Berlin's Best Lunch Spots

Lebensmittel in Mitte is a relaxed restaurant in Berlin offering straightforward Bavarian food alongside beer, schnapps, and wine. Housed in an old grocery store with worn wooden tables, it provides a laid-back spot to enjoy hearty cooking free from passing trends.

Recommended by

Kenneth Nars

Creative Director

Proper German cookingMissing some proper German cooking in Berlin? In the middle of some of the best shopping streets is Lebensmittel in Mitte. An old grocery store with worn wooden tables and benches, there is proper, trend-free Southern German food with beer, schnapps and wine. Lunch is great, with specials on the black board. Go for a puffy crusted Wienerschnitzel with mustardy potato salad, browned Spätzle-pasta with plenty of cheese and a meaty Schweinebraten with Knödel, sauerkraut and gravy. Order big mugs of beer, a few shots and have a chat with the slightly grumpy staff. G’suffa!

Read more

Lon Men’s Noodle House is a cozy spot in Berlin’s Charlottenburg neighborhood, known for its authentic Taiwanese flavors. It’s walk-in only, so you may wait around 20 minutes for a table, but many find the experience worth it. Recommended by the Ernst team, it offers a relaxed atmosphere for anyone curious about trying a taste of Taiwan.

Recommended by

David P. Leja

@thegastrojourney

Authentic Taiwanese restaurant in the Charlottenburg neighborhood. This place was recommended to us by the Ernst team, so we decided to go this last trip for what ended up being a very pleasant surprise. The place is walk in only and we waited around 20 minutes until we got seated but it was definitely worth it. We decided to try a little bit of everything which ended up being the following: * Xiaolongbao with pork. * Wan-Tan (Pork) with chilli oil. * Pan-Fried Taiwanese Dumplings. * Gua-Bao with duck. * Crispy duck with noodles & vegetables. * Noodle soup with beef. We really enjoyed our meal here with our favorites being the gua-bao and the crispy duck with noodles.

Read more

Annelies is a neighborhood café in Berlin’s Kreuzberg with a warm, laid-back vibe and a focus on creative, quality breakfast and lunch. They source fresh bread and pastries from a nearby bakery and serve thoughtfully roasted coffee. You can relax inside or take a seat on the terrace, which makes it a popular choice for locals and travelers alike.

Recommended by

Laszlo Aczel

Food Writer @foodpolice

Berlin breakfast favourite.This cozy breakfast place with a sunny terrace and fireplace inside (when cold) is a must in Berlin. We usually come for the smoked grated egg yolk and scramble toasts with kimchi and the buttermilk pancakes but the breakfast sandwich is also not to be missed. Enough to fill you up until dinner.

Read more

Mustafa’s Gemüse Kebap in Berlin is known for drawing long lines thanks to its well-loved food. Locals often say it's worth the wait, reflecting its steady popularity. It’s a straightforward spot for anyone looking for a quick, no-frills meal.

Recommended by

Tim Raue

Chef at Tim Raue

The one and only döner kebap place for me.There is a huge Turkish community in Berlin, especially in the Kreuzberg area, where I grew up. This döner kebap place is the one for me! Sorry, but will need excessive queueing.Photo credit: @with_vans

Read more

Gully Burger is a well-known street food spot in Berlin recognized for its unapologetic take on Indian-inspired flavors. With creative twists on burgers, it has become a favorite among those looking for something different. It’s a straightforward place to enjoy flavorful food without fuss.

Recommended by

Per Meurling

Food writer

Gully Burger is a Berlin street food institution by now, famous for its Kerala Fried Chicken sandwich and it’s unapologetic take on Indian flavors.

Read more

Kebap with Attitude – Mitte in Berlin puts a fresh spin on the traditional kebab, using local, free-range meats, homemade sauces, and a variety of vegetarian and vegan options. Their menu also includes meze and salads with a global influence. For gatherings, they offer flexible catering services and a food truck option to bring their style to your event.

Recommended by

Per Meurling

Food writer

KEBAP GOALS at Kwa Kebap with Attitude. ”And then the rotating skewers of agony were blinded by the light from Gipsstraße”. Based on my lunch last week, I’d say Kwa Kebap with Attitude is at 75%, looking forward to them reaching 100% true Turkish meat bliss in the next years.

Read more

Goldadelux in Berlin’s Kreuzberg neighborhood brings together high-end cooking methods with a casual street food atmosphere. They focus on fresh, plant-based meals made in-house, creating an easygoing yet thoughtful place to stop for a quick bite. Above all, they’re known for healthy fast food that’s different from the usual lunchtime options around town.

Recommended by

Billy Wagner

Sommelier

Finding good lunches in Berlin can be a bit difficult. I'm always saying that Berliners are still sleeping during lunch. Goldadelux is run by two Israelians, they are based on Erkelenzdamm and they do good vegan and vegetarian stuff, like sabich and other filled pitas. It's fresh and healthy fast food, which is quite different to what you normally see. I always have the Chai there, they do it by themselves and I really love it.

Read more

Pamfilya Restaurant in Berlin offers a relaxed spot to enjoy authentic Turkish flavors in a welcoming setting. With fresh ingredients and a comfortable atmosphere, it’s a place where locals and visitors can savor a variety of tasty options without feeling rushed or overcrowded.

Recommended by

Laszlo Aczel

Food Writer

Döner joint in Berlin serving up some of the best meat and lavash you can find with separate pickles and veggies and three types of sauce. Also loads of kebabs and others on sale too.

Read more

Izmir Köftecisi (Konak-Grill) in Berlin’s Kreuzberg is known for its generous sandwiches and classic kebab plates. Many people appreciate the filling portions and straightforward approach. It’s a simple place that focuses on serving hearty meals without extra fuss.

Recommended by

Billy Wagner

Sommelier

Please try the Köfte Teller and the Spicy Sauce with Parsley Rucola Salad.There were two restaurants in the world which you should try. The old Noma and Izmir Köfte. As the Old Noma is closed, there is only one left to try.

Read more

LIU 成都味道面馆 Nudelhaus is a casual weekday-only spot in Berlin that offers a true taste of Sichuan. You can choose your preferred spice level, from mild to genuinely fiery, to get just the right kick. There’s no table reservation, so feel free to preorder and skip the line or simply drop by.

Recommended by

Sachin Obaid

Restaurateur

Sichuan noodle dishes that pack a punch!This weekday-only spot is one of the rare places in Berlin where you get Sichuan Style noodles. You can choose the level of heat on most dishes, measured in 1-3 chillis. You can keep easy with level 1 but if you're feeling daring there is a secret off the menu 4 chili level but be ready to down a litre of their delicious soy milk during your meal to survive :)

Read more

Standard Serious Pizza in Berlin serves neapolitan-style pizza made with ingredients brought in from Campania. They operate multiple locations, offering a relaxed setting where you can enjoy a traditional approach to pizza and natural wine. It’s a straightforward spot for anyone looking for genuine flavors without any fuss.

Recommended by

Alex Nieminen

Foodie and Restaurateur

There are several good pizza places in Berlin, but nothing beats Standard for "pizza napoletana". Quality ingredients sourced directly from Campania, excellent dough and a 500°C gas-fired oven is all that I need.

Read more

The Butterfly Lovers is a vegan Chinese spot tucked away by Volkspark am Weinbergsweg in Berlin. Although the interior is simple, the restaurant draws on influences from Sichuan, Taiwanese, and Hu Cai kitchens, making it stand out from more typical vegetarian places. It’s become popular enough that you’ll want to book ahead, but prices remain reasonable for the quality offered.

Recommended by

Alex Nieminen

Foodie and Restaurateur

Addictive vegan chinese restaurant in MitteRestaurateur Wen Wang’s vegan mother (apparently) was the main motivation for opening of this restaurant in Mitte in 2021, in a quiet corner next to Volkspark am Weinbergsweg. The ”mixed chinese” cuisine has influences from Sichuan, Taiwanese and Hu Cai kitchens and it does it all very well. The food served is well above the run-of-the-mill ”ethnic” vegetarian restaurants that are plentiful in Berlin . The spartan interior design may mislead people looking in from the outside, but it is the food that brings people here - and it is solid gold. The restaurant has become so popular that an advance booking is a must for the evenings. The restaurant also serves lunch, which should make finding a seat easier. The food is best served with beer - or with the excellent homemade juices - so there’s no reason to discuss wine specialities. The prices are a bit above what you would expect to pay, but very affordable nevertheless. The Butterfly Lovers won’be featured on any ”best of…” -lists anytime soon, but it serves some of the best chinese vegetarian cuisine in Europe and you’re not going to be sorry for booking a visit.

Read more

Big Bascha is a laid-back Lebanese spot in Berlin that draws a friendly crowd and uses fresh ingredients. It offers a variety of options, making it easy for everyone to find something they’ll enjoy. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, perfect for a relaxed meal at any time of day.

Recommended by

Lucas Huemer

Chef

Fav lebanese breakfast/lunch place. Super fresh ingredients and always buzzin. Get some za‘atar breads, half eggplant/labneh and the loaded hummus with minced meat or some other veggie/vegan options. Everydish come with a side of pickels, tomatoes, onions and fresh herbs. Every tuesday and friday they offer a special rice dish which you should get as well if they have it

Read more

Tadım Ocakbaşı is a Turkish grill restaurant in Berlin, known for its relaxed vibe and bold flavors. Guests appreciate the fresh ingredients and welcoming atmosphere that make dining here a satisfying experience.

Recommended by

Per Åkerlund

Chef

Turkish delight When in Berlin don't miss this grill place for some proper fingerlicking Beyti kebap, Adana, Iskender and fresh chopped greens to go with it. Fistikli - the skewer of minced lamb packed with pistachios is a must!

Read more

Michelberger Restaurant is a cozy spot in Berlin’s Michelberger Hotel, offering comforting, shareable meals with a welcoming vibe. They focus on quality ingredients from trusted local sources and their own farm, keeping the menu fresh and seasonal. Whether you're a hotel guest or a neighbor, it’s a relaxed place to catch up with friends or colleagues over good food.

Recommended by

Per Meurling

Food writer

Comfort grub to share among lunch buddies.FROM MICHELBERGER WITH LOVE. Berlin’s best indie hotel restaurant has a new lunch menu. No more trays. Comfort grub to share among lunch buddies. Putting all other lunches in Friedrichshain in their spot.

Read more

Akroum Snack is a small spot on Berlin’s Sonnenallee known for its simple, flavorful Levantine meals. It offers a casual setting at a fair price, making it a good choice for anyone looking for a quick, no-frills bite.

Recommended by

Morgan Love

Restaurateur

Hole in the wall, no frills Levantine breakfast and lunch.This easy to miss, and rather grungy feeling hole in the wall restaurant on Berlin’s Sonnenallee serves up some rustic but highly flavoursome Levantine dishes such as musabaha, foul & fatteh. Most plates come with a side of pickles, herbs and flat bread. This place is high in flavour and low in price - don’t expect friendly service, or any frills here.

Read more