Where to Dine in Berlin Without Breaking the Bank in 2024

Berlin is a paradise for lovers of international cuisine, and not only do you get very tasty dishes but also at affordable prices. I have lived in the capital of Germany for almost 3 years and I am going to give you the best tips on where to eat in Berlin from me and my German friends.

This city offers a wide culinary spectrum, so it is impressive how much typical and international food you can find here. Of course, although the variety of dishes and prices is very wide, here we will focus on those that are more affordable for tourists.

Although I have nothing against delicious pizzas and pastas, I don’t think you want to go to Berlin to eat those common dishes. That’s why it’s advisable to try the typical foods of this fabulous city and in very popular places.

If you are in Berlin, you must enjoy the exquisite native food of the Germans, what the locals eat daily, and what they consider part of their city. Continue reading to find out where to eat in Berlin: typical dishes and suggested places with cheap prices.


Factory Kitchen – A Must-Eat Place in Berlin

Factory Kitchen is an ideal place for breakfast and lunch in the city. With a youthful, cheerful, jovial, and modern atmosphere, this place is frequented by Berlin’s youth.

The food is seasonal and you can enjoy vegetarian dishes or meat dishes. The classic cheeseburgers, Wiener Schnitzel, and Königsberger Klopse can also be found here. There is also a salad bar where you can choose and prepare your own salad. And if you decide to have breakfast here, you can choose eggs, avocado and bacon, warm banana bread, waffles, or oatmeal with fruit.

I remember the first time I walked into Factory Kitchen. The air smelled of fresh bread and sizzling bacon. The decor was modern yet cozy, with splashes of vibrant colors that made the place feel alive. My friends and I settled into a corner booth, chatting animatedly about our plans for the day.

When the food arrived, it was a feast for the eyes. I opted for the classic cheeseburger, which was juicy and flavorful, complemented by a side of crispy fries. My friend had the avocado toast, which was generously topped with fresh, creamy avocado and a perfectly poached egg. We shared a salad from the salad bar, each of us customizing our bowls with our favorite ingredients. It was a meal that set the tone for a perfect day of exploring Berlin.

Address: Rheinsberger Strasse 76-77


Repke Spätzlerei – Swabian Delights

Repke Spätzlerei is located in the immediate vicinity of Savignyplatz. The restaurant not only offers Spätzle, the Swabian pasta specialty, but also over 30 dishes for an affordable lunch menu.

A particularly recommended dish is the freshly prepared cold gazpacho, which is very fruity and refreshing on hot summer days. Soups change daily, and traditional ones are also offered, such as potato and lentil soup, solyanka, beetroot soup, and avocado and potato cream. You can choose between a soup with meat or a vegetarian version and if you want something different, the restaurant offers lunch every day from 11.30 am.

Walking into Repke Spätzlerei feels like stepping into a cozy Bavarian home. The wooden interiors, adorned with rustic decorations, create a warm and inviting atmosphere. One particularly hot summer day, I found refuge here from the sweltering heat outside. I decided to try the cold gazpacho, and it was a revelation. The soup was vibrant, with a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. It was like a refreshing splash of cool water on a hot day.

On another visit, I opted for the hearty lentil soup. It was rich and comforting, with chunks of tender vegetables and flavorful lentils. Paired with a slice of crusty bread, it was the perfect meal to warm me up on a chilly evening.

Address: Bleibtreustrasse 46 10623 Berlin


Muse Restaurant – Home-Cooked Berlin Food

Without a doubt, the best restaurant to try home-cooked Berlin food is Muse Restaurant. Their sandwiches are very famous, but their menu doesn’t stop there. They also specialize in vegetarian food.

Among their dishes, you will find Halloumi and pulled pork sandwiches on homemade rolls, pumpkin salad with chips, salmon bagels, or a selection of fresh bread with various sauces. “Lunch at Muse makes your mouth water,” as they say. The ingredients used in their meals are of high quality, organic, and healthy, making the food delicious and cheap. You can try Berlin food, and if you fancy it, there is also international food.

My first visit to Muse Restaurant was on a lazy Sunday afternoon. The place was buzzing with people, all enjoying their meals and conversations. I decided to try their famous Halloumi sandwich. The first bite was heavenly – the crispy, golden Halloumi paired perfectly with the soft, homemade roll. The sandwich was bursting with flavors, each bite better than the last.

I also sampled their pumpkin salad, which was a delightful mix of fresh greens, roasted pumpkin, and crunchy chips. It was a perfect blend of textures and flavors, and I couldn’t get enough of it. The friendly staff and the cozy ambiance made the experience even more enjoyable.

Address: Immanuelkirchstraße 31 10405 Berlin


Breweries and Homemade Food in Berlin

Beer halls are more informal places, with excellent food and of course the inevitable beer. This drink is part of German culture and in these places, you will also have access to cheap Berlin food.

Brauhaus Georgbräu – A Must-Eat Place in Berlin

The Georgbräu brewery is located right in the historic Nikolaiviertel. It is particularly pleasant in summer and offers around 350 guests a place right on the banks of the Spree.

Inside, the Georgbräu has eight rooms with a Berlin flair, serving typical, hearty Berlin dishes accompanied by homemade beer in a rustic atmosphere. You can enjoy pork knuckle with sauerkraut, Berlin-style pea stew, sausage salad, or beef according to the house recipe. There are also fish, meat, and vegetarian dishes.

Since many tourists visit the Nikolaiviertel, the Georgbräu offers menus in seven different languages, including English, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese, among others.

My first visit to Georgbräu was during a sunny summer afternoon. The place was bustling with tourists and locals alike, all enjoying the warm weather and the scenic view of the Spree. I decided to try the pork knuckle with sauerkraut. The dish was enormous, with the pork knuckle cooked to perfection – crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The sauerkraut was tangy and complemented the meat perfectly. Paired with a cold, homemade beer, it was a meal to remember.

Address: Spreeufer 4 10178 Berlin


Brauhaus Südstern – Traditional Brews and Hearty Food

Brauhaus Südstern brews fresh, natural beers every week using a traditional, gentle brewing process. In addition, there are several specialty beers such as Märzen, Festbier, and Bockbier. Südstern Brewery offers hearty dishes that pair well with beer, all on a changing weekly menu.

There you will find dishes such as Braumeisterschnitzel, a knuckle braised in the oven, or a flambéed vegetarian cake. A special feature of this brewery is the wide range of events. Various shows take place regularly on the stage, from live music to cabaret.

One evening, I decided to check out Brauhaus Südstern. The place was lively, with people chatting and laughing, enjoying their meals and the live music. I opted for the Braumeisterschnitzel. The schnitzel was golden and crispy, served with a side of creamy mashed potatoes. It was the perfect comfort food, especially when paired with a pint of their freshly brewed Märzen. The atmosphere was electric, with the live band playing popular tunes and everyone singing along.

Address: Hasenheide 69 10967 Berlin


Brauhaus Spandau – A Rustic Inn with a Twist

Brauhaus Spandau combines an in-house brewery with a rustic inn, a beer garden, and a hotel. The building itself is already very interesting for the visitor. The house’s most famous beer is the “Spandauer Havelbräu,” which you can enjoy all year round. But there is also a special beer every month.

The brewery also includes the restaurant, which serves great German home-style cuisine, such as the brewmaster’s plate or a crispy roast with homemade beer. In summer, you can enjoy a beer and hearty food in the beer garden.

My visit to Brauhaus Spandau was during a warm summer evening. The beer garden was packed with people enjoying the weather and the food. I decided to try the brewmaster’s plate, which included a variety of meats, sausages, and sides. The food was hearty and flavorful, with each component cooked to perfection. The Spandauer Havelbräu was the perfect accompaniment, its crisp and refreshing taste balancing the rich flavors of the meal.

Address: Neuendorfer Strasse 1 13585 Berlin


German Burgers – Delicious and Informal

The burger joints in Berlin are also somewhat informal, although there are some more formal ones where you can also eat them. Delicious, informal, and cheap, you can’t go to Berlin without trying the burgers from these three places:

REDO XXL Berlin – Giant Burgers Galore

Here you will find the most delicious giant burgers in the city. Not only that, you will also find the typical German sausages, sandwiches, fries, beer mugs, and really huge plates. The place not only sells delicious food for those who have no appetite, but also offers a place with a very nice view of the Spree River, which is definitely worth visiting.

My first visit to REDO XXL Berlin was a bit overwhelming. The burgers were gigantic, almost too big to fit into my mouth. I ordered their signature burger, which came with a side of crispy fries and a large mug of beer. The burger was juicy and flavorful, with layers of fresh ingredients. Sitting by the window, I enjoyed my meal while watching the boats pass by on the Spree River. It was a unique experience, combining great food with a beautiful view.

Address: Tempelhofer Damm 227


Burgermeister – A Night Out Favorite

You’ll find Burgermeister directly under the subway tracks at Schlesisches Tor. It’s the perfect place to start or end a night out in Kreuzberg. Simply order a burger and fries for less than 5 euros, and if you wish, grab a chair and enjoy your meal at one of the high tables available, while the metro passes above you.

Fresh burgers are created here every day, such as the “Hausmeista,” the “Bar-BQ-Burger,” or the hearty “Master of All Kinds” with double meat and double cheese. The juicy burger buns are made from 100% pure beef and are fried on a grill in front of the guests.

One late night, after a long evening of exploring Kreuzberg, I found myself at Burgermeister. The place was buzzing with energy, with people chatting and laughing, enjoying their burgers under the subway tracks. I ordered the “Hausmeista” burger and a side of cheesy fries. The burger was juicy and packed with flavors, and the fries were crispy and delicious. It was the perfect way to end a fun night out.

Address: Oberbaumstrasse 8 10997 Berlin


Schiller Burger – A Taste of Poetry

Homemade fries and the attached bakery, where the buns for the burgers are baked – with extra sesame – are the highlights at SchillerBurger in Neukölln. The burger creations here are named after the location on the Schillerkiez, which is reminiscent of the famous poet. The cheeseburger is called “Die Glocke,” and the “Maria Stuart” is a mozzarella burger with arugula and pesto. The in-house sauces such as Mango Fresh, Aioli, or Honey Mustard are also truly exceptional.

My first visit to SchillerBurger was a delightful experience. The place was small but cozy, with a warm and inviting atmosphere. I decided to try the “Maria Stuart” burger. The combination of mozzarella, arugula, and pesto was heavenly, with each bite bursting with flavors. The homemade fries were crispy and perfectly seasoned, and the Mango Fresh sauce added a unique twist. Despite the longer wait time, the food was well worth it.

Address: Herrfurthstrasse 7 12049 Berlin


Other Great Places to Eat in Berlin

Clärchens Ballhaus – A Must-Eat Place in Berlin

This place is located in the north of Berlin, near the Jewish quarter and if you travel to Berlin, it is definitely a must-try place to eat. Typical dishes you have to try here are sausages with potato salad, pasta with tomato sauce, and some vegetarian options.

If you are traveling to Berlin during the summer, you definitely have to go. During the winter, it is not really surprising as the atmosphere of a typical Biergarten can only be experienced during the summer.

My first visit to Clärchens Ballhaus was during a warm summer evening. The place was alive with people enjoying their meals and the live music. I decided to try the sausages with potato salad. The sausages were juicy and flavorful, and the potato salad was creamy and delicious. The lively atmosphere and the friendly staff made the experience even more enjoyable.

Address: Auguststraße 24


Curry 61 and Curry 36 – Classic German Fast Food

These places are the traditional options where to eat in Berlin and find a typical and cheap dish. In these places, you will find the typical German sausage with curry sauce that is worth trying too much and the chicken curry.

Curry 61 and Curry 36 are a chain of fast food joints that are especially popular with party-goers. In addition, this place is one of the most common Berlin travel tips given by Berlin guides on the famous free tours.

One late night, after a fun evening out, I found myself at Curry 36. The place was bustling with people, all eager to get their hands on the famous currywurst. I decided to try the classic sausage with curry sauce. The sausage was juicy and flavorful, and the curry sauce added a perfect spicy kick. It was the perfect late-night snack, satisfying and delicious.

Address: Multiple locations


East Side Gallery Area – Dining with a View

Near the Berlin Wall gallery where the famous murals painted on the wall are located, you will find excellent options to eat with an excellent view of the Spree River. In addition, in these places you will find typical German food.

Pirates Berlin

Located right by the river, Pirates Berlin offers a unique dining experience with a beautiful view of the Spree. The food is a mix of German and international dishes, with something for everyone.

My visit to Pirates Berlin was on a sunny afternoon. The view of the Spree River was breathtaking, and the food was equally impressive. I ordered the pork schnitzel, which was crispy and golden, served with a side of creamy mashed potatoes. The meal was delicious, and the view made it even more special.

Address: Mühlenstraße 78-80, 10243 Berlin


Splinder and Klatt

Splinder and Klatt is another great option near the East Side Gallery. The restaurant offers a mix of German and Asian cuisine, with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients.

One evening, I decided to try Splinder and Klatt. The place was elegant, with a modern, stylish decor. I ordered the teriyaki salmon, which was perfectly cooked and full of flavor. The combination of German and Asian influences made the meal unique and exciting.

Address: Köpenicker Str. 16-17, 10997 Berlin


Restaurant Rio Grande

Restaurant Rio Grande offers a more traditional German dining experience, with a focus on hearty, comforting dishes. The restaurant is located right by the river, offering beautiful views and a relaxing atmosphere.

My visit to Restaurant Rio Grande was on a cool autumn evening. The place was warm and inviting, with a cozy, rustic decor. I decided to try the beef stew, which was rich and flavorful, with tender chunks of beef and a hearty broth. The meal was comforting and satisfying, perfect for a chilly evening.

Address: May-Ayim-Ufer 9, 10997 Berlin


To Close on Where to Eat in Berlin

We have presented you with the places with the best food in Berlin, tasty, local, and cheap. No fancy, formal places. If you have the opportunity and time, try each of these places, you will love them!

It is not ordered by any kind of preference, they are all really good and you will spend very little on your visit to Berlin. Finally, if you want to find and explore places to eat on your own, then I recommend you visit the Kreuzberg area near the Schlesisches Tor and Kottbusser Tor metro stations. In this area, there are many very original bars and restaurants that are worth visiting and getting to know. Why not? Go ahead and explore and try the one that interests you the most.

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