Want to see what Latin American cuisine offers beyond classic tacos and ceviche? Then Tupac is the right place for you. Founders, friends David Pollack-Destiny and Ariel Peralta, show how courage and creativity can be used to create something original from seemingly simple ingredients. Chef Ariel reinterprets the classics by going beyond convention, but this restaurant isn’t just about creative freedom in cooking; much emphasis is placed on the sourcing, quality and seasonality of ingredients. This care and creativity is fully realized in dishes like the spicy pimiento peppers with aromatic shiitake mushroom filling and the fresh asparagus coated in delicate melted manchego cheese and homemade guava marmalade. Spectacular cocktails are the perfect pairing for the dishes, and dessert is no less memorable: a homemade sweet potato doughnut with peanut praline and chipotle chili for a tasty interplay of sweet and spicy flavors. This is Latin American food like you’ve never had it. (Text: Lisa Staub / Photos: Savannah van der Niet)

Tupac, Hagelberger Str.9, 10965 Berlin–Kreuzberg; map
Tue–Sat 18–23h
@tupacberlin

A republic should be committed to the common good, and vegan eatery Neue Republik Reger wants to fuel those making it happen. They believe that anyone who wants to change the world needs a clear head and a full stomach. Friends Lena, Pit and Tatze opened the Alt-Treptow space in August 2018 as a cafe and bar, and a few months later were ready to fry. Now, the menu boasts burgers such as Pulled Seitan with coleslaw and BBQ chipotle sauce and Tempting Tempeh with corn chips for those who like crunch. Try their vegan version of poutine, or “classic” Berlin Curryvurst paired with a beer, long drinks, wine or housemade lemonade. While the summer sun’s still out you can also pick up some (vegan) soft serve ice cream: Oreo, vanilla – whatever your flavor. Building the world they want to live in, Neue Republik Reger’s system is simple: Plant-based, harm-free and open to all. This is a restaurant with a philosophy that’s to everyone’s taste. (Text: Scarlett Peeters / Photos: Savannah van der Niet)

Neue Republik Reger, Bouchéstr.79A, 12435 Berlin–Alt-Treptow; map
Currently open for outdoor dining – check Instagram for the latest on indoor seating, live music and events.
Wed–Mon 12h30–21h
@neuerepublikreger

Magic John’s has made New York-style pizza its speciality. Walk in and you are greeted by two scaffold-style displays where you can watch chefs lock and load the pizzas before you make your choice, either mixing and matching slices or going for the full pie. Israeli-born owner Jonathan Margulies moved to New York at the age of thirteen, where among other things (art school, delivering pizza, eating pizza) he opened restaurants with his brother Shaul Margulies (now co-owner of House of Small Wonder). After moving to Berlin in 2004, it’s not the big smoke he misses, but the pizza, and on the menu you’ll find classic Margherita, Truffle (white sauce, portobello, truffled ricotta and parsley) and Butternut (vegan option with squash, sesame sauce and caramelised onion) plus an olive-packed pizza that was a daily fixture in Margulies’ childhood diet (a pepperoni-decked option is on the way). Chase your cheesy slice with local Kombucha by Roy or beer by Motel. There are a couple of seats, but Magic John’s is intended to be eaten on-the-go, in a New York minute. (Text: Scarlett Peeters / Photos: Savannah van der Niet)

Magic John’s, Oranienburger Str.48, 10117 Berlin–Mitte; map
Open Daily 12–23h for eat in and takeaway (delivery coming soon). Call 030 91570700 to order ahead.
@mmmagicjohns