Buddha Republic - Berlin

Address: Knesebeckstraße 88 10623 Berlin
Tel: 030 31164204
Website: http://www.buddha-republic.com/

Summary: Have tandoori like nowhere else.

Exberliner has always pointed to us to nice finds. We have been to this nice Indian tandoori restaurant right at Savignyplatz already 3 times. Apart from its nice decor, Buddha Republic offers some delicious tandooris as well as other traditional dishes (Paneer dishes, masala, biryanis etc.). Served hot, right out of their shish, the meat and my favorite, fish, tandooris, are both visually and taste-wise fulfilling (Tandoori Chicken Tikka 13.90 Euros, Tandoori Fish Tikka, Tandoori Mutton Tikka 14.90 Euros). A nice difference to other Indian restaurants, is also that the rice is served tastefully on banana leaves on a plate. Naan options - we tried Garlic and Coriander Naan (2.90 Euros)- are also very very tasty. Finally, at least for us a rare find, Buddha Republic also offers to-die-for desserts. We tried gulab jamun, for instance, and it was absolutely delicious.

At Savignyplatz, Buddha Republic is hardly noticed among other bigger restaurants, but if you are around, it is a must-destination.

Balikci Ergun - Berlin, Germany

Address: Lueneburger Str. 382, S-Bhf Bellevue
Tel: 030 3975 737

Summary: Indeed the best fish in town

Again an Exberliner find. So far, we had no bad surprises. Balikci Ergun - as many a Google-found website confirmed, is a gem of a fish place in Berlin. It is located under a railway arch, and does not have the most romantic looking ambiance. It goes for real, simple and photos/objects (and not surprisingly, all fish-related) based setting.

We went together with two other friends, and were received very warmly. Since it is Ramadan, we were informed, it was easier to find a table. We were all starving, so we immediately ordered our food. For starters, we had a delicious mixed salad topped with cheese, and pickles from the house, and one plate of calamari to-share. The calamari was nicely breaded and cooked to perfection. Then the grilled fish came. Two of us had Dorade, one had Loup de Mer, and the other Salmon. All fish were nicely cooked, absolutely finger-licking delicious. Except one, no one was in the mood of alcohol - an extra-ordinarily hot night in Berlin, which made alcohol out of question for us.

The atmosphere was so nice that, we ended up chatting long beyond our coffees, and at the end the friendly waiter brought us a receipt of 83,50 for 4 people. Quite an amazing, and absolutely budget-friendly find in Berlin. Definitely must go there again.

Oktogon - Berlin, Germany

Address: Leipziger Platz 10, 10117 Berlin
Website: www.oktogon-berlin.de

Summary: A delicious surprise finding

We went to this restaurant at a late hour after a concert in Philarmonie, without any reservations. It was a delicious new find, a pleasant surprise. When looked from outside, the people inside seemed to be having a great time, and in a few minutes we joined them greeted by our courteous waiter.


The restaurant defines itself as serving fusion food. While we were waiting for our dishes, our waiter served olive-based home-made paste with fresh bread, and as a "welcome" from the kitchen, a small appetizer of spring rolls. As our main dishes, we chose BARBERIE ENTENBRUST Waldpilz-Muskatgemüse und Macadamia-Tagliolini (19,50 Euros) and KALT GERÄUCHERTES US-NACKENSTEAK Zucchini, Tomaten, Tandoori-Kartoffelgratin, Blackpeppersauce (19,50 Euros). The first was a deliciously cooked duck breast, accompanied by wonderfully aromatic pasta. In the latter, the steak was very tasty and well-cooked, the potatoes matched the dish very well, although the sauce was on the heavy side. In both dishes, the vegetables were a bit too generously salted, but did not ruin the taste of either dish in overall. We both drank an Australian Shiraz by the glass.

This place caught us by surprise, and we'll definitely visit again to sample the menu for a less time-pressed dinner.

Bocca di Bacco - Berlin, Germany

Address: Friedrichstraße 167/168 | 10117 Berlin | Germany | Tel. +49 (0) 30 20672828
Website: http://www.boccadibacco.de/

Summary: Best Italian in Berlin

We hesitated going to this restaurant for a long time fearing it would be pricey but not tasty. We were greatly mistaken! Behind the formidable facade of the restaurant, we found a very cozy atmosphere. The service is great from the welcome to the restaurant to the departure. Our waiters knew English, were competent in receiving our orders, serving our plates and timely enquiring for our further wishes.

The restaurant has a menu with a selection that would satisfy very different tastes and appetites as well as budgets. Only the wine list contains quite pricey selections. However, it is still possible to find an economic but still very good wine. Also half bottles are an option, and this was our choice for the night as we had a concert to attend afterwards. We chose a white wine, Soave Classico (Veneto - 17 Euros), which complemented our meal very well.

For appetizers we chose PROSCIUTTO TOSCANO CON MOZZARELLA DI BUFALA (Tuscan country ham with buffalo mozzarella -13 Euros) and GAMBERONE ALLA CATALANA (Steamed giant prawn on vegetable salad - 16,50). Both plates were quite big, but most importantly very delicious. The prosciutto was very thinly sliced, and just melted in the mouth. The mozzarella was a good accompaniment. The steamed giant prawn was indeed a giant, and it was laid on top of very thinly sliced carrots, leeks, mushrooms making an unexpectedly good mix, with a sauce I could not detect all ingredients - but it was not the time to question but just enjoy! :)

For the main dish, we chose SPAGHETTINI ALLE VONGOLE VERACI (Spaghettini with fresh clams - 13,50 Euros) and FILETTO DI MANZO AL PEPE NERO (Peppered beef fillet flambe - 29,50). The spaghetti was al dante, the clams were plenty and the sauce was all gone with some extra bread! Nothing could be wasted! The beef fillet was a thick piece of meat on a bed of sliced zucchinis. It was very well cooked, very crunchy on top.

Bocca di Bacco did not have at the beginning a very welcoming feeling for us, but once we entered through its doors, our whole perception of the place changed. We left very pleased and we will be coming back. Curious about all the other items on the menu, especially the fish options. And the wine list definitely needs more exploring!

Baba Angora - Berlin, Germany

Address: Schlueterstrasse 29, 10629 Berlin
Website: http://www.babaangora.de/index.html


Summary: Turkish hospitality at its peak, impeccable service and delicious food

We have been to this restaurant several times and each time we were greeted with courtesy - even when we did not have a reservation, they went out of their way to provide us (5 people) seating. And with smiling faces, with no complaints.

The place with its spotless white tablecloths and comfortable seating arrangement, and all its wall decorations has a very nice ambiance. Each time we went provided great service: always right about food suggestions, adding to the appetizer plates or breads if they believe we might need more than what the menu says.

Now, let's come to the food. We always order two mixed appetizer plates, one cold and one hot. The plates are immediate hit with people that never tasted Turkish (or middle eastern) cuisine before. The aubergine paste, hummus, small meatballs (koftes), sigara boregi are all freshly prepared. For main dishes, we typically choose from kebabs or oven-dishes. Also you can find more vegetable-based options like stuffed peppers, spinach dish with yoghurt, enjoyed by a vegetarian friend of mine.
For meat lovers, Adana kebab with yoghurt is a safe bet, also tandir kebab (a nice slow cooked lamb dish) is one of the favorites. My personal favorite is the Beyti Kebab (prepared a bit differently than the one shown in the website).

Finally, this restaurant makes a killer kunefe ! Try to leave space for this wonderful desert, if you can manage. But, they do not mind serving one to 5 people either. :D

The restaurant offers several Turkish wines, as well as French and Italian (in limited number). We still did not find a wine we liked there. Turkish raki is one option if you insist on alcoholic drinks.

Last but not least, one typically pays 30-35 Euros per person.
This restaurant is always busy, so do try to reserve ahead.