By Neil Cameron
Berlin is a BIG city and sometimes it can be a little overwhelming where to start. So many choices, such little time. Where to eat, where to drink, where to sleep and where to party? I have compiled a list of the best places (according to us!) on where to eat and drink once our tours have finished.
Where to Eat in Friedrichshain
Lemongrass
This is the best Thai/Asian fusion restaurant in the area. Their pad thai is super authentic, they have a large selection of ‘finger foods’ and a fantastic lunch special. Asian or local beers are on the menu and can be enjoyed outside on the ever.popular Simon-Dach-Strasse.
Directions: http://www.yelp.com/map/lemongrass-berlin
Price: €8- €20
Website: http://www.lemongrass-berlin.de/
Goura Pakora
Germans are renowned for not really liking spicy food so finding a good Indian restaurant can be hard. Look no further! This is the best Indian restaurant I have found in Berlin (and I’ve tried them all!) The food is always fresh, in abundance, is vegetarian/vegan friendly and it always has friendly service.
*Insider tip: Order their thali plate for 2 people, it could even accommodate 3 there is so much food and all if it is so tasty!
Directions: http://www.yelp.de/map/goura-pakora-berlin-2
Price: €5 – €20
Website: http://www.goura-pakora.de/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/GOURA-PAKORA/133216030042709
Ali Baba
There are so many Turkish/middle east type restaurants in Berlin and some are certainly better than others. For me, this is the best in the area. Their food is fresh, the service always comes with a smile being run by a friendly Lebanese family and the prices are super low!
* Insider tip: Order their Ali Baba teller (plate) for € 10. You won’t believe your eyes or your taste buds! It’s a selection of everything from their menu- schwarma, falafel, halloumi, cous cous and so much more. The restaurant is quite small so if there is nowhere to sit, get it to take away and sit in the nearby Boxhagener Platz park. It’s the perfect place to people watch whilst savoring the tastes.
Directions: http://www.yelp.de/map/ali-baba-berlin-3
Price: €3 – €10
Spatzle and Knödel
Arriving in the German capital and you may be surprised at the lack of German restaurants. This is one of only a few in Friedrichshain but it’s the best. The Germans do bread and beer like nobody else and this is the place to go to get your fix. This is southern German food at its finest. Try the käsespätzle (translates as little sparrows), a soft egg noodle dish with copious amounts of cheese. Or try the knodel, boiled or poached potato or bread dumplings, as they are great on their own or are a perfect compliment to a meat dish. The staff are extremely friendly, speak English and are happy to talk you through the different German foods on offer.
Directions: http://www.yelp.com/map/sp%C3%A4tzle-and-kn%C3%B6del-berlin
Price: €8 – €20
Website: http://spaetzleknoedel.de/
Schneeweiss
Schneeweiss translates as Snow White and you will see why if you visit this excellent Alpine restaurant. The interior is decked floor to ceiling in white. It’s award-winning and so is their food! If you are looking to impress a certain somebody, taking your parents out, want to spot a German celebrity or two, or just want to eat high-class food without the high-class prices, then head to this great restaurant. If this restaurant were in Paris or London you would pay 5 times the price. The food is beautiful arranged, incredibly tasty and has a wonderful atmosphere.
Directions: http://www.yelp.de/map/schneewei%C3%9F-berlin-berlin
Price: €15 – €40
Website: http://www.schneeweiss-berlin.de/schneeweiss.html