Kath R.
Yelp
This review is for you fellow chocoholics...and you non-chocoholics, prepare to be converted!
I'd read up in advance about this place so we timed our visit with a trip to the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market; Rausch sits on the corner of this gorgeous square so there's another excuse (like it's needed) to visit.
So...the ground floor...for a start it is full of jaw-droppingly amazing chocolate sculptures (toy soldiers were cute and festive but the detail of the Reichstag sculpture was phenomenal!) then there is box upon box of chocolates, chocolate bars, slabs and even a mini Brandenburg Gate to buy as well as the best chocolate counter with every flavour combination imaginable. I would definitely class these chocolates in the "treat" category as they aren't the cheapest but hey, when on holiday!... I couldn't resist so bought as much as would fit in my hang luggage (tubs of raspberry and espresso truffles included and oh so delicious) and decided I'd just have to wear all my chunky things on the flight home lol.
Then...hidden at the back of the shop is a lift to what can only be described as chocolate heaven...or more precisely, their chocolate café and restaurant, oh my! Booking is definitely recommended. We hadn't received that memo so had a 15-20 minute wait for a table coming free in the café (but it was worth the wait).
After much deliberation, and I mean much...we all opted for their speciality hot chocolate. First, choose from a milk or dark hot chocolate, then add your flavour: orange, chilli, ALCOHOL just a few I can remember and I have to say, hands down the best hot chocolate I've had to date.
We all picked a mini torte from the menu too, each having something different so we could share as they all sounded and looked amazing, and they were. My chocolate mini torte had a dark choc mouse, moist sponge, milk choc ganache and decorative pieces on top, yikes! These were roughly €5 I'm sure and a total steal in my view given the detail in them.
Although the café was rammed, we were served promptly, with a smile and nothing seemed too much bother.
Sadly, we never ate in the restaurant but we had a nosey at the menu and you can easily sit down for a 3 course chocolate meal! Some options featured a hint of chocolate where as others went all out - needless to say it's definitely on my radar for a return trip!
Given half the chance, I would have spent my entire Berlin trip here but I would have needed a wheelbarrow to roll me onto the plane if I had! Quite simply, this place is awesome. The only thing that could possibly make this more awesome is if the building was made of chocolate too!