Opened in November 2017, Wagner Cocktail Bistro strikes the perfect balance between fine and casual dining. Each and every share plate on the menu is refined, but approachable — from French fries smoked in beef fat served with an earthy beetroot dip to silky black pudding dumplings with a fragrant rosemary broth. Did I mention the burrata with plums and Hanoi pepper, or the ridiculously huge Gillardeau oysters from France’s famed fourth-generation oyster dynasty? Each plate is more tantalizing than the next. Headed up by Ramses Manneck (co-creator of Industry Standardand co-founder of Wild Things), the team also includes chef Thomas Leitner and mixologist Tuan Nguyen — ensuring you’re more than taken care of on all fronts. While the drinks are organized by features into categories from “Slick” to “Fancy” and the wines are all natural (of course) we recommend taking in Tuan’s signature drink: the Sakura – served in a chilled ceramic cup, the floral drink mixes sake with raspberry and cherry, for a light and clean cocktail that goes down oh so smoothly. Sit at the high communal table for glimpses of chef Thomas finishing each plate at the open pass and scenes from Tuan as he elegantly mix drinks — bottles and stir sticks effortlessly gliding through the air, reflecting just how it feels to dine at Wagner. (Text: Devan Grimsrud / Photos: Luke Marshall Johnson, Wagner Cocktail Bistro)

Wagner Cocktail Bistro, Paul-Lincke-Ufer 22, 10999 Berlin-Kreuzberg; map
Lunch: Mon–Fri 11-16h
Dinner, Drinks: Tue-Thu 19-2h, Fri–Sat 19-3h

Sitting beside its ever popular sibling, 893 Ryōtei on Kanstraße, Funky Fisch is a modern fish market meets restaurant. A welcomed newcomer from chef and restaurateur Duc Ngo, inside you’re immediately met with a vast counter filled with fresh fish while rustic wooden tables for any party size sit around in nooks — some giving you a rare glimpse of the happenings in the busy kitchen. It’s hard to choose from the menu with the variety on offer, but beginning your meal with the crispy fried fish in soft bao buns with cucumber and hoisin sauce will leave you far from disappointed. Then, try something new and go for the fresh noodles topped with a poached egg, caviar and crispy oysters — decadent and rich, the “massa imperial” is certainly something to behold. Each dish packs a punch, and Funky Fisch showcases something new for Berliners from a name they know, and trust. (Text & Photos: Emilie Wade)

Funky Fisch, Kantstr.135-136, 10625 Berlin-Charlottenburg; map
Tue-Sun 12-23h

Presenting an unequalled take on traditional Polish comfort food, Tak Tak – Polish Deli has been combining friendly, fast casual service with high-quality ingredients since November 2015. Owner and full-time operator Karol Kasierski opened Tak Tak to share delicious Polish comfort classics with Berlin — adding his own modern twists here and there. Take the pierogis for example, each wrapped with the same perfectly soft and chewy dough but stuffed differently: from vegan spinach and buckwheat to beetroot with goat cheese, and of course, the classic meat-filled – all are served with sour cream and a pickle, and are handmade in Poland just for Tak Tak. Alongside the pierogis, you can’t miss Karol’s take on the Polish national dish, bigos — featuring meat or tofu, sauerkraut and fresh cabbage stewed with spices, hearty stock, and various vegetables. No matter the dish, this modern deli continues to satisfy with comfort and warmth that’s perfectly suited to the season ahead. (Text: Massimo Hartmann / Photos: Emilie Wade)

Tak Tak – Polish Deli, Brunnenstr.5, 10119 Berlin-Mitte; map

Mon-Sun 12-22h