rocket + basil

"Sisters Xenia and Sophie von Oswald let influences from their Iranian background and childhood in Australia shine through at this Tiergarten breakfast-brunch-and-lunch spot. Like a chilled-out Aussie cafe with a substantial food menu, the place serves hearty sourdough sandwiches that are among Berlin’s best, whether you go for a filling of ham and cheese or tahini-roasted carrots. The Persian stews with crisp saffron rice are a soul-warming delight on a cool Berlin day." - Tim Forster

"Berlin has a couple of Persian lunch spots, but this one is our favorite. The interiors are bright and perfect for a coffee and computer day, an afternoon snack, or a quick lunch. Rocket + Basil is just a 15-minute bus ride from attractions like Checkpoint Charlie and the Topography of Terror - an area lacking many good food options. The daily dishes are always made of local German ingredients, like slow-cooked chicken with jeweled rice and turkey meatballs in saffron tomato sauce. We also love the baked goods, especially their cardamom buns. photo credit: Ilaria Di Emidio" - Barbara Woolsey