Berlin is a city in constant evolution, renowned as a cradle of the avant-garde movement in arts and culture. Its culinary scene is also undergoing transformation, with new waves of migration introducing diverse flavors and dining options to the German capital. Jewish cuisine is no exception; it has been reshaped by Eastern European dishes, German bakery specialties and the spicy influences of the Middle East.
German Jewish cuisine is characterized by the absence of pork and a focus on meat stews, herring, pickles, sauerkraut, knödel, spätzel, as well as various vegetable soups and fruit cakes, including strudels. With the arrival of Jews from the former Soviet Union during the 1990s, new communities formed, bringing dishes such as pelmeni, varenikes, chrain, borsch and gefilte fish back into the Jewish culinary repertoire.
A notable migration wave of Israelis to Berlin, especially from 2010 onward, marked the beginning of a new era, bringing Israeli cuisine into the public sphere. This vibrant culinary scene has significantly enriched Jewish culinary offerings over the last decade, though it has faced challenges due to the October 7 attacks. Some establishments have reported negative reviews affecting their ratings and have experienced boycott strategies; however, most continue to thrive and attract a diverse audience.
Most Jewish restaurants in Berlin draw inspiration from Israeli cuisine and are often run by Israelis, where kashrut is not always their main focus. Nevertheless, in West Berlin, it’s easier to find kosher options, such as Café Balaboosta, located inside a kosher supermarket. This lively coffee shop offers exceptional pastries, including rugelach and bourekas, as well as delicious shakshuka served with challah for breakfast or lunch. Situated in the heart of Charlottenburg near the Adenauerplatz subway station, it is just a few blocks away from several Jewish institutions, attracting a diverse clientele and fostering a casual atmosphere where everyone feels at home, regardless of their religious observance.
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For a cozy dining experience in a non-touristy neighborhood rich in Jewish history, Bobbe is an ideal choice. Located near Prager Platz in Wilmersdorf, it offers a small, kosher, non-dairy menu featuring vegetarian options and interesting meat dishes, including Israeli-inspired items alongside Central European classics like schnitzel and rinder schmortopf, a meat and carrot stew, and one of their signature dishes. While the dessert selection is limited, Bobbe’s unpretentious and authentic style makes it worth visiting.
For those seeking high-quality street food in the trendy neighborhood of Kreuzberg, GoldaDelux is an excellent option. Located within walking distance of the Jewish Museum and the war-surviving synagogue on Fraenkelufer, it faces stiff competition from several Middle Eastern restaurants in an area with a significant Turkish and Arab population. Founded by Yuval Tidhar and Avi Levy, GoldaDelux specializes in plant-based cuisine, responding to the growing demand for vegan options in the city. Their signature dish, sabich, a fluffy, steam-baked pita stuffed with eggplant, boiled eggs and salads believed to have originated in Tel Aviv by an Iraqi Jew repurposing his Shabbat breakfast leftovers, elevates the street food experience to a new level that will leave you craving more.
At Eivgis (kosher) in Schöneberg, you can enjoy authentic hummus prepared by Israeli chef Shalom Eigvi, who offers fresh and flavorful dishes at an affordable price. Over time, he has built a loyal following among the diverse local audience. After your meal, take a stroll through Wilmersdorfer Volkspark, which is lovely in any season. If you visit on a Sunday, checking out the flea market just across the street is also a great idea.
Alternatively, book a table at Feinberg’s, located near the prestigious KaDeWe department store, for an exquisite dining experience. The restaurant is run by Israeli Yorai Feinberg, who transformed his career from a professional ballet dancer to a restaurateur. He has been perfecting the menu for over a decade. Their award-winning falafel is exceptional, and the variety of dips and salads offers a vibrant feast of colors, textures and flavors. Note: Certified kosher catering is available upon request.
For those seeking fusion Israeli cuisine with stunning views of Berlin, Neni is a great choice, offering an extensive selection of vegetarian options, like grilled artichokes and Israeli salad, along with some delightful desserts like their roasted sesame with ice muscovado cream. Located near the Berlin Zoo, Neni is one of 13 restaurants managed by Israeli food writer Haya Molcho and her four sons — Nuriel, Elior, Nadiv and Ilan — across several cities across Europe.
Berlin’s Jewish history is vibrant and enduring, presenting a rich array of flavors that reflect migration and integration. The city serves as a hub for conversation, growth, and reflection where tradition and heritage remain in the spotlight.
This article was produced as part of The Nosher’s Jewish Food Fellows Program, which aims to diversify the voices telling Jewish food stories in media spaces.
