I came across “Tafelgold” in Prenzlauer Berg a couple of weeks ago by coincidence. A fine menu and its unique flair make this tapas/wine bar a real gem. With its dark wooden furniture and tiled bar with only a small number of tables, this tiny joint gives an air of nonchalance and coziness. It is quiet without being uncomfortably silent; sitting at one of the small tables makes you feel like you’re in someone’s livingroom. The waiters are inconspicuous yet always attentive – something not to taken for granted in Berlin! For starters, fresh baked bread with Aioli dip is a fine choice. Besides tapas classics like olives, bacon-wrapped dates or chorizo, they offer a weekly menu with warm delicacies such as “Gambas Piri Piri” or “Lamb Stew with chickpeas” and equally satisfying vegetarian dishes. “We place importance on the quality of our ingredients as well as on creative approaches used in cooking methods to present today’s Spanish cuisine” says Tafelgold owner Ole Staacken. He first opened his Friedrichshain tapas bar in 2008 for the love of Spain and the sophisticated modern Spanish cooking before moving to Prenzlauer Berg earlier this year.

Tafelgold, Niederbarnimstr. 11, 10247 Berlin-Friedrichshain; map

Mon-Sun 16-2h

Rosann Brandt lives in Berlin.

Published in Cee Cee #49 on 22.3.2012