If you’re not ready for summer to end, why not hop on a plane for a weekend getaway in Berlin? Here’s our insider’s guide to some of the best al fresco dining spots the city has to offer.
Katz Orange, located in Berlin’s hip district Mitte, takes up the bottom two floors of a 19th-century former brewery and is tucked away in a typical Berlin-style back courtyard. At night, its ornate red brick facade is illuminated which creates the perfect atmosphere for hanging out on the open-air terrace. The food is seasonal and locally sourced and there’s an impressive wine list of more than 150 different wines to choose from.
REDO XXL
REDO XXL offers larger-than-life portion sizes and its casual vibe might remind visitors of restaurants in America. Take a seat at Tempelhofer Hafen (a harbour bridge) to watch the boats go by and tuck into hearty dishes such as schnitzel, steak, and currywurst. Families will love the relaxed atmosphere and waterside location.
Take a seat on NENI’s stunning rooftop terrace and enjoy breathtaking panoramic view across Western Berlin. Whilst choosing your dish from the international menu – chef Haya Molcho’s creations are influenced by Mediterranean, Persian and Austrian cuisine – you can watch the monkeys play as the restaurant borders Berlin Zoo. A must-try is Haya’s Israeli-style prawns with spinach, tomato and garlic.
Facil
If you are looking to treat yourself, then Facil at the luxurious Mandala Hotel on Potsdamer Platz is the place for you. Dining out on the terrace of this multi-award-winning restaurant, you’ll be spoiled with gourmet cuisine and first-class service. Surrounded by greenery, the terrace is a stunning setting for a romantic al fresco dinner.
Fancy trying German comfort food on one of the most idyllic courtyards right in the heart of Berlin? Schnitzelei in Mitte offers some of the best schnitzel the German capital has to offer. Definitely worth a visit!
Michelberger Restaurant
Michelberger Restaurant could not be trendier if it tried. Located in one of the hipsters’ favourite districts, Friedrichshain, you’ll love sitting outside on the terrace to people watch. Thankfully, the food is as good as the location. Diners can enjoy unusual flavour combinations like mackerel with smoked bone marrow or salmon with samphire and pickled mussels.
Spindler, located in a converted industrial building alongside Kreuzberg’s canal, offers fantastic views right onto the Spree, the river that flows through the city. One of Germany’s biggest newspapers, Tagesspiegel, noted that ‘all the cool boys and girls eat out at Spindler’ – and we couldn’t agree more. The menu is modern European cuisine with a French twist so expect dry-aged steaks, fresh fish, and creative vegetarian options.
Rio Grande
Kreuzberg is quite a bohemian and creative part of Berlin, so a trip to this district is a must for any creative minds. Take a seat at Rio Grande located on Berlin’s river Spree and enjoy their delicious Austrian cuisine. You won’t want to leave!
If you need a break from busy city life, head to Nola’s am Weinberg situated on the green hills of the Weinberg park. Take in the greenery surrounding you whilst enjoying traditional Swiss dishes like fondue and röschti (delicious potato fritters).
Café am Neuen See
The Café am Neuen See in Tiergarten, one of Berlin’s biggest parks, is one of the most beautiful beer gardens in the city. It sits right on the edge of the park’s small lake. Here you can tuck into Bavarian and Italian specialties, so if you are looking for a cold beer with delicious pizza or traditional German white sausages, this is the place for you.
Surrounded by theatres like the Friedrichstadt-Palast, Deutsches Theater, and Berliner Ensemble, ALvis is in the right spot for anyone wanting to experience Berlin’s cultural life. Take a seat in the courtyard garden and enjoy regional dishes with an international influence.
Burgermeister
Burgermeister is the city’s hippest place to enjoy delicious, juicy burgers and fries, but beware – if you are looking for comfy, plush seating, you’ll be disappointed. At Burgermeister, you take a seat on a wooden bench next to local hipsters and watch the world go by in trendy Kreuzberg. A must-visit if you want to dine where the locals do. You’ll feel like a Berliner in no time!
This is a guest post from freelance journalist Beatrice Clark. She has written for Vogue, Glamour and Vanity Fair, among others, and has spent the past 15 years living in France, England and Scotland. She is currently based in Berlin and is always on the hunt for the perfect Eggs Benedict.
