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DachgartenCity/Region: Berlin
One of the latest 'in' places to dine in Berlin is the Dachgarten in the rooftop dome of the new futuristic Parliament building (the Reichstag). From the dome, in the historic centre of Berlin, there are amazing views across the city. The menu is delightful too, including healthy traditional cuisine like the light fish and venison dishes. Reservations are vital unless you wish to join a long queue.
Address: Platz de Republik 1
Bamberger ReiterCity/Region: Berlin
The renowned chef at the Bamberger
Reiter, one of Berlin's leading restaurants, insists on using only fresh market produce to create his masterpieces of Austrian and new German cuisine, for a menu that changes daily. The restaurant is known for having the freshest fish in town and set menus of between five and eight courses are recommended daily, besides a range of à la carte choices. Typical dishes are roulade of quail, rack of lamb, bass with Riesling sauce, and the like. The décor is understated 'old Germany', resplendent with fresh flowers. The restaurant does not serve lunch and is closed Sundays and Mondays. Bookings are essential.
Address: Regensburgerstrasse 7, Schöneberg
GrossbeerenkellerCity/Region: Berlin
To experience some authentic old-fashioned warm Berlin hospitality, not to mention some great rib-sticking traditional dishes, dive into the dark depths of the cellar restaurant Grossbeerenkeller. With dark oak furniture and antlers adorning the walls, the setting is original to complement wholesome meals of diced pork with fries and herb sauce, or boiled salt pork and green cabbage. Owner/bartender Ingebork Zinn-Baier's fried potatoes are said to be the best in the city. The cellar is closed Sundays and does not accept credit cards.
Address: Grossbeerenstrasse 90, Kreuzberg
Diekmann im Weinhaus HuthCity/Region: Berlin
Emulating a Paris bistro the Weinhaus Huth is an interesting dining venue not because of its décor or a particularly outstanding menu, but because the building which houses it is the only original standing building left on the Potsdamer Platz, having survived the ravages of war and the demolition of the Berlin Wall. It is now surrounded by the shining new Sony centre and draws tourist interest. Highlights on the menu include tarte flambee and fresh oysters.
Address: Alte Potsdamer Strasse 5, Tiergarten
Website: www.j-diekmann.de
XII ApostelCity/Region: Berlin
You cannot beat the thin base pizzas that keep customers flocking to this lively restaurant in Charlottenberg. The XII Apostel is trendy and popular because of its novel idea of offering 12 pizza varieties, one named for each apostle of Jesus Christ. The biggest and tastiest is reputedly the Judas. The décor is flashy Italian Renaissance and the atmosphere is usually busy and bustling.
Address: Bleibtreustrasse 49
Zur Letzten InstanzCity/Region: Berlin
This historic establishment off Alexanderplatz should be on any visitor's sightseeing list not only for its hearty German comfort food (like Eisbein, potato dumplings, suckling pig and red cabbage) and tankards of beer, but also because it is the oldest restaurant in Berlin, documented as far back as 1525. The name, Zur Letzten Instanz, was inspired by a nearby courthouse and means 'without further appeal'. Napoleon is said to have dined here.
Address: Waisenstrase 14-16, Mitte
FlorianCity/Region: Berlin
For more than 20 years Florian has been regarded as one of the top restaurants in the popular Savignyplatz, offering a daily changing menu based on Swabian (ancient German) cuisine with a French touch. The restaurant's legendary dish is Nurnberg grilled sausages and sauerkraut. The relaxed, friendly ambience draws a clientele of writers, artists and filmmakers who arrive late and stay till the small hours. Reservations are essential.
Address: Grolmanstrasse 52
SchwarzenrabenCity/Region: Berlin
Two Italian brothers prepare the original new Italian cuisine in this chic and trendy restaurant where people come to see and be seen. The long, narrow dining room is not particularly attractive or comfortable, and it can be noisy, but it is the place to be in Berlin, whether dining upstairs or relaxing in the downstairs cocktail bar. Among the specialities are sea bass baked between eggplant slices, wild boar pâté with chocolate, or gnocchi with sausage and green olives. The chefs profess to know 150 fish recipes by heart, and stock 20 different types of salami. Reservations are essential.
Address: Neue Schonhauserstrasse 13, Prenzlauer Berg
Website: www.schwarzenraben.de
GanymedCity/Region: Berlin
Traditionally a popular spot to dine after the theatre, Ganymed has been around for decades serving good if not gourmet food in generous portions, gamely continuing to do business in East Berlin throughout the Cold War years. There are two formal dining rooms, one overlooking the Spree. Examples of menu highlights are goose liver terrine, Eisbein, schnitzels, mussels in Choron sauce and pheasant breast wrapped in Black Forest ham.
Address: Schiffbauerdamm 5, Berlin-Mitte
GuyCity/Region: Berlin
The tiered interior of this restaurant is rather theatrical, setting off the haute cuisine offered on a menu that is changed frequently but could well include specialities like marinated quail, mussels with arugula puree, lobster and sweetbreads in puff pastry, or braised breast of goose. Guy is particularly proud of its well-stocked wine cellar where guests can enjoy tasting, and the pretty renaissance-inspired courtyard, which is put to use in summer weather.
Address: Jaegerstrasse 59-60, Berlin-Mitte
Website: www.guy-restaurant.de
Zum WagnerCity/Region: Frankfurt
This huge, wood-panelled old apple wine tavern is a classic that produces hearty German dishes, which are better than the many other similar taverns in the popular Sachsenhausen area. Dishes like the pork shoulder with sauer kraut and potatoes, stewed beef or fresh fish (on Fridays) can be enjoyed with a slow glass of apfelwien, or a choice of beer or cider. The atmosphere is fun, boisterous and crowded; seating is at communal tables with a mix of locals and visiting German businessmen. Reservations not accepted. No credit cards.
Address: Schweizer Strasse 71 (Sachsenhausen)
Erno's BistroCity/Region: Frankfurt
Erno's is one of the best restaurants in town and something of a Frankfurt culinary institution offering classic French cuisine such as rack of lamb, lobster and fresh fish dishes. There is an excellent wine list to make the meal even more memorable, as well as some sensational desserts. Erno's is a chic gourmet rendezvous that is always busy, so reservations are essential. Closed weekends and July to August.
Address: Liebigstrasse 15 (Westend)
GargantuaCity/Region: Frankfurt
One of the most creative chefs in Frankfurt, Klaus Trebes dishes up flavours, colours and textures that combine to create a near-perfect dining experience. He serves up innovative versions of German classics as well as French or Mediterranean influenced dishes and a corner bar is reserved for those who only want to sample the outstanding wine list. Gargantua is housed within a stylish villa with a garden terrace and its walls are hung with contemporary art. No lunch Saturday. Closed Sunday.
Address: Liebigstrasse 47 (Westend)
Website: www.gargantua.de
Maingau StubenCity/Region: Frankfurt
This upmarket restaurant is presided over by chef Werner Döpfner who serves contemporary dishes such as rack of venison in a walnut crust, or seafood salad with scallops and lobster mousse in a candlelit setting. Maingau Stuben is famous for its fresh fish and game meat that is carved at the table, and the cellar is full of rare German wines. Closed Monday. No lunch Saturday. No dinner Sunday.
Address: Schifferstrasse 38-40 (Sachsenhausen)
Website: www.maingau.de
Restaurant FrançaisCity/Region: Frankfurt
This stately restaurant is very conscious of upholding the high standard of the five-star hotel that it complements. It is an ideal venue for a formal, discreet occasion with a quiet and sophisticated atmosphere, elegant furnishings, attentive service and high quality food that is beautifully prepared and presented. The menu offers international fare that is light and French-inspired with delicacies such as quails in champagne and grape sauce. Closed Sunday and Monday. Reservations required.
Address: Frankfurter Hof Hotel, Am Kaiserplatz (City Centre)
Website: www.frankfurter-hof.steigenberger.de
Avocado BistroCity/Region: Frankfurt
This smartly decorated bistro with a chic ambience resounds with the happy sounds of popping champagne corks, and is renowned as one of Frankfurt's culinary institutions. Avocado Bistro specialises in its own creations, and the menu is small but everything is assuredly fresh and seasonal, with original combinations that include frogfish in champagne sauce or saddle of rabbit roasted with plums and bacon. Desserts are sumptuous. Closed Sunday. Reservations recommended.
Address: Hochstrasse 27 (City Centre)
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