Dimly lit lanterns glowing before the windows are what first draw your attention to L’Eustache. The small French restaurant is run by owner and chef de cuisine Justine Daufresne. The atmosphere, with a small sign slightly crooked on the door, is half French countryside taverna and half cobblestoned back-alley bar in Berlin. The inside is simple but charming; old wooden stools and tables crowd between the dark green walls and plants line the window ledges, complementing their French fare with Mediterranean influences. However, their efficient service and skillful cooking ensure that all is not too quaint: Pâté de Campagne side by side with octopus, chickpea and chorizo stew, burrata and beetroot salad, parsnip soup, and desserts such as sablé breton and warm chocolate cake will keep you enchanted throughout the evening. In short, L’Eustache is full of character and is a real highlight in Schillerkiez. Until 19.11.2015, they are showcasing photography from Patricia Escriche, a selection of images called “tobu sakana” (Japanese for flying fish). This short exhibition is yet another reason to pay this place a visit soon — as if you need another excuse. (Text: Michaela Wölfel / Photo: Janar Siniloo)

L’Eustache, Weiserstr.49, Berlin-Neukölln; map
Tue-Sat 18-23h

When I first heard of a new restaurant focusing on Central and Eastern European specialities I was really happy, since I have Slovak roots and haven’t been able to find anything like this in Berlin before. As soon as you enter the modern yet cozy room, you immediately feel as if you are enjoying “dinner at a friend’s place”. The big dining table in the middle of the room is connected to the focal point: the kitchen. This is where all the magic happens, and from where Vanda and Silvia, the two Slovak founders of Platz Doch!, take care of their guests by treating them to all kinds of specialities accompanied by organic wines and homemade infusions from Slovakia. Platz Doch! also functions as a gastronomic event agency and can be booked for pop-up events. Traditional Slovak dishes and Central European cuisine are transformed into something really special here – I was thrilled, and will definitely be back for more! (Text & Photos: Karolina Rosina)

Platz Doch!, Manteuffelstr.48, 10999 Berlin-Kreuzberg; map
Tue-Sat from 17h

Don’t be fooled by its location. Sandwiched between tourist-trap restaurants near Rosenthalerplatz, Gogogi is a true Asian oasis in the heart of Germany’s capital. Three young Korean artists with traditional culinary backgrounds have recently landed in Berlin from Seoul with one purpose in mind: to open a genuine yet modern Korean restaurant. Built with refurbished and salvaged materials taken from traditional Korean homes and schools, the restaurant’s interior is stylish, comfortable and tasteful. Gogogi uses only free range meat and offers homemade hot sauce, soy sauce and kimchi. Indulge yourself in the not-to-be-missed table-top barbeque dishes like Bulgogi and Samgyeop. Try the Korean sake sampler and Pajeon pancake with long strings of spring onions — second to none in Berlin. To top it off, the staff is extremely friendly. This place definitely gets my vote. (Text & Photo: Rei Matsuoka)

Gogogi, Weinbergsweg 24, 10119 Berlin-Mitte; map
Tue-Thu 12-15.30 & 18-23h, Fri-Sat 12-15.30 & 18-00h
Sun 12-15.30 & 18-23h