In October 2024, Navi opened in the middle of Graefekiez. “Navi” comes from Sanskrit and can be translated as “new” — if I could sum up the Indian restaurant in just one word, that would be it. Modern Indian cuisine is served here in a way that many of us have never experienced before. Just a few minutes from Kottbusser Brücke, Navi offers authentic dishes from India’s 28 states and eight union territories, refined with modern techniques, complex spice blends and local ingredients from Berlin and Brandenburg. Chef Shannon Lawrence, born in Mumbai, moved to Berlin a few weeks ago after working as Senior Sous Chef at The Bombay Canteen and as Head Chef at the newly opened Cirqa. At Navi, he now prepares elevated comfort food for guests. The dishes are designed to be shared and embody the idea of coming together and Indian hospitality. Signature dishes, such as Crispy Okra Zunka, a hearty crème brûlée made from chickpea flour with crispy okra and rice papadam, the Navi Special Dal made from white lentils, fried onions and ginger ghee, or the Rasam Prawns with aromatic rasam butter, deep-fried curry leaves and green pepper, bring together familiar Indian flavors from the various micro-cuisines, some of which can be distinguished by very different spices and textures. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options on the menu, such as the Achari Tikka, a vegetarian kebab skewer with glazed root vegetables, herb chutney, roasted sesame seeds and pistachio crumble.

Like the menu itself, the ambiance is special and breaks down clichés. An old Berlin building with high ceilings, stucco and wooden floorboards meets furniture specially made for Navi from India — warm shades of green, large origami lamps and hand-painted porcelain plates. To accompany the dishes, Navi serves cocktails named after Indian cities and presents them based on the ingredients or the popularity, such as the #5 Delhi with whisky, rum and masala chai syrup or the #7 Jaipur with vodka, saffron and cardamom. The owners Heena Manglani, Ritesh Taurani and Gurbir Gill show Berlin a new, modern side of Indian cuisine — one that impresses with a lot of heart, many exciting stories and even more little-known flavors.

Text: Robyn Steffen / Photos: Sophie Doering

Navi, Graefestr.83, 10967 Berlin–Kreuzberg; map

@wearenavi

Off Wittenbergplatz and into the hustle and bustle. As soon as I cross the street, I’m met by crowds of shoppers pushing past me. Sometimes the Ku’damm feels like an endless marathon. If you want to escape the chaos, Frizza Bistro has been the perfect setting for a short breather since December 2023. Philip and Paul Piskator, brothers and owners of Frizza, want to convey the feeling of an open, relaxed kitchen. The space transports you to a living room with pictures on the walls and large blackboards. Together with chef Kleant, Philip and Paul have developed a lunch concept reminiscent of home cooking: quick and simple, but particularly tasty and filling. The menu is straightforward and inspired by the brothers’ Italian roots, paired with their new ideas and creations. A favorite is the lasagna rolls, served either with homemade ragout or as a vegetarian option. Pappardelle with pistachio pesto and minestrone are bistro classics, along with desserts such as apple pie with miso caramel sauce or a chocolate crèmeux with olive oil, salt and chili. Other dishes change seasonally, and care is always taken to ensure there are plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

From time to time, the three of them come up with one or two specials that are only available for a short time, such as the burrata with fresh balsamic figs. If you enjoy wine with lunch, you’ll find what you are looking for here. Like the lunch menu, the wine list is compact and accessible, featuring a selection of natural wines, most of which come from Italy and Germany. Freshly squeezed juices, non-alcoholic cocktails and sodas are available for those who only toast with wine in the evening. With Frizza, Philip and Paul want to prove you don’t have to miss out on fresh, homemade dishes when you’re in a rush. Although the food at Frizza is served quickly, I like to sit here for a while to escape the chaos outside for a few more minutes.

Text & Photos: Robyn Steffen

Frizza, Nürnberger Str.8, 10787 Berlin–Charlottenburg; map 

@frizza.kitchen