Erin T.
Yelp
On our first night in Berlin, we were looking for a place close by to our apt in Wedding. I didn't exactly know what to expect, but this place was close by and had a good review on Yelp.
This place was excellent.
I base my relative judgements on my experience eating in the USA at all kinds of places. I would say that the food here is very high level in a place like Los Angeles, and would have been much more expensive there as well.
I had a delicious homemade squid ink pasta with perfectly cooked salmon in a light butter/wine sauce. My husband described his pork dish as one of the best things he's ever eaten. He said that there's a way that fat can be perfect, and this was it.
We also enjoyed some nice wine and beer on tap.
The atmosphere is very boutique and the place itself is an industrial area that feels like it's in the middle of nowhere. There are a few tables in a front room, then one or two around the corner, and more tables in a converted school bus out back. This is where we ate.
When we arrived, most of the tables had reserved signs on them and I wasn't sure we'd get a seat. I talked to the nice guy at the counter in terrible German requesting a table. He smiled and gestured at one small table they had in the front, or he said, "You can go in the bus."
So we went to the bus.
What a cool spot! When we first sat down, there were a few other tables occupied, and it was quiet. Perhaps a little too quiet due to the close proximity of the tables in the bus. However, shortly into a couple drinks, we were comfortable and chatting at a moderate level. A little bit later in the meal, it seemed everyone in the bus was more chatty and the atmosphere was lively, but not too loud. It was just right.
The service concept may not be for everyone. You have to order at the counter and then the food comes out. If you want more drinks, or anything else, you have to walk back up to the counter to order more. However, when I went up again, I never had to wait too long. And, the man at the counter has his eye out and is very accommodating.
When we were paying our bill, he offered us a shot of grappa on the house and sent us on our way.
All told, the food was excellent, the atmosphere is hipstery and cool, and the staff are very nice.
I loved this place and will probably go back before we leave Berlin ;)