Drop your preconceptions of “Asian fusion” and make a beeline for Pappelallee, where a pint-sized restaurant named Mrs Robinson’s is setting new standards for sublime Asian-inspired sharing dishes. Leading the kitchen is chef Ben Zhee — also behind Israeli restaurant Yafo — who opened the place with his partner Samina Raza, a year after the pair met at Berghain. Seated at the bar, with a prime view over the chefs’ nimble hands, we devoured homemade shrimp noodles with caviar in sake-saffron butter between sips of a gin and green chartreuse sour. Just when we thought we’d reached peak indulgence with the barbecued duck breast with miso plum and nori buttermilk, out came dessert: sake-rhubarb-strawberry ice cream with white asparagus and tarragon. We melted. Mrs Robinson’s is indulgent yet fuss-free in equal measure — and much like the effortless service, exceeding of every expectation. (Text & Photos: Anna Dorothea Ker)

Mrs Robinson’s, Pappelallee 29, 10437 Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg; map
Tue-Sat 18-24h, reservations recommended

A seasonal eight-course Omakase menu, an intimate and authentic atmosphere, carefully selected glassware and ceramics, impeccable service and attention to detail: Shiori brings the very essence of Japanese haute cuisine to Berlin. This setting, typical of Japan’s fine dining culture, is certainly new here, and people are loving it; Shiori has been all the rage amongst Berlin foodies since its opening last summer. Owner and chef Shiori Arai was born into a culinary family: Both parents ran small restaurants in his home town in Japan’s Fukui prefecture, allowing him to learn the tricks of the trade. Next-level chawanmushi (Japanese shrimp dumplings), salmon marinated in koji and shrimp-shinjo sitting in a delicate clear broth soup are just some of the pretty dishes you can expect to delight your senses at Shiori. Chef Arai truly showcases the culmination of quality and artisanal craftsmanship inherent in his culture. You’ve got to experience it to believe it. Given Shiori’s ten-seat capacity, reservation via email is required. (Text: Rei Matsuoka / Fotos: Sven Hausherr)

Shiori, Max-Beer-Straße 13, 10119 Berlin-Mitte; map
Mon-Sat 19.30-22.30h. Limited seating, entrance via email reservation only.

There is nothing more difficult to find in Berlin than a good, big, juicy piece of meat. I’m not talking about a thin schnitzel here — I mean thick but soft meat that has structure but almost melts in your mouth. That’s exactly what I found at Big Sur: organic ribeye steak, cooked to perfection and accompanied by a variety of inventive side dishes with a touch of Mexican and Asian influences. The drinks served at the long wooden bar are as as creative and ever-changing as the food menu, though you can always count on a punchy Mezcal cocktail to get your night started. Ask your host to tell you the story of how all this started with a food truck and ended up as a truly unique place in one of my favorite corners of Kreuzberg. (Text: Letizia Luperini / Photos: Jessica David)

Big Sur, Graefestr.11, 10967 Berlin-Kreuzberg, map

Tue, Wed & Sun 18-02h, Thursday 18-03h, Fri & Sat 18-04h

Hailing from Mexico City, Letizia Luperini has been in Berlin for 4 years and currently calls Charlottenburg home. She is the co-founder of Pamono, a marketplace for vintage and contemporary design furniture.