Emi Sotome
Google
The restaurant is located on the 5th floor of The Mandala Hotel, near Potsdamer Platz in central Berlin. I arrived a little before opening time and was able to wait in the hotel's lobby. At precisely 12 PM, the hotel staff smoothly guided me to the elevator.
Ambience: The restaurant features floor-to-ceiling glass windows, surrounded by bamboo on the exterior, with flowing water inside, creating a tranquil, garden-like atmosphere. By 1:30 PM, the restaurant was fully occupied, mostly with couples. I was the only solo diner, which made me reflect on the prevalent couple culture in Europe.
Service: Since I had listed my country as "Japan" when making the reservation, the staff interacted with me entirely in English. Their English was fluent, and the menu was also in English, ensuring seamless communication. Outside the hotel, I often encountered conversations in German, so I was impressed by the staff's professional approach.
Menu: The lunch menu offered a prix fixe option with Two Courses (€68) or Three Courses (€88). I opted for the Three Course meal, which included an appetizer, a main course, and dessert.
- Appetizer: OCTOPUS 'BOMBAY' - BEETROOT, FENUGREEK, AND VADOUVAN
A Mumbai-style octopus dish featuring a blend of fragrant spices, with a distinct curry essence that stimulated the appetite. The interplay of flavors, enhanced by the sauce, made for an exciting tasting experience.
- Main Course: CORN-FED CHICKEN FROM PRIGNITZ - GOCHUJANG AND KAFIR LIME
The chicken, raised in the lush natural environment of Prignitz, was reportedly raised under stress-free conditions with a special diet. Though small in portion, the flavor was rich and well-defined.
- Dessert: THE HAZELNUT-BANANA, COCONUT, AND LEMON*
The elegantly plated dessert was irresistibly cute. The combination of cream, sauces, meringue cookies, and sorbet provided diverse textures, while the sweetness of hazelnut paired harmoniously with the tanginess of banana, lemon, and cassis, making it an engaging dish until the very last bite.
Overall Impression: FACIL is an elegant restaurant with a refined atmosphere, highlighted by its glass-enclosed interior and bamboo surroundings. The amuse-bouche, reminiscent of chirashi sushi, reflected a respect for Japanese culture. Although the portions were small, they were visually and tastefully satisfying. The dessert, in particular, exceeded expectations, delivering a stunning experience both aesthetically and gastronomically.