What Food To Try in Berlin and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Berlin for 2024.
National currency: Euro, symbol — € (international currency code EUR).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Berlin cafes and restaurants
$13.1
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $8.73
$65.5
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $43.67
$10.9
Combo Meal
Starting from $9.28
What to Try in Berlin
Must-try Dishes
Breakfast Bowl - Frühstücksbowl (healthy start) - A hearty mix of oats, yogurt, local fruits, and nuts, served in a generous bowl. Locals love to grab this quick breakfast from cafés before heading to the office.Currywurst - Currywurst (street food favorite) - Grilled sausage topped with a spicy curry ketchup and served with crispy fries. You’ll find locals enjoying this iconic snack at street stalls, especially after a night out (perfectly messy!).
Berliner Boulette - Berliner Boulette (meatball dish) - Juicy pan-fried meatballs made with beef or pork, often served with potato salad. This classic comfort food is a lunch staple, especially loved in family-run eateries around the city.
Schweinshaxe - Pork Knuckle (local specialty) - A slow-roasted pork knuckle, tender inside and crispy on the outside, usually served with sauerkraut and dumplings. It's a hearty dinner choice, often enjoyed with friends during weekend get-togethers.
Quarkbällchen - Quark balls (surprising treat) - Fried cheese balls with a light texture, often dusted with powdered sugar. You can find these tasty morsels at local fairs, and their sweet-salty flavor will catch you off guard!
Asparagus - Spargel (seasonal delight) - Fresh white asparagus, cooked and served with hollandaise sauce, is a springtime favorite. Locals eagerly await this seasonal dish, making it a highlight during the asparagus festival.
Rinderroulade - Beef Roll (hearty classic) - Thin beef rolled around a filling of mustard, bacon, onions, and pickles, then braised until tender. This dish is a festive favorite during family gatherings, enjoyed with red cabbage and potato dumplings (a true labor of love!).
Desserts & Drinks
Hot Chocolate - Heiße Schokolade (rich chocolate drink) - A luxurious blend of high-quality dark chocolate mixed with warm milk, often topped with whipped cream. Locals love to sip this in cozy cafés during chilly winters, particularly after a stroll through the Christmas markets.Berliner Weisse - Berliner Weiße (sour wheat beer) - A refreshingly tart, low-alcohol wheat beer served with flavored syrups, typically raspberry or woodruff. This drink is a summer favorite and is often consumed in vibrant beer gardens, especially during hot afternoons when locals seek respite from the sun.
Kaffee mit Schuss - Coffee with Shot (spiked coffee) - A delicious blend of strong coffee spiced up with a shot of Kirsch (cherry brandy) or rum. This warming drink is often enjoyed in winter months, especially after a hearty meal, offering both caffeine and a warm kick.
Bienenstich - Bee Sting Cake (honey almond cake) - A delightful pastry filled with creamy vanilla custard and topped with a caramelized almond crust, this cake has a light, buttery texture. Popular during special occasions such as birthdays or family gatherings, it's best enjoyed with a cup of coffee on a Sunday afternoon.
Eisbein - Ice Cream (German-style ice cream) - Homemade frozen desserts made from fresh fruits, like strawberries or rhubarb, typically served in cups during the warmer months. Local ice cream stands pop up in parks and along streets, making it a popular choice for a refreshing treat after a day out exploring the city.
By the way, don't forget to try the Berliner Weisse with woodruff syrup—it’s a refreshing twist that many locals swear by!
Food and Groceries in Berlin
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.99 |
| Bananas | $1.92 |
| Oranges | $2.86 |
| Potatoes | $1.83 |
| Apples | $2.94 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.72 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $1.13 |
| Imported Beer | $1.64 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $6.55 |
| Milk 1L | $1.41 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $16.08 |
| Chicken | $11.5 |
| Cigarettes | $8.73 |
| Rice | $2.85 |
| Local Cheese | $13.14 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Strolling through Kreuzberg on a sunny afternoon, the vibrant food scene truly stands out. Locals enjoy their lunch between 12 PM and 2 PM, filling the parks and outdoor seating areas. You can find everything from döner kebabs to homemade pasta in this bustling district. One insight I find interesting is that many Germans are very punctual with meal times, unlike in some other cultures where meal times can be fluid.
Dining prices vary widely depending on the area. For instance, a simple but delicious Turkish kebab in Kreuzberg typically costs around €5 to €7. You might pay closer to €12 to €15 at a more upscale restaurant in Mitte, reflecting the trend that prices increase significantly in tourist-heavy areas. Seasonal fluctuations can also affect costs, with outdoor dining options seeing price hikes in warmer months.
Payment customs here can be a bit of a maze for first-time visitors. Many places accept card payments, but it’s advisable to carry cash (especially for small street stands and casual eateries) since some still don’t have card facilities. A €5 tip might be seen as generous in a casual setting, while rounding up to €10 in full-service establishments remains a common habit.
Local eating habits favor communal dining, especially with shared platters—think meze or tapas—creating a vibrant atmosphere, often accompanied by lively conversations. A common mistake tourists make is expecting the same approach to meal times; many don’t realize that dinner typically starts around 7 PM, and places can be quite busy after 8 PM. If you want a quieter experience, aim for a table before 7 PM or after 9 PM.
One particular quirk is that on Sundays, many restaurants either have reduced hours or are closed altogether due to the city's cultural norms. So, planning ahead is key on weekends! Reserving a table is advisable, especially on Friday and Saturday nights in popular areas, to ensure you don’t miss out.
As for an emerging trend, it’s noticeable how younger locals are shifting towards more plant-based dining options. Vegan and vegetarian establishments are on the rise, reflecting broader societal changes around food sustainability and health consciousness. It's exciting to witness this evolution in a city that has always valued culinary diversity.
Dining prices vary widely depending on the area. For instance, a simple but delicious Turkish kebab in Kreuzberg typically costs around €5 to €7. You might pay closer to €12 to €15 at a more upscale restaurant in Mitte, reflecting the trend that prices increase significantly in tourist-heavy areas. Seasonal fluctuations can also affect costs, with outdoor dining options seeing price hikes in warmer months.
Payment customs here can be a bit of a maze for first-time visitors. Many places accept card payments, but it’s advisable to carry cash (especially for small street stands and casual eateries) since some still don’t have card facilities. A €5 tip might be seen as generous in a casual setting, while rounding up to €10 in full-service establishments remains a common habit.
Local eating habits favor communal dining, especially with shared platters—think meze or tapas—creating a vibrant atmosphere, often accompanied by lively conversations. A common mistake tourists make is expecting the same approach to meal times; many don’t realize that dinner typically starts around 7 PM, and places can be quite busy after 8 PM. If you want a quieter experience, aim for a table before 7 PM or after 9 PM.
One particular quirk is that on Sundays, many restaurants either have reduced hours or are closed altogether due to the city's cultural norms. So, planning ahead is key on weekends! Reserving a table is advisable, especially on Friday and Saturday nights in popular areas, to ensure you don’t miss out.
As for an emerging trend, it’s noticeable how younger locals are shifting towards more plant-based dining options. Vegan and vegetarian establishments are on the rise, reflecting broader societal changes around food sustainability and health consciousness. It's exciting to witness this evolution in a city that has always valued culinary diversity.
Tourist Reviews
All photos and texts belong to their authors
VEGAN DONUTS FROM BERLIN 🍩
The place, as someone living in Berlin told me, is quite popular, looks very cozy. There’s coffee on a beautiful milkshake, the interior is bright, selling bags from various brands, a bunch of bottles with their branding.
The donuts... they seem to descend from heaven and are the tastiest donuts in my vegan life!
There’s a huge selection, they are super tasty and juicy. I tried the one with tahini paste and nuts and a creamy filling. They have donuts with toppings, there are gluten-free options, and all of them are super classy.
The only downside is quite a high price / like in all of Berlin / for 4 donuts around $16. »
VEGAN DONUTS FROM BERLIN 🍩
The place, as someone living in Berlin told me, is quite popular, looks very cozy. There’s coffee on a beautiful milkshake, the interior is bright, selling bags from various brands, a bunch of bottles with their branding.
The donuts... they seem to descend from heaven and are the tastiest donuts in my vegan life!
There’s a huge selection, they are super tasty and juicy. I tried the one with tahini paste and nuts and a creamy filling. They have donuts with toppings, there are gluten-free options, and all of them are super classy.
The only downside is quite a high price / like in all of Berlin / for 4 donuts around $16. »
VEGAN DONUTS FROM BERLIN 🍩
The place, as someone living in Berlin told me, is quite popular, looks very cozy. There’s coffee on a beautiful milkshake, the interior is bright, selling bags from various brands, a bunch of bottles with their branding.
The donuts... they seem to descend from heaven and are the tastiest donuts in my vegan life!
There’s a huge selection, they are super tasty and juicy. I tried the one with tahini paste and nuts and a creamy filling. They have donuts with toppings, there are gluten-free options, and all of them are super classy.
The only downside is quite a high price / like in all of Berlin / for 4 donuts around $16. »
Live, drink coffee, smoke, BUT
Water the flowers!
It’s true summer in Berlin (we, people from St. Petersburg, say it like this)))) and the air is really dry. But at least I can wear all my summer dresses =) While Ksyusha is working, I enjoy tea and croissants for €0.20. »