Berlin, Germany is an expanding cultural hub that gives locals and visitors endless experiences to discover. Mitte (translating to, Middle), a borough of Berlin that is situated along on the Spree River, is the city’s physical and historic center, packed with museums, monuments, restaurants and nightlife. There is so much to explore in this buzzy city and the Mitte area is the ideal place to start your journey.
Where to Eat
Katz Orange
Located through a courtyard in an impressive converted 19th-century brewery, Katz Orange is a culinary highlight of Mitte. Focused on sustainability, the restaurant is trendy but warm, with a great bar menu to get you started (try the mezcal mule, you’re welcome). Highlights of the dinner menu are the “candy on bone” items where you find the duroc pork “katz orange” which is slow roasted for 12 hours and served in its own gravy with lemon garlic yogurt sauce. Another favorite was the loch dart salmon which is perfectly cooked in olive oil and sage. Don’t forget to order a side of fries with your dinner (they are fried in organic goose fat, swoon). If you have room for dessert, go for the chocolate cake or the caramelized crepe. Katz Orange is sure to leave you full and happy. Follow on Instagram.
Address: Bergstraße 22, 10115 Berlin, Germany
Grill Royal
Grill Royal is the ultimate place to go to get your steak fix. Beautifully located on the Spree River, this luxe steakhouse has become somewhat of a hotspot for both international travelers and locals looking for an impressive meal. The restaurant has one of the city’s most extensive steak menus with beef from all over the world including the US, Australia, France and Argentina. For your appetizer, start with the beef tartare and let the meat sweats continue to flow with the Australian Wagyu Entrecôte for your main. An ideal meal if you’re looking to impress. Follow on Instagram.
Address: Friedrichstraße 105b, 10117 Berlin, Germany
Alpenstück Restaurant and Bakery
Alpenstück is a two-building bakery and restaurant that are situated across the street from one another. The bakery serves breakfast and lunch that includes their incredibly delicious daily made bread and pastries (try the pretzel croissant, you will not regret it!) The restaurant, which opens in the afternoon, serves lunch and dinner and is famous for their Southern German dishes including my all time favorite, the veal schnitzel (I could eat their schnitzel every day). For something sweet, the apple strudel checks all the boxes for the quintessential German dessert.
Address: Gartenstraße 9, 10115 Berlin, Germany
Yarok
If you’re looking for an inexpensive and (insanely) delicious meal, Yarok is the place. An absolute neighborhood gem, this Syrian eatery gives it’s patrons giant portions that can include falafel, shwarma, hummus, pita, grilled veggies, couscous and more for around 8 euros a person. I am happily guilty of eating here multiple times a week during my time in Berlin with the grilled meat platter being my favorite dish. Yarok also pleases a vegan and vegetarian palate with half the menu containing no meat. Enjoy your platter with a fritz-cola orange soda and you’re living your best life.
Address: Torstraße 195, 10115 Berlin, Germany
Prater Garten
Prater Garten is Berlin’s oldest beer garden. Set in a large open space with rows of communal tables under trees lined with twinkling lights, you’ll feel like you’re in Bavaria with their traditional menu consisting of pretzels, a variety of sausages and pickles. It’s is a great spot to chill for the day or night during the warmer month’s in Berlin if you’re looking to be outside (while also drinking and eating). If you are craving a more tradition meal or it’s too cold, there is an onsite, more formal indoor restaurant. Their hearty German dishes, including roasted pork and schnitzel, will have you warmed up in no time. With an extensive beer and wine menu, their indoor and outdoor restaurants, there is something for everyone and every season at Prater Garten.
Address: Kastanienallee 7-9, 10435 Berlin, Germany
Stay
Soho House Berlin
Combining the industrial vibe that Berlin is known for with Soho House’s signature comfortable chic, Soho House Berlin is the ultimate city escape. Located near the famed Alexanderplatz, it’s an ideal place to stay to explore everything that Mitte has to offer, while also enjoying the hotel’s noteworthy amenities. The hotel itself boasts 40 rooms, a club bar with dining area (and taco Tuesday’s!), Cowshed spa with hammam, and my personal favorite, the rooftop, which features a heated pool, lounge chairs, great food, a full bar and a perfect view of the famous Berlin TV tower.
With bike rentals available in the lobby and many of the city’s greatest attractions and restaurants within a 15 minute walk, there’s no better place to make your home base during your stay in Berlin. Follow on Instagram.
Address: Torstraße 1, 10119 Berlin, Germany
Nightlife
Kater Blau
Germany’s nightlife is infamous and speaks for itself. I can’t pretend to be an expert but I will say one of my favorite evenings out was a night out at Kater Blau. The club sits on the border of Mitte and the artistic neighborhood of Kreuzberg on the Spree River. The huge complex has what seems like an endless maze of rooms for its patrons to discover, each with their own music and vibe. A great aspect of Kater Blau is all the outdoor space. You can chill out or dance on the expansive open-air deck or on the pirate ship docked on the river. Like many clubs in Germany, they take their no cellphones allowed rule seriously, so don’t expect to document your evening for social media (there is a photo booth, which I could not resist). The crowd is local (wearing a lot of black!) and is there for the music above all else. Doors open at 11 but the party doesn’t really get started till the early hours of the morning.
Address: Holzmarktstraße 25, 10243 Berlin, Germany