Tim Raue Berlin is the brainchild of Germany's top celebrity chef of the eponymous name. TR Berlin bears the distinction of being the only Berlin restaurant receiving two Michelin stars – this award is made all the more distinguishing because Berlin as a city has only a handful of Michelin rated restaurants. Raue is especially known for his innovative Asian fusion cuisine and the Chinese stamp is unmistakably stamped all over the refined menu: there is the six course, so-called "Unique Menu," the four course "Winter Menu," in addition to a la carte options and an extensive and impressive wine list. It must be conceded that relative to other restaurants on this list, Tim Raue Berlin is decidedly upscale and very much a fine-dining experience. For this reason, one should also expect to pay - and dress - accordingly.
Local Expert tip: Tim Raue has an aesthetically pleasing and luxurious mix of minimalism and has some of the best and most attentive service in a city not known for it.
Run by former Vietnamese refugees, Samâdhi is one of, if not the best Asian, vegetarian restaurant in Berlin. There is an extensive selection of dishes deriving from all across Southeast Asia. Samâdhi offer currys, sates, pad thai, and lots of delicious and as-spicy-as-you-want-it veggie food with an Asian flair. Moreover, many dishes are either vegan or can be special ordered as vegan dishes. Conveniently enough, Samâdhi is within close walking distance to must-see tourist destinations such as the famous Branderbuger Tor and the Unter den Linden in Berlin Mitte. Samâdhi is without a doubt klein aber fein, a German idiomatic phrase roughly translating to "small but excellent."
Local Expert tip: If you're feeling adventurous, try some of their more exotic or unusual dishes, such as concoctions like the bitter melon curry or how mok - a vegetable custard served in a banana leaf.
Mr. Hai operates two restaurants - Kabuki and Shabuki, respectively, that are situated in one house at Olivaer Platz. Both restaurants are excellent. The sushi at Kabuki is particular is some of the best and most innovative in Berlin. The sake cocktails are very tasty as well. Kampai!
Local Expert tip: Be sure to order "tiger on a bicycle" at Kabuki (warm tuna) and the special soup at Shabuki.
Miyaki is new Japanese kid on the block in friedrichshain, and it is a cut above the rest. The soysauce is homemade, the rice is not refrigerated, and the seafood is fresh. You aren't going to get any out of the ordinary seafood here, but for the standards, this place has taken the top spot for sushi in Friedrichshain, especially for those of the vegetarian persuasion.
Local Expert tip: You can even order sushi from Miyaki for delivery.
Sasaya serves up fresh and very authentic Japanese food in a simple and sleek environment in Prenzlauer Berg. Sasaya is always worth a visit. The sushi is excellent; there is a very good selection and an extensive selection of sake. The price to quality ratio is amazing quite good here.
Local Expert tip: Reserve a table in advance, as this Japanese spot fills up quickly.
This list of cocktails and the sushi menu are quite long and the cocktails go along with the sushi very well. The sushi is very delicious and fresh and the dim sum can also be recommended.
Local Expert tip: Their happy hour at the cocktail bar is a great deal.
Cube is decorated in a nice modern style without a hint of asian kitsch. The restaurant is very small (groups of more than six are impossible), as half of the room is taken by the kitchen where you can see the chefs prepare the super fresh food. They not only serve the standard maki fillings (salmon, tuna, and avocado), but also offer other fish, seafood, and a variety of vegetables. Special ordering is encouraged.
Local Expert tip: The duck maki roll is really delicious and a novel twist on sushi.
Ishin is an unadorned, simple Japanese restaurant in busy Mitte. The sushi is always fresh and the prices are also affordable. The cooks at the bar and the waitresses are very nice and busy at the same time. There is always a crowd and hard to find more than 2 empty seats within 15 minutes.
Local Expert tip: Free green tea is included with all orders.
Mikoto is a small, lively and bright and green coloured sushi restaurant. It is not a posh place for elaborate dining, but a nice-looking casual sushi place where you can spend a nice Friday evening with the girls or the boys, anticipating a night out or a bar hopping evening. The staff at Mikoto are all very friendly and helpful and will always try to find you a spot, even if you happen to stumble into this restaurant on a busy Saturday evening after shopping in Kreuzberg. The best thing about Mikoto is that they offer a nicely extensive sushi menu – offering everything ranging from classical maki, exciting inside-out rolls all the way to special rolls and fried tempura sushi.
Local Expert tip: Mikoto does a really nice special roll with crunchily fried shrimp thinly sliced and inserted into the roll. That way you get the experience and crunch of a tempura without the deep-fried calories.
Delicious japanese cuisine and great service, centrally located in Rosenthaler platz offering daily happy hour until 11pm with 50% off a selection of menu options.
