Berlin Bites, Volume One: 9 Reasonable Restaurants I Actually Recommend

Berlin’s food scene is a wild mix of the brilliant, the boring, and the just-plain-baffling. But in between the hype spots with 90-minute queues and the €20 poke bowls that taste like regret, there’s a sweet spot: places that are solid, affordable, and don’t try too hard.

This is Volume One of a series where I’ll drop a few of my go-to restaurants in and around the Berlin center. These aren’t secret Michelin gems or the trendiest spots of the month, just reliable places I keep going back to because they hit that sweet balance of good food, decent prices, and a vibe you can vibe with.

Let’s get into it.

1. Aposto: Casual Pasta That Won’t Insult Your Wallet

Location: Near Hackescher Markt

This one’s easy to overlook, sitting just below the S-Bahn and looking like a chain (because it kind of is). But hear me out: the pasta portions are big, the sauces are solid, and the prices don’t make you flinch. Their tarte flambée is also surprisingly good.

• What to try: Tagliatelle with truffle cream or the BBQ tarte flambée
• Price range: Mains ~€10–14
• Vibe: Group-friendly, relaxed, indoor-outdoor seating
• Tip: Go for the weekday lunch specials, even cheaper.

2. Umami: Pan-Asian Comfort in a Beautiful Space

Location: Mitte / Prenzlauer Berg

There’s something cozy and kind of magical about the vibe at Umami. Low lighting, great decor, and food that feels like a warm hug. It’s not strictly authentic anything, but it hits the spot.

• What to try: Karma rolls or the Bang Bang Chicken
• Price range: Bowls ~€10–13
• Vibe: Cozy date night or solo-with-a-book
• Tip: The drinks are pretty too, worth a sip.

3. King King: No-Frills Chinese with Proper Flavour

Location: Mitte (Rosenthaler Platz area)

If you’re craving real Chinese-style noodles and not some watered-down tourist version, King King’s got your back. It’s simple, fast, and fills the belly.

• What to try: Dan Dan noodles or Kung Pao chicken
• Price range: Mains ~€9–11
• Vibe: Clean and quiet, quick lunch spot
• Tip: Don’t expect big smiles, just good food.

4. L’Osteria: Giant Pizzas, Tiny Prices

Location: Hackescher Markt

Yes, it’s a chain. Yes, it’s almost always full. But also: their pizza is the size of a tire and costs less than a cocktail at Soho House. Great for sharing (or not).

• What to try: Diavola pizza, spicy and satisfying
• Price range: Pizzas ~€11–13
• Vibe: Loud, energetic, Italian-style hustle
• Tip: One pizza = two plates. Trust me.

5. Chopstix: Vietnamese That Just Gets It Right

Location: Alexanderplatz area

Chopstix is one of those places that doesn’t try to be cool, it just delivers. You get your pho, your bun, your summer rolls, all fast, all tasty.

• What to try: Grilled chicken bún or beef pho
• Price range: Mains ~€9–11
• Vibe: Fast casual, good for solo or quick catch-ups
• Tip: Go spicy, they don’t hold back.

6. Dolores Mitte: Burritos That Don’t Suck

Location: Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz

Mexican-ish food in Berlin can be… depressing. But Dolores is a reliable exception. The burritos are fat, fully loaded, and surprisingly balanced.

• What to try: Vegan Lover’s Burrito or build your own
• Price range: Burritos ~€8–10
• Vibe: American fast-casual with a Berlin twist
• Tip: Get the extra guac, they don’t cheap out.

7. The Klub Kitchen, Hip, But Worth It

Location: Rosenthaler Platz

It’s trendy, sure, but not obnoxious. The food is healthy without being sad, the plating is Instagram-friendly, and the taste is actually there.

• What to try: Chicken bowl with tahini dressing
• Price range: Bowls ~€11–13
• Vibe: Minimalist interior, laptop people, stylish without stress
• Tip: They do a solid weekend brunch too.

8. Angry Chicken: Fried Chicken, Korean-Style

Location: Near Alexanderplatz

If you’ve had a long day (or a long night), Angry Chicken delivers the crunch you need. Korean fried chicken slathered in sticky sauce. Loud, messy, great.

• What to try: Spicy Angry Box
• Price range: ~€9–12
• Vibe: Chaotic good, like a K-pop music video exploded
• Tip: Grab a beer with it. Trust me.

9. Risa Chicken: Cheap, Fast, Surprisingly Decent

Location: Various (Wedding & Kreuzberg)

The fried chicken spot Berlin didn’t know it needed. It’s not gourmet, but it slaps. Think of it as Berlin’s answer to Popeyes, but cheaper.

• What to try: 6-piece wings and fries combo
• Price range: ~€6–9
• Vibe: Fast food with a cult following
• Tip: Always busy. Always worth it.

Final Thoughts

That’s Volume One. Just solid, reliable places that won’t drain your wallet or test your patience. I’ll be back soon with Volume Two, featuring a few lesser-known gems and more late-night-friendly picks.

Got a place I should try? Send me a message or drop a comment below.