're staying in the city, you'll also find several branches across Berlin, making it an easy option to fit into your day. If you're looking for something fast, fresh and reliable, you really can't go wrong here.
BEST BURGER @ Goldies (Tauentzienstraße 21-24/6 Etage, 10789): As you may already know from our BB Loves series, we're serious burger enthusiasts. You can even read our guide to the best burgers in London. Because we've tried so many, it's become increasingly rare for a burger to genuinely surprise us but in Berlin, it happened.
We visited the Goldies outpost inside KaDeWe, where the small diner-inspired counter immediately set the tone. We ordered the classic smash cheeseburger and, on paper, it looked almost too simple. No extravagant toppings, no trendy sauces, no unnecessary gimmicks. Then we took the first bite. The quality of the beef is what makes this burger exceptional. Rich, juicy and perfectly seasoned, it delivers so much flavour that you suddenly understand why they don't feel the need to hide it behind endless extras. Here, the meat is unapologetically the star of the show.
The fries deserve a mention too, generous in portion, wonderfully crisp on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside.
I was genuinely ready to go back the very next day for another Goldies burger, which is probably the highest compliment I can give. In fact, I can't wait for my next trip to Berlin just to eat this burger again.
DINNER @ Borchardt (Französische Str. 47, 10117): There are certainly places in Berlin where you might find a more traditional or “authentic” schnitzel experience, but Borchardt is very much an institution and it would be a shame not to experience it at least once. If you’ve ever been to Costes in Paris on the terrace, it has a very similar energy: a mix of suited business crowds alongside the city’s cool and fashion set. It’s the kind of place where, from the moment you arrive, you know you’re somewhere that matters socially as much as it does culinarily. The interiors also carry a sense of history and grandeur that immediately sets the tone. It feels established, iconic, and very much part of Berlin’s dining identity.
As for the food, we found it genuinely delicious. While some say the experience can be overshadowed by the service, we personally didn’t encounter that. Most importantly, dining there feels like stepping into a slice of Berlin culture. It’s not just about the meal, but the atmosphere, the people, and the sense of occasion. And even after leaving, I still find myself thinking about that schnitzel.
Another excellent dinner option is Torbar (Torstraße 183), a stylish brasserie that combines great food with a warm, inviting atmosphere. One of its biggest charms is the outdoor terrace, which has a distinctly French feel and is perfect for long lunches or dinners on warmer days. It captures the relaxed elegance of a Parisian brasserie while remaining firmly rooted in Berlin's dining scene. The food is simply delicious, and their take on the classic entrecôte with sauce is particularly worth ordering. It's a comforting yet refined dish that perfectly reflects the restaurant's approach to cooking.
Inside, the space is equally impressive. The interiors are beautifully designed, with a stunning central bar that gives the restaurant plenty of character and creates a lively atmosphere throughout the evening.
Whether you're catching up with friends over dinner or planning a romantic date night, Torbar is one of those versatile spots that feels right for almost any occasion.
CURRY WURST @ Curry Wolf (Rankestraße 36, 10789): One of Berlin’s most iconic specialities is currywurst, essentially a sausage topped with curry ketchup. Is it a life-changing culinary experience? Probably not. But it’s absolutely something you should try at least once while you’re in the city.
We sampled a couple of versions, and this one stood out for having the most flavourful sausage. It’s simple, comforting street food done well. Unfortunately, there were no vegan options available, which may be something they expand on in the future. For now, it’s definitely one for the carnivores.
KEBAB @ Rüyam Gemüse Kebab (Schönhauser Allee 44A, 10435): As you might already know, Berlin is something of a kebab capital, with an endless number of options across the city. We’re certain we haven’t even scratched the surface of all the hidden gems yet, but for now, this is our top pick.
The meat is consistently juicy, the garnishes always fresh, and the overall balance is spot on. Most importantly, they are generous without being overdone, you won’t find them being shy when it comes to filling the kebab properly.
There are a few branches across the city, but this is the location we would personally recommend.
DRINKS @ BAR MILANO (Brunnenstraße 11, 10119): Berlin’s nightlife can be quite intense, but there are also plenty of softer, more relaxed options if you know where to look especially when it comes to its bar scene.
For now, this is our favourite pick. The cocktails are excellent, the atmosphere is effortlessly cool, and the music strikes the perfect balance: classic Berlin energy without being overly hardcore.
What we also love is how the vibe shifts throughout the evening. Arrive earlier and it feels like a laid-back bar where you can enjoy a drink (and sometimes a small snack), but come later and it gradually transforms into more of a lively, late-night spot. It’s the kind of place that captures Berlin’s energy without overwhelming you.
BAKERY @ Sofi (Sophienstraße 21, 10178): This well-known bakery absolutely lives up to its reputation. Alongside its excellent selection of fresh bread, it also offers a range of delicious pastries that are well worth trying.
What makes it even more enjoyable is its setting, located in a quiet courtyard where you can sit outside and take your time with your pastry. It adds a relaxed, almost hidden-gem feel to the whole experience and makes it the perfect spot for a slow morning or afternoon break.
COFFEE @ The Barn (Neue Schönhauser Str. 12, 10178): Of course, Berlin has a coffee shop on almost every corner, but so far our favourite has to be this one. The quality of the coffee really stands out, you can genuinely taste the difference and they also sell their own beans, which is perfect if you want to recreate a similar experience at home.
Another spot that’s been on our radar, although we haven’t tried it yet, is LAP. It’s a chain we keep seeing around the city, and they’re known for offering a cappuccino for around €2.50, which is hard to ignore. Definitely one to keep in mind for a casual, budget-friendly coffee stop.
MATCHA @ Matchasome (Torstraße 68, 10119) & Cafe Mamecha (Mulackstraße 33, 10119): Depending on how serious you are about your matcha, we have two very different recommendations.
If you're looking for a fun, modern take on matcha and love beautifully presented drinks with creative flavours, then Matchasome is the place for you. The concept embraces the current matcha craze and reinvents it in a fresh, contemporary way. It's aesthetic, playful, and perfect if you enjoy seeing matcha interpreted beyond its traditional roots.
For a more authentic and traditional experience, we would recommend Cafe Mamecha. Here, the focus is entirely on the quality of the matcha itself. The approach feels much closer to Japanese tea culture, with an emphasis on craftsmanship, flavour, and respect for the drink's origins. It's a wonderful place to slow down and appreciate matcha in its purest form.
We didn't have enough time to explore every matcha spot Berlin has to offer, but Kissabo and Soi & Co are both high on our list for our next visit. From what we've seen, they also lean towards a more traditional Japanese approach to matcha, and we can't wait to try them for ourselves.
ICE CREAM @ Hokey Pokey: Berlin is home to some excellent ice cream shops, but this is the one that has stood out to us the most so far. What makes it special is the originality of the flavours combined with the quality of the ingredients. Every scoop tastes incredibly natural, allowing each flavour to shine without being overly sweet or artificial.
The peach sorbet, in particular, was unforgettable. Even now, I can still remember its intensely fresh flavour and silky texture. This isn't just an ice cream shop, it's a true exercise in flavour and craftsmanship. Every creation feels carefully considered, resulting in an experience that is as refined as it is delicious.
SHOPPING @ KaDeWe (Tauentzienstraße 21-24, 10789) : We often rave about Harrods especially its incredible Food Hall but I have to say that this Berlin department store is seriously underrated.
While it offers an impressive mix of luxury and premium brands, what truly stood out to us was the food hall. The sheer variety of products, food counters and dining options is remarkable. If I lived in Berlin, I could genuinely see myself coming here for lunch several times a week.
What makes it particularly enjoyable is that it never feels like a typical department store. The space is bright, lively and thoughtfully designed, avoiding the dark, impersonal atmosphere that many department stores can have. Each food concept has its own distinct identity, with carefully designed branding and interiors that make every corner feel like a destination in its own right. As a result, you never get the impression that you're simply eating in a department store. Instead, it feels more like a collection of independent cafés, restaurants and food concepts brought together under one roof.
Whether you're shopping, browsing or simply looking for somewhere to eat, it's worth visiting for the food hall alone.
SIGHTSEEING @ Helmut Newton Foundation (Im Museum für Fotografie, Jebensstraße 2, 10623): Berlin itself offers no shortage of sightseeing opportunities simply walking through the city or hopping on a sightseeing bus is enough to discover its history, architecture and vibrant neighbourhoods.
However, if you're looking for a museum or exhibition space, this is probably my favourite cultural destination in the city. It may be a little outside the centre, but it's absolutely worth the journey.
One of the things I love most about this venue is its constantly changing programme. With new exhibitions throughout the year, it's the kind of place you can revisit on every trip to Berlin and always discover something different.
If you have an interest in fashion, photography, design or visual arts, you'll feel right at home here. The exhibitions are thoughtfully curated, inspiring and often leave you wanting to spend far more time than you originally planned.
For anyone looking to add a cultural stop to their Berlin itinerary, this is one place I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.
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