Have you ever noticed how few places there are in Mitte to get a great Döner? With the opening of K.W.A (short for Kebab with Attitude) that’s all started to change. The idea for something more than just an average Döner stand came from friends Jannis, Deniz and Daniel, who, after a successful pop-up in Schöneberg, decided to set up shop. The spot needed to be something special – original kebabs with a little bit of attitude. The menu ranges from the classic versions to more creative Döner, like the “K.W.A Funky Mango” with chicken, mango cranberry chutney and coconut sauce, or the “K.W.A Moringo” with halloumi, caramelized pineapple and guacamole. The meat is sustainably sourced, and can be served either in a dürüm, pide, or on a platter. They have vegetarian options and mezze and sides too. Don’t forget to try the beetroot with walnuts and grapes. Satisfy your sweet tooth on a hot day with an Ayran soft-serve ice cream with baklava – a magical combination of sweet, salty, and refreshing, best enjoyed at a mosaic-tiled table on the cosy terrace. This new spot makes kebabs the Berlin way, never neglecting its origins or tradition, but always with attitude. (Text: Katie Burton / Photos: Johanna Rademacher-Flesland)

Restaurant Richard has been on my to-do list for years. Owner Hans Richard has created this fine dining jewel in the inconspicuous Köpenicker Straße, only five minutes away from Schlesi. From the varied seasonal menu to the thoughtful wine accompaniments and the contemporary artworks that adorn the walls, the formula here is perfect. Dining in an impressive 19th century salon under an opulently decorated wooden ceiling, you’ll feel transported to another world. Running until 20.07.2019, the current menu is inspired by the gardener’s rich summer harvest. And what particularly appeals is the idea of bringing the vegetable to the forefront without the need to be explicitly vegetarian. With some dishes, they don’t shy away from using animal products to add depth and taste, something I miss with a purely vegetarian meal. Starting from 06.08. the focus shifts to Mediterranean cuisine for one month. I would recommend making time to catch “Tutti Frutti” – the name of this seven-course vegetable feast – and let nature inspire you via your plate. (Text & Photos: Sven Hausherr)

Restaurant Richard, Köpenicker Str.174, 10997 Berlin–Kreuzberg; map
Tues–Sat 19–0h