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
Just the other day I was invited to “Abendbrot” — what may sound rather unspectacular triggered an endless whirlwind of thoughts… It evoked thoughts about home, family gatherings, and the fact there are so many people in the world who share similar memories and yet all in very different ways. Marwan Fakhriddin, owner of Forn Simsim, associates home with bread. Marwan grew up with man’ousheh, a traditional flatbread from the Levant, which is baked in a forn (Arabic for oven or bakery). Formed into hand-sized shapes, they were served for breakfast in his home. With Forn Simsim, Marwan has been bringing a piece of home to you since May 2024 in the middle of Kastanienallee. Here, his man’ousheh is made from homemade sourdough. “Jibneh Akkawi” is my personal favorite and will be for all those for whom the words “too much” and “cheese” will never exist in the same sentence. The flatbread is topped with mozzarella and Akkawi cheese, and you can order homemade chili oil to go with it. Another classic is “zaatar” with thyme, sumac, sesame and olive oil, or “b ajeen” with minced lamb, tomatoes, sweet paprika, mint, parsley, chili paste and pomegranate molasses — leave out the meat for a super tasty vegan option. The seating in the small store is limited, but the flatbread is perfect as a to-go snack. It’s best to gather your loved ones for your visit to Forn Simsim because, as we all know, bread always tastes best shared with others.
Text: Robyn Steffen / Photos: Andrea Zoltanetzky, Robyn Steffen
Forn Simsim, Kastanienallee 24, 10435 Berlin–Prenzlauer Berg; map
@fornsimsim
Who hasn’t heard of Dashi Diner on Invalidenstraße? Word spread quickly when the first signs appeared on the façade and windows. Now, it’s one of the most popular lunch spots in Mitte. For those looking to squeeze the most out of their lunch break, Dashi never disappoints with offerings like “Chicken Sandos,” “Szechuan Fries,” “Caesar Salad” and “Shiitake Congee”. The menu is crafted by owners Thu Thuy Pham and Phuong Thao Westphal, who blend their heritage with culinary creativity. For those who find Mitte a bit too far and tend to frequent the city’s west, good news: Dashi Canteen has opened on the banks of the Spree in Charlottenburg in August 2024. Nestled beside House of Healing, a yoga studio boasting one of the most scenic views in Berlin, the canteen now offers the diner’s beloved classics in a new location. With its white-green tiles and stainless steel stools, the stylish canteen is second to none. It’s the perfect spot to visit while summer lingers, especially for its gorgeous outdoor view of the Spree.
Text: Amélie Reed / Photos: Dashi & Jordana Schramm
Dashi Canteen, Englische Str.21, 10587 Berlin–Charlottenburg; map
@dashidiner
The last rays of sunshine graze the bar while shadows dance along the front. The counter is already set for guests. The tables by the open window are still warm from the last hours of the day. At sunset, it’s particularly pleasant to linger at Kanal61, between the greenery and vinyl records. Anyone who wants to create unforgettable memories, both culinary and interpersonal, will find the perfect setting here. David Eckman and Jacques Voss ensure this with a wonderful open-mindedness reflected in the venue’s ambiance and on its plates. Since the beginning of August 2024, it’s been possible to meet both of them in their new Kanal61, in the middle of Erkelenzdamm, 61st. They gained experience together at Café Frieda until it felt like the right time to open something of their own. Now they share their experiences at Kanal61 where unpretentious dishes, good wine and music come together. Every day there’s a new, or at least adapted, menu, which David and Jacques put together using seasonal and local produce.
Dishes that remind them of their travels and memories — Japan must have left an impression. Pickled sardines with Einkorn shoyu, ricotta with mandarin koshu, Sicilian peaches, yellow beets and sage, dairy cow tartare with katsuobushi soya and cucumber, grilled pork belly with spring onion and karashi mustard. I feel a little sad as Jacques explains the concept of the changing menu to me, but I know that my next visit will be just as exciting because they know how to create surprising and unusual combinations with high-quality produce. I have discovered a new favorite place for myself, one that impresses with its historic façade, open kitchen and exceptional dishes. I’m sure you’ll love it too.
Text: Robyn Steffen / Photos: Robyn Steffen & Kanal61
Kanal61, Erkelenzdamm 61, 10999 Berlin–Kreuzberg; map
@kanal_61
As a frequent U1/U3 rider, I often rush through Mehringplatz to Hallesches Tor without paying much attention to the ever-changing cluster of tiny shops and cafés. However, the Al Catzone sign immediately caught my eye last year – perhaps thanks to the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland: according to the founders, the cat is wild, quirky and has a sense of the good life – and thus embodies the idea of the restaurant. My curiosity was piqued. I popped in with a few friends to discover a unique all-vegan Napoli-style Pizzeria in the most unexpected location. I was immediately drawn to the retro interior, nostalgic of the 70s and 80s. There was also an outdoor seating area surrounded by trees, which almost made me forget I was in the center of Berlin. At first glance, one might not even know Al Catzone serves an all-vegan menu. The sourdough pizzas are baked piping hot with just the right hint of crispy, burnt, bubbly dough. There are regularly changing specials. On a recent visit, we tried the “Super Diavola” with spicy salami, “Rave Dave” (Peperoni New York Style), and “Billie” with roasted eggplant and basil pesto. The current special, Timo Truffles with fresh truffle and crispy potato hash browns, had an exceptional burst of flavor. They serve a variety of refreshing spritzes, including a Bergamot and a Nonnino, made of 16 different Italian botanicals. Be sure to leave room for dessert as there is a particularly tasty tiramisu and vanilla ice cream with salt and olive oil.
Text: Stephanie McQuade / Photos: Robyn Steffen
Al Catzone, Brandesstr.7, 10969 Berlin–Kreuzberg; map
@alcatz_one