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
