When a drinking occasion calls for expertise, service and a selection nothing short of excellent, may we point you in the direction of Freundschaft, the new(ish) venture of two Berlin wine oracles with Austrian roots — Willi Schlögl (formerly of Cordobar) und Johannes Schellhorn (ex-Nobelhart & Schmutzig) — in connection with the Grill Royal Group. As the bar’s name conveys, the idea is to serve top-notch wine in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere — hence the no-reservations policy and the expansive 40-seat oval bar that invites you to take a seat and pore over the 500-position menu, presented in a sultry dark green tome. Better yet, ask for a recommendation: there’s a large selection of naturals, plus options by the glass (15 bottles are open). Don’t pass up an glass of “Dein Bester Freund” (“Your Best Friend”), a special 2L Doppler house edition bottle produced by with Weingut Tement in Südsteiermark. A rotating selection of simple small dishes created by Austrian-Vietnamese chef Stefanie La — pickled vegetables, beef tartare — ensures hunger, not only thirst, is kept at bay. Whether you come with a reason to celebrate or just stop by spontaneously for an indulgent after work tipple — this is a place in which friendship flourishes fast.(Text: Anna Dorothea Ker / Photos: Mina Aichhorn)
Freundschaft, Mittelstr.1, 10117 Berlin-Mitte; map
Tue-Sat 17-2h
