Peeking through the windows of Maybachufer 21 in July 2017, geometric shapes and a retro color palette caught my eye. When the signs went up revealing that this corner mystery would be an Italian restaurant and pizza place, I was even more intrigued — as the aesthetics seemed to clash with my idea of a pizzeria. Yet oddly enough, it works. The space was designed by the same team behind Nihombashi, and creates a unique atmosphere full of little surprises, fantastical patterns, and whimsy — playing heavily on the name “Ammazza Che”, Italian for “to kill for”. After a few months spent running in circles with the German bureaucracy regarding their pizza oven (the first of its kind in Berlin), owner Davide put his pizzas to the test, now swearing by a 48 hour rest and rise for the doughs — a process that gives the end product a deeper flavor and lighter texture. In addition to the well-rested pizzas, feast on plates of antipasti or deliciously dense focaccia – cut into thick squares and topped with things like capers and mozzarella DOP, they make the best bready accompaniment to a fall walk along the canal. (Text: Devan Grimsrud / Photos: Luke Marshall Johnson)

Ammazza Che Pizza, Maybachufer 21, 12047 Berlin-Neukölln; map
Tue-Sun 11.30-22.30h

Do you have two beating hearts? One beating for the traditional foods of your (adopted) German homeland, the other beating for the delicacies of the UK? Then St. Bart is the perfect eatery for you. Located at the lower end of the Graefekiez, this pub-meets-restaurant has been serving fine seasonal British-German cuisine since August 2017. Divided into “small plates” and “large plates,” tasty German temptations such as smoked eel with fennel or Himmel und Erde (“Heaven and Earth”) can be found on the menu in perfect harmony with British culinary delights like Scotch eggs and ham hock terrine. Our tip: come with at least a party of four so that you can share everything. The conversation about the food alone will fill the entire evening as every dish is somewhat of an embodiment of a specific texture or taste. The fried chicken is crispier than crisp, the “burnt Jerusalem artichoke” is not for novices, and the pavlova is the epitome of delicious fluff. By staying true to their cuisine and offering us an unwavering concept, St. Bart provides a true culinary experience that is both down-to-earth and contemporary. Their wine selection is genuine as well: each glass has its own distinct character. The cocktails too are tempting, and the large bar at the entrance lends itself well to a start, or end, of evening drink. I must say, I’m a big fan of this two-state solution. (Text: Nina Trippel / Photos: Luke Marshall Johnson)

St. Bart, Graefestr.71, 10967 Berlin-Kreuzberg; map
Wed-Sun 16-24h

Not to be confused the Netflix original movie of the same name, To The Bone is a contemporary meat-forward Northern Italian restaurant by the group behind To Beef or Not to Beef. Make your way through the soft scarlet glow of the entrance hall to find the bar and dining room open in front of you – reflective surfaces, contemporary colors, and touches of gold an invitation for romance. Velour banquettes line two walls in the furthest dining room, where chic lacquered tables await and you’ll dine washed in faux moonlight from a light fixture that only adds to the allure. The focus of the menu rests on high-quality meats sourced directly from specialty Italian meat producers, ranging from oxtail to quail, rack of venison to house aged steaks — with exclusive cuts from Panzano-based butcher Dario Cecchinimaking apperances as well. Paired with a modern atmosphere, moody lighting, and umami perfection – a night at To The Bone presents a divine dining experience that has swept us off our feet. (Text: Devan Grimsrud / Photos: Luke Marshall Johnson)

To The Bone, Torstr.96, 10119 Berlin-Mitte; map
Mon-Sat 18-23h, Bar until 3h