Opened in November 2017, Wagner Cocktail Bistro strikes the perfect balance between fine and casual dining. Each and every share plate on the menu is refined, but approachable — from French fries smoked in beef fat served with an earthy beetroot dip to silky black pudding dumplings with a fragrant rosemary broth. Did I mention the burrata with plums and Hanoi pepper, or the ridiculously huge Gillardeau oysters from France’s famed fourth-generation oyster dynasty? Each plate is more tantalizing than the next. Headed up by Ramses Manneck (co-creator of Industry Standardand co-founder of Wild Things), the team also includes chef Thomas Leitner and mixologist Tuan Nguyen — ensuring you’re more than taken care of on all fronts. While the drinks are organized by features into categories from “Slick” to “Fancy” and the wines are all natural (of course) we recommend taking in Tuan’s signature drink: the Sakura – served in a chilled ceramic cup, the floral drink mixes sake with raspberry and cherry, for a light and clean cocktail that goes down oh so smoothly. Sit at the high communal table for glimpses of chef Thomas finishing each plate at the open pass and scenes from Tuan as he elegantly mix drinks — bottles and stir sticks effortlessly gliding through the air, reflecting just how it feels to dine at Wagner. (Text: Devan Grimsrud / Photos: Luke Marshall Johnson, Wagner Cocktail Bistro)
Wagner Cocktail Bistro, Paul-Lincke-Ufer 22, 10999 Berlin-Kreuzberg; map
Lunch: Mon–Fri 11-16h
Dinner, Drinks: Tue-Thu 19-2h, Fri–Sat 19-3h
