Explore the best restaurants in Friedrichshain, Berlin

East Berlin’s Friedrichshain district has a lot going on. History, business venues, iconic club nights. And when you’re feeling hungry, this part of the city is booming with great places to eat.

Once you’re done checking out this cool Berlin neighbourhood, it’s time to get stuffed. Here’s the best restaurants in Friedrichshain, as chosen by our east side community.

The coolest eateries in Friedrichshain

As long-term locals, we know a good place when we find one. From Instagrammable hotspots to the city’s most trendy places to eat, here’s our go-to cool restaurants in Berlin.

1990 Vegan Living

Best for: ordering just one more bowl of Asian tapas without spending big.

Like Vietnamese? Like vegan food? Then 1990 Vegan Living is going to be high on your to visit list. This cosy plant-based restaurant is reminiscent of a family home in Vietnam, so you’ll always be welcome.

Share small plates and bowls of crunchy salads, authentic dim sum and noodle soup. And you don’t have to dig deep either. At great value you can reorder your favourites, or try the whole menu. We certainly do.

Ryu

Best for: feeling so zen that you might start meditating into your udon noodles.

We’re back on the Vietnamese recommendations. But this one comes with meat - and a few international fusions. Like the Bang Bang Waffle, chimichurri beef, and homemade pannacotta flavoured with basil, mango and mint.

Ryu is where you go for interesting Asian dishes that you might not find elsewhere. But also for the interiors. Solid wood, minimal seating and a central growing tree create a seriously chill vibe that’ll have everyone at the table in good spirits.

Spreewirtschaft Restaurant

Best for: ticking off traditional German cuisine from your foodie bucket list.

Located in the Mercedes Platz district and minutes from Locke at East Side Gallery, this trendy Berlin restaurant is our regular hangout for when we fancy some sauerkraut and sausage.

Italian restaurants in East Berlin

Italian food in Berlin isn’t as rogue as you might think. There’s actually plenty of spots to grab authentic pasta and pizza in the city. Here’s a few of the best.

Pizza Vira

Best for: a quick, cheap bite for you and your fellow carb lovers.

Everything about Pizza Vira is warm and welcoming. The interiors, the staff. And of course, the food. From wood-fired pizzas to rich, delicious pasta. There’s nothing we wouldn’t recommend on the menu.

Sure, it’s pretty simple. But with each dish coming in at under €10, you can’t go wrong. Especially when you add a glass of Italian wine to your order. And as a self-service restaurant, it’s the perfect spot for a low-key work lunch with colleagues.

Trattoria La Bruschetta

Best for: fuss-free Italian comfort food that can feed a whole family.

Everyone loves Trattoria La Bruschetta. This local Italian eatery serves up a no frills menu of pizza, pasta and antipasti. A great pick for a quick pitstop or casual get together with friends. And unsurprisingly, the bruschetta is top tier.

When it comes to the setting, it’s classic rustic Italian. Think exposed brick and walls of wine bottles. And with plenty of family sized tables for sharing, the restaurant can accommodate large groups too.

Tasty at Rungestraße 14

Best for: a booze-free lunch away from the city hustle and bustle.

Get all your Italian favourites at Tasty, a restaurant as delicious as it sounds. Located in the quiet area of Rungestraße, this is a perfect choice for business lunches in the city.

Dine in for cosy vibes or take a seat at a sidewalk table. Just note there’s no alcohol served onsite - it’s all about the food here. All of which is fresh, simple and affordable.

Places we love to eat in East Berlin

There’s a few hidden gems on our most visited list. But don’t worry, we’re not ones for keeping secrets. Here’s our favourite restaurants in Friedrichshain.

Anima

Best for: when dining turns to drinking turns to dancing.

Anima isn’t just a place for good food. It’s also a coffee shop by day (with plenty of coworking space) and wine bar by night (with plenty of dancing space). Here the city’s top talent come to spin vinyls as locals sip creative cocktails.

Located in our very own East Berlin aparthotel, you can catch up with friends over nibbles and drinks before heading up to crash in your own studio or suite. There’s no better way to see every side of Berlin.

Katerschmaus

Best for: exceptional riverside dining on the banks of the Spree.

Once a legendary nightclub, now a creative arts and food destination, Holzmarkt 25 is home to many great places to eat. Our most visited being Katerschmaus. Creative, contemporary and with an enviable location on the River Spree, this seafaring spot is not one to miss.

Grilled fish, veggie and meat dishes are guaranteed to impress. Try Argentinian beef with whisky, tuna croquettes and seabass, or catfish from Selpin served family style. Then wash it all down with Bavarian beer.

Kaffee Ingwer

Best for: plant-based coffee that’s good on the planet.

Kaffee Ingwer is all about peace, love and plants. We have a lot in common. This neighbourhood hangout serves up a strong menu of vegan friendly coffee, organic snacks and seasonal smoothies. Plus a hearty choice of granola bowls, sandwiches and raw cakes.

Pop in for a plastic-free packaged lunch and grab a candle or cookbook from their in-store shop where local artisan producers sell their goods.

Fes Turkish BBQ

Best for: showing off your grill skills at this Turkish BBQ house.

Where Berlin’s industrial charm meets Turkish cuisine. Fes is one of the city’s best grill restaurants. But rather than asking how you want your steak, this time you’re in charge of the BBQ.

Each table has its very own grill where you can prepare and cook top quality meat from tender lamb shank to thinly cut steak with hot buffalo-butter sauce. There’s also freshly prepared veggie mezzes, flatbreads and Turkish rice to serve on the side.

Discover East Berlin’s eateries from Locke at East Side Gallery

You could eat your way around East Berlin. But when it comes to where to stay, there’s only one obvious choice. Locke at East Side Gallery is the city’s best aparthotel (honestly, check out our reviews).

With 176 apartments and plenty of shared social spaces, there’s room to work out, work hard and pure chill. Plus kitchens to cook in and our very own café-bar for coworking and catch ups. All within minutes of the city’s must visit monuments and hottest restaurants.

Find out more about living in Berlin with Locke. For a night, a week or a month - we’re your new place to be.