Kitchen owner Jonathan O'Reilly from Crazy Bastard Kitchen shares his top spots for dining and drinking experiences
In the heart of Berlin, a vibrant sustainable restaurant scene is taking shape, with establishments like Eszra and Tisk leading the charge.
Eszra
Located on Schönstedtstraße in Neukölln, Eszra is making waves with its commitment to using seasonal, local ingredients and changing its menu daily. The restaurant is known for its marzipan, made from plum stones, and its flavourful hot pot, which recommends the use of fresh ginger, coriander, fresh chilies, oyster sauce, and avoids the peanut sauce. Eszra is on track for a Michelin Green Star, further cementing its reputation as a sustainable dining destination.
Tisk
Tisk, another Berlin gem, is situated near Eszra. Known for its chicken broiler for two people and a bottle of wine, Tisk also sources its ingredients from farms in Brandenburg. The restaurant is part of Berlin's sustainable restaurant scene, although specific details about its eco-friendly practices are not widely publicised.
Öz Samsun
Öz Samsun, another restaurant in Neukölln, offers a unique tripe soup called Pansensuppe for €6 a bowl. Each bowl comes with two big pieces of bread, a tray of chillies, radish, and a lot of herbs, making it a hearty and flavourful option.
Velvet
For those seeking a unique cocktail experience, Velvet in Berlin is a must-visit. Known for making vacuum distillates onsite from local seasonal ingredients, Velvet offers a shiitake mushroom martini and a chilli distillate that highlights the flavour of habaneros with its heat.
Companion Coffee
If you're a tea lover, Companion Coffee, a neighbouring establishment, is worth a visit. Specialising in tea, it sources single-origin tea from places like Nepal and offers an exceptional tea experience, including a second pour and detailed explanations. The oatmeal cookie at Companion Coffee is highly praised for its quality.
Berlin's culinary landscape is not just about sustainability; it's about innovation and a commitment to environmental and climate-friendly initiatives. Other sustainable dining options in the city include vegan organic restaurants, shops without packaging waste, and fair product sourcing citywide. Nobelhart & Schmutzig in Mitte is a prominent example of a sustainable restaurant, emphasising small-scale local producers, seasonal menus, and eco-friendly practices.
For a comprehensive sustainable dining experience, other recommended restaurants and initiatives can be explored in Berlin’s diverse districts, where innovative sustainable planning and food culture flourish. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty soup, a unique cocktail, or a flavourful hot pot, Berlin's sustainable restaurant scene has something for everyone.
- The innovative sustainable restaurant scene in Berlin extends beyond Eszra and Tisk, as evident in the unique tripe soup offered at Öz Samsun and the shiitake mushroom martini served at Velvet.
- Complementing Berlin's sustainable dining destinations are initiatives like vegan organic restaurants, zero-waste shops, and fair product sourcing citywide, ensuring a comprehensive eco-friendly food-and-drink lifestyle.
